Covered Bridge - Stop #1

The covered bridge welcomes visitors to the scenic drive.

NPS credit

Quick Facts

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Have you ever seen a covered bridge with the National Park Service arrowhead on it?

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.