Rex's Covered Bridge

About Rex's Covered Bridge

Rex's Covered Bridge spans 116 feet across Jordan Creek in North Whitehall Township, continuing the chain of five covered bridges along this scenic waterway. Built in 1858, this beautiful bridge sits just outside a residential area and sees regular vehicular traffic. The high Burr arches are visible through side openings in the bridge, showcasing the impressive engineering of 19th-century bridge builders.

History of Rex's Covered Bridge

Constructed in 1858, Rex's Covered Bridge was named after the Rex family, who were local landowners near the bridge. Unlike the other five covered bridges in Lehigh County, Rex's Covered Bridge is not located in a park and is surrounded by private property. Despite this, the bridge has been well maintained and continues to serve as an active crossing. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Architecture and Design

Rex's Covered Bridge utilizes the Burr arch truss design, measuring 116 feet in length (some sources cite 150 feet). The bridge features narrow horizontal siding and a gable roof, distinguishing it somewhat from other county bridges with vertical siding. The high arches of the truss system are visible through openings in the sides, allowing visitors to appreciate the structural design.

Visiting Rex's Covered Bridge

Rex's Covered Bridge is located on Jordan Road in North Whitehall Township, approximately one mile north of Kernsville. The bridge is open to vehicular traffic and sees regular use. Because the bridge is surrounded by private property, viewing opportunities are somewhat limited, but there is a small pull-off area large enough for a couple of cars on the roadside. The bridge is conveniently located between the two covered bridges in Trexler Nature Preserve (Geiger's and Schlicher's) and those in Covered Bridge Park (Wehr's and Manasses Guth).