Wanich Covered Bridge

About Wanich Covered Bridge

Wanich Covered Bridge is a historic span crossing Little Fishing Creek downstream of the three covered bridges in northwestern Columbia County. Located on Covered Bridge Drive just off Route 42, this bridge is easily accessible from the main highway. The bridge has earned recognition by being featured in the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau's annual covered bridge puzzle series, testament to its photogenic qualities and community significance. The bridge's location provides good access for visitors while maintaining the rural character that makes Columbia County's covered bridges so appealing.

History

Wanich Covered Bridge was named after a local family prominent in the area. The bridge served the rural community along Little Fishing Creek for generations, providing essential access across this scenic waterway. Like many Columbia County covered bridges, Wanich Bridge represents the vital transportation infrastructure that connected 19th and early 20th-century farming communities. The bridge has been maintained through cooperative efforts of county authorities and preservation organizations committed to protecting Columbia County's covered bridge heritage. The bridge's selection for the annual covered bridge puzzle series demonstrates its continued importance to the community and its appeal to visitors and photographers.

Architecture

Wanich Bridge features traditional covered bridge construction with red weatherboard siding protecting the timber structural members from weather. White-painted portals frame the entrances following Pennsylvania's covered bridge aesthetic conventions. The interior reveals the hand-crafted timber framing typical of Pennsylvania's historic covered bridges. The structure demonstrates the durability of traditional wooden bridge construction when properly maintained. The bridge continues serving its original function of providing crossing over Little Fishing Creek, showing how historic structures can remain functional while preserving community heritage.

Visiting

Wanich Covered Bridge is located on Covered Bridge Drive just off Route 42, making it one of the more accessible covered bridges in Columbia County. Room is available to pull off the road on the eastern side where Covered Bridge Drive meets Thomas Road. The bridge continues to carry vehicle traffic across Little Fishing Creek in a rural setting. The location near Route 42 makes it convenient for visitors touring Columbia County's covered bridges. The bridge can be combined with visits to other nearby covered bridges including Rupert Bridge to the south and the cluster of northwestern bridges including Shoemaker, Sam Eckman, Jud Christian, and Creasyville. Photography opportunities are good year-round. The bridge's selection for the covered bridge puzzle series has increased interest among collectors and enthusiasts. Best visited April through November when weather and road conditions are optimal.