National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreCovered Bridge on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Covered Bridge

The covered bridge was one of the picturesque details that Pierce Stocking included in the Scenic Drive. Covered bridges, usually associated with New England and Pennsylvania, were developed to protect wooden bridges from rain and snow, which can cause rotting of the timbers. It was cheaper to repair the roof than to build a new bridge. 

The sides of the original bridge were largely consumed by porcupines, which seem to relish man-made structures more than the native wood of the forest. The present bridge has a higher roof to provide a 13 foot, 6 inch vehicle clearance. This pull-off is intended to let you linger a moment to view the bridge or photograph it.

 
Covered Bridge on Pierce Stocking Drive
Kerry Kelly 2006
Covered Bridge on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
 
Purple Loostrife is an invasive species  

Did You Know?
In the US, invasive species are the second biggest threat to native ecosystems after habitat loss. They reduce diversity, alter disturbance regimes, and have cascading effects on food webs, costing upwards of $140 Billion per year.
more...

Last Updated: July 23, 2006 at 12:57 EST