Schlicher's Covered Bridge

About Schlicher's Covered Bridge

Schlicher's Covered Bridge is located in the heart of Trexler Nature Preserve, surrounded by forested hiking trails and near the Lehigh Valley Zoo. At 108 feet, it is tied with Manasses Guth as the shortest covered bridge in Lehigh County. Originally built in 1882, the bridge was replaced in 2015 while retaining its National Register of Historic Places status by incorporating materials from the original structure.

History of Schlicher's Covered Bridge

The original Schlicher's Covered Bridge was built in 1882, before the surrounding Trexler-Lehigh County Game Preserve was established in 1906. The preserve was constructed to protect and raise bison, elk, and deer, earning the bridge the nickname the deer pen bridge. After a century of use took its toll, PennDOT closed the sagging structure in 2010. When repair proved too costly, the state-owned bridge was replaced. However, 10 percent of the new structure uses recycled materials from the original, allowing it to remain on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge reopened in 2015.

Architecture and Design

Schlicher's Covered Bridge utilizes the Burr arch truss design, measuring 108 feet in length. The reconstructed bridge maintains the traditional appearance while incorporating modern structural elements. A beautiful red barn on Jordan Creek's southern bank sits adjacent to the bridge, actually located on the outskirts of the Lehigh Valley Zoo. The bridge presents one of the most scenic settings among Lehigh County's covered bridges, especially in winter.

Visiting Schlicher's Covered Bridge

Schlicher's Covered Bridge is located within Trexler Nature Preserve in Schnecksville. The bridge is open to vehicular traffic. The preserve offers 26 miles of hiking trails, and visitors can park at the Jordan Creek Ford Parking area to access trails leading to both Schlicher's and Geiger's covered bridges. The Elk Viewing Trail leads to Schlicher's bridge for about a 1.5-mile loop. The Lehigh Valley Zoo, known for its Winter Light Spectacular during the holiday season, is located within the preserve grounds.