Rock Covered Bridge

About Rock Covered Bridge

Rock Covered Bridge, officially known as Schuylkill County Bridge No. 113, is a historic wooden covered bridge spanning Little Swatara Creek in Washington Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. Built around 1875, this 39-foot Burr Arch Truss bridge is one of only two remaining covered bridges in a county that once boasted 51 such structures. The bridge is located east of the village of Rock and was completely restored in 2014-2015, making it one of the best-preserved covered bridges in the region.

History of Rock Covered Bridge

Rock Covered Bridge was constructed around 1875 during the peak era of covered bridge building in Pennsylvania. Schuylkill County once had 51 covered bridges, but by 1977 when the National Register nominations were written, only Rock and its neighbor Zimmerman remained. Both bridges are owned by Schuylkill County, which has invested significantly in their preservation. The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 for its engineering significance as an intact example of Burr Arch construction. A comprehensive restoration was completed in 2014-2015, during which the bridge was retrofitted with I-beam supports and received extensive structural repairs while maintaining its historic character.

Architecture and Design

Rock Covered Bridge features a Burr Arch Truss design, the most common truss style among Pennsylvania's covered bridges. Named after Theodore Burr, an early 19th-century Connecticut bridge builder who revolutionized the use of arch construction in truss structures, this design incorporates joined segmental arches working in concert with multiple Kingpost trusses. At 39 feet, Rock is one of the shorter covered bridges in the state, but its compact size and excellent condition make it particularly photogenic. The bridge features the traditional barn red color typical of covered bridges in the region.

Visiting Rock Covered Bridge

Rock Covered Bridge is conveniently located just a short distance off Interstate 81, making it an easy detour for travelers. The bridge sits near a small parking area and features a handicap-accessible fishing platform nearby. The bridge even has small lights that illuminate it at night. Rock Covered Bridge is located less than two miles from Zimmerman Covered Bridge, making it easy to visit both bridges in a single trip. The coordinates for Rock Covered Bridge are 40.544732, -76.295052. Nearby attractions include Jerry's Classic Cars and Collectibles Museum, the Golden Age Air Museum, Sweet Arrow Lake Park, and the Yuengling Brewery Tour in Pottsville.