Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge

Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge is a wooden structure crossing North East Creek in Cecil County featuring a Burr arch through truss design with white pine construction. The covered walkway protects the interior framework while allowing traffic to pass through beneath a timber roof supported by angled wooden beams.

The bridge was built in 1860 to provide a crossing for communities and local mills in the area. Its construction marked a period when covered bridge design was the standard solution for crossing waterways with durable wooden structures.

The bridge shows how communities once crossed waterways using covered wooden structures that protected travelers and merchandise from weather. Visitors can walk through and appreciate the craftsmanship of a time when crossing a stream required careful engineering planning.

The site is open year-round with parking available nearby for visitors exploring the structure and surrounding waterway. Best views for photography come from positions along the creek banks and from both bridge entrances.

This structure holds the distinction of being Maryland's longest bridge of its type and has undergone multiple restoration efforts over the decades. Despite routine maintenance work, the original wooden components and design details remain largely intact for visitors to observe today.

Location: Cecil County

Inception: 1860

GPS coordinates: 39.64880,-75.95560

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24