Bridges of Somerset County

Somerset Wind Farm

I love covered bridges.  They speak of history, nostaligia, creativity, and romance.  Pennsylvania is graced with many of these relics of the past, and even some newer ones.  My first tour of bridges is in Somerset County, where on a day in June (our wedding anniversary) my husband and I mapped out a driving tour of covered bridges and met with some sweet surprises along the way.

First, however, we began our tour with a visit to the Somerset Wind Farm located on a reclaimed strip mine on Rockdale Road between Rockwood and Meyersdale.  These turbines can be seen in the distance from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, but we wanted a closer look. 

It was a remarkable beginning to our journey, for not only could we see the wind mills up close, but we were treated to the wind on our faces and an unexpected gorgeous view of the rolling countryside of Somerset, where we would spend the rest of the day driving and stopping to enjoy the scenery. 

"There came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. . . And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:2-4).



King's

Middlecreek Township, Somerset, PA.  Built in 1806.  Rebuilt in 1906.  Spans Laurel Hill Creek.  Burr arch construction.  In need of major repair.  Rockwood Historical Society asking for donations to save.

Barronvale

Middlecreek Township, Somerset, PA.  Built in 1830. Spans Laurel Hill Creek.  King post construction. 

Pedestrian only.

Deer

Saw deer along road.

Ferns

Saw ferns and rhododendron in woods.

Burkholder

Brothersvalley Township, Somerset, PA.  Built in 1870. Spans Buffalo Creek.  Burr arch construction.
Not well maintained.

Pack Saddle

Fairhope Rd., Fairhope, Somerset, PA.  Built in 1870.  Damaged in flooding. major renovation in 1998.  Spans Brush Creek. Multiple king post construction.

Shanksville

Shanksville

New Baltimore

Warnbaugh Rd., near New Baltimore, Somerset, PA.  Built in 1879.  Damaged in flooding; major renovation in 1998. Spans the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River.    Queen post construction. 

Trostletown

Quernahoning Township, Somerset, Pa.  Spans Stoney Creek.  Built in 1845.  King post and queen post construction.

Beside American Legion.  Talked with man mowing grass.