About Uhlerstown Covered Bridge
Uhlerstown Covered Bridge is one of Bucks County's most historically significant covered bridges. Built in 1832, this impressive 101-foot Burr Arch truss bridge spans Tinicum Creek near the village of Uhlerstown, just a short distance from the Delaware River. At nearly 200 years old and over 100 feet long, it represents both the earliest generation of covered bridge construction and the ambition of Pennsylvania's bridge builders.
The bridge takes its name from the village of Uhlerstown, founded by German immigrant Michael Uhler in the 18th century. The village grew as a river port and canal town, making the covered bridge an essential link connecting the community to the wider road network of Bucks County.
History
Uhlerstown Covered Bridge was constructed in 1832, the same year that saw the opening of sections of the Delaware Canal. This timing was not coincidental—the canal was transforming the Delaware River valley into a commercial corridor, and improved road infrastructure like this substantial covered bridge was essential to support the growing economy.
The village of Uhlerstown, located at a natural river crossing point, had long been an important location for transportation and commerce. The covered bridge provided reliable access across Tinicum Creek for farmers, merchants, and travelers moving between the interior of Bucks County and the river ports along the Delaware. The bridge's 101-foot length made it one of the longest spans in the region, demonstrating the engineering ambition of the era.
Throughout the 19th century, the bridge witnessed the rise and decline of canal transportation, the coming of the railroad, and the transformation of the Delaware River valley from a commercial corridor to a recreational destination. The bridge survived multiple floods and ice jams that destroyed other structures along Tinicum Creek, testament to the quality of its original construction.
Architecture
Uhlerstown Covered Bridge employs the Burr Arch truss design at an impressive 101-foot span, making it one of the longest covered bridges in Bucks County. The length required massive timber members and sophisticated engineering to ensure structural stability. As one of the earliest bridges built in the county, it demonstrates how builders were already pushing the limits of covered bridge technology in the 1830s.
The exterior features vertical board siding painted in traditional red, with the weathered appearance that comes from nearly two centuries of exposure to the elements. The portal openings were sized to accommodate the commercial traffic of the canal era, including heavily loaded wagons transporting goods between river ports and inland markets. The steeply pitched roof, now covered in modern metal, continues to protect the wooden structure as it has for generations.
Inside, the bridge reveals the craftsmanship of early 19th-century builders. The massive hand-hewn timbers, some measuring over a foot square, demonstrate the quality of lumber available from Pennsylvania's old-growth forests. The Burr arch members, curving gracefully along both sides of the roadway, show the sophisticated understanding of structural forces that allowed builders to create such a long span. Traditional joinery with wooden pegs and hand-forged iron hardware reflects the construction methods of the era.
Visiting Uhlerstown Covered Bridge
Uhlerstown Covered Bridge is located in Tinicum Township, Bucks County, along Covered Bridge Road near the village of Uhlerstown. The bridge is easily accessible from River Road (PA Route 32), which runs along the Delaware River between Frenchtown and New Hope.
Best Times to Visit: The Delaware River valley is beautiful in all seasons. Spring brings rushing water in Tinicum Creek and blooming vegetation. Summer offers lush greenery and opportunities for river activities. Autumn foliage creates spectacular colors throughout the valley. Winter can provide dramatic photography opportunities with snow, though access may be limited.
Photo Tips: The 101-foot length makes for impressive compositions. Views from Tinicum Creek capture the full span with the water below. The proximity to the Delaware River provides opportunities for wider landscape shots that include both the river valley and the bridge. Early morning light creates warm tones on the red siding and often produces mist rising from the creek.
Nearby Attractions: The village of Uhlerstown offers access to the Delaware Canal State Park for hiking and biking. River tubing and kayaking are popular summer activities on the Delaware. The artist colony of Frenchtown, NJ, is directly across the river. The larger town of New Hope is approximately 8 miles south, offering dining, shopping, and additional historic sites.