Covered Bridges. What is it about covered bridges that capture the imagination? For a couple of history lovers like us, driving or walking across a covered bridge is a step back in time. Fun fact: since early bridges were built of wood, they were covered to protect the wood from the elements. Short and simple, but here we are in modern society fascinated with covered bridges. Well, at least we are.

Gettysburg, PA

We started our day by driving to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for a completely different reason than finding the bridges. However, we will be returning to Gettysburg sooner than later to take a close look at the Gettysburg battlefield and all the memorials. Stay tuned.

From Gettysburg it’s maybe just 30 minutes south to the first covered bridge. From Washington, DC it’s about a 45-mile drive, so completely manageable for a day trip.

Roddy Road Park Covered Bridge

Our first stop was at Roddy Road Park. What a gem! The park is beautiful with a slow moving creek, a children’s playground and restrooms. Seemingly, Roddy Road is very popular with the locals for bike riding.

Roddy Bridge crosses Owens Creek. It’s incredibly scenic to see the trickle of the creek running under the bridge. The bridge is 40′ long, 16′ wide with a clearance of 12′ 8″. Construction of the bridge began in 1856 and opened in 1860. I like to imagine what the opening day celebration, with locals gathered, may have been like.

• Roddy Road Park Bridge is located near Thurmont, Maryland

Loys Station Bridge

The Loys Station Bridge, opened in 1880, (date depending on the source) has quite a story. I haven’t found too many details but apparently the bridge was burned by an arsonist in 1991. Some reports state it was a case of a fraudulent insurance claim. Not all of the bridge burned so from the remaining saved wood, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1994. It is 90′ long with a clearance of 7′. Near the bridge there is a pretty park, hiking trail and playground.

• Loys Station Bridge is located near Rocky Ridge, Maryland

Utica Bridge

Another interesting story. Utica Bridge originally crossed the Monocacy River. Note: The Monocacy Battlefield is well-worth a visit if you find yourself in the area. It was originally built in 1834 (date depends on the source). In 1889 a flood damaged the bridge. The surviving half of the bridge was relocated, and rebuilt, to its present location at Fishing Creek in 1891. The length is 101′. There are no facilities or a park. The bridge sits next the property line of a corn field and private home.

• The Utica Bridge is located near Thurmont, Maryland.

All three of these bridges are located within 12 miles of each other. To read more about these beautifully preserved bridges, click here.

Carroll Creek Bridge

The last bridge we visited is not historic per se, and one cannot drive across. However, it is a covered bridge but it’s a foot traffic bridge located in Baker Park in Frederick, Maryland. By the way, Baker Park is beautiful and it is one of our favorite walking parks with at least 3 or 4 miles of paved paths. And, if you love pretty little bridges that traverse waterways, Baker Park is for you.

This little beauty, Carroll Creek Bridge, was built in 1965. It is 40′ in length, just enough to span the creek.

• The Carroll Creek Bridge is located at 902 Carroll Creek Parkway in Frederick, Maryland.

If you find yourself in Frederick County, or if you’re interested in an out of the ordinary day trip from Washington DC, driving the backroads of Maryland is sure to please. And, finding your way to each of these beautifully well-preserved bridges is a great way to spend a day. Roddy Road Park and Loys Station Park are both really nice sites to enjoy a picnic.

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