Spanning a waterway near Orbisonia, Pennsylvania, St. Mary’s Covered Bridge has served travelers since 1889. This historic structure features a Howe truss design—a popular 19th-century engineering style using diagonal timber members with vertical iron rods for superior load distribution.
The bridge remains open to traffic today, allowing visitors to experience an authentic crossing rather than just admire it from afar. Its weathered wooden siding and traditional construction offer excellent photography opportunities, particularly during fall foliage season.
Visiting Tips: Arrive early morning for soft lighting and minimal traffic. The interior’s shadowed beams create dramatic contrasts—consider capturing both exterior landscape shots and interior architectural details. Respect posted weight limits if driving through.
Explore Nearby
- Hemlock State Forest Park — State Park in Pennsylvania
- Cowans Gap State Park — State Park in Pennsylvania
- Maryland Scenic Byways — Scenic Byway in Maryland
- National Scenic Byways Program – Maryland — Scenic Byway in Maryland
- Sky Meadows State Park — Dark Sky Site in Virginia
