Hays Bridge Historic District
Mercersburg County, Pennsylvania
Mercersburg, Pennsylvania
Built in 1883, this historic covered bridge showcases the classic Burr arch truss design that made Pennsylvania famous for its covered bridges. The Burr truss combines a wooden arch with a multiple kingpost truss, creating exceptional strength and durability that has allowed this structure to remain functional for over 140 years.
Status: Open to traffic
Visiting Tips: The bridge’s active status means you can drive through and experience it firsthand. For photography, arrive during golden hour when light filters beautifully through the wooden slats. Park safely off-road and capture shots from the creek bank below for dramatic angles. Visit in autumn when surrounding foliage creates stunning contrast against the weathered timber.
Explore Nearby
- Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park — State Park in Pennsylvania
- Fort Frederick State Park — State Park in Maryland
- National Scenic Byways Program – Maryland — Scenic Byway in Maryland
- Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Oregon
- Sky Meadows State Park — Dark Sky Site in Virginia
Nearby Discoveries
12 places to explore within 30 miles
Martin’s Mill Covered Bridge
4.5 miles away
Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park
7.7 miles away
Cowans Gap State Park
14.6 miles away
Fort Frederick State Park
14.6 miles away
Mont Alto State Park
17.2 miles away
Fort Tonoloway State Park
19.2 miles away
South Mountain State Park
21.1 miles away
Greenbrier State Park
21.4 miles away
Caledonia State Park
21.6 miles away
National Scenic Byways Program – Maryland
22.6 miles away · 5.0 ★
Berkeley Springs State Park
22.9 miles away