Narrows Covered Bridge

Narrows Covered Bridge crosses Sugar Creek with a span of about 137 feet using a double Burr arch truss system and a passage width of about 16.5 feet. The structure sits on stone piers and displays the wooden joinery techniques that were common during that era.

Joseph A. Britton built this wooden bridge in 1883, following two earlier versions constructed in 1847 and 1875. The structure represents a moment when iron construction methods were emerging as alternatives to traditional wood design.

This bridge is one of many wooden structures that helped connect rural communities across the region for generations. It remains a tangible reminder of how local engineering met the practical needs of everyday life.

This structure carries traffic across Narrows Road along the eastern edge of Turkey Run State Park and remains open for regular use. Be mindful that wooden bridges of this age may have seasonal limitations or weight restrictions depending on their maintenance schedule.

The joinery patterns found here demonstrate an uncommon transition approach between wood and iron construction methods that few surviving bridges still display. This blend of techniques offers visitors a tangible look at how builders adapted to new materials becoming available.

Location: Parke County

Inception: 1883

GPS coordinates: 39.89104,-87.18527

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:43