Rishel Covered Bridge

Rishel Covered Bridge is a wooden bridge in Northumberland County that spans Chillisquaque Creek and connects East and West Chillisquaque Township. The structure uses a single-span Burr Truss design typical of early 19th-century bridge construction in Pennsylvania.

The bridge was built in 1830 and remains one of the oldest covered bridges still standing in Pennsylvania. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and underwent renovation in 1990 to preserve its structure for the future.

The bridge demonstrates traditional craftsmanship methods that shaped this region for generations. Visitors can still see how local materials and timeless building techniques come together in the wooden structure.

You can park your car at the southwestern end of the bridge and easily explore the structure on foot. A height restriction bar at the entrance prevents oversized vehicles from entering.

Even though the bridge is over 190 years old, it still carries vehicle traffic and actually connects two communities in daily life. This continued use sets it apart from many other historical bridges that are merely preserved for tourists.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 40.96030,-76.81610

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:41