One of my favorite ways to explore the back roads in Pennsylvania is to search for Pennsylvania’s historic covered bridges. On a recent visit to the Lehigh Valley, I had the chance to explore the area’s beautiful covered bridges. After seeing the six covered bridges in Lehigh County, I was excited to see my final covered bridge in the Lehigh Valley.
The last remaining covered bridge in Northampton County is located 10 miles north of Allentown near the small community of Kreidersville. Known as Kreidersville Covered Bridge, this bridge was built in 1839 (though some sources say 1840). No matter the date, this is the oldest covered bridge in the Lehigh Valley.
Local residents learned that the bridge was going to be demolished to make way for a new concrete bridge in the late 1950s. Their desire to keep the bridge resulted in one of the first public campaigns to restore a covered bridge in Pennsylvania.
Out of this effort, The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania was born. This organization, which still exists today, is made up of covered bridge enthusiasts and hosts regular meetings and tours.
Once the state restored Kreidersville Covered Bridge in 1960, they transferred ownership of the bridge to Northampton County. Today, it is owned by Allen Township.
Today, Kreidersville Covered Bridge still crosses the Hokendauqua Creek, though it no longer carries traffic. Depending on the sources that you believe, the bridge is either 96, 100, or 116 feet in length.
The bridge is surrounded by a very beautiful park, complete with benches and a gazebo. It’s also a popular fishing destination. While I always prefer covered bridges to still be in use, this is one of the most scenic parks I’ve encountered around a covered bridge in Pennsylvania.
Kreidersville Covered Bridge in Northampton County is well worth taking the time to see if you love covered bridges. Even more so since it is the last historic covered bridge in the county.
How to Get to Kreidersville Covered Bridge
Kreidersville Covered Bridge is located on Covered Bridge Road just off of Kreidersville Road. It is approximately 10 miles north of downtown Allentown. Both sides of the bridge feature parking areas for visitors, and there is ample parking around the bridge.
Kreidersville Covered Bridge can be found at the following coordinates: 40.723752, -75.492798.
[Need help using the coordinates in this guide? Click here for information.]