Erb's Covered Bridge

Erb's Covered Bridge crosses Hammer Creek with a wooden arch structure reinforced by steel supports, creating a sturdy crossing. The structure spans about 80 feet and has a deck width of about 13 feet, making it passable for local traffic.

The bridge was built in 1849 and later completely rebuilt in 1887, reflecting the evolution of local engineering and growing infrastructure needs. These reconstruction efforts show how the region adapted its crossings to serve changing demands.

The bridge displays the characteristic red exterior typical of Lancaster County crossings, making it visually distinctive as you approach from either side of Hammer Creek.

The bridge is accessible via Erb's Bridge Road north of Picnic Woods Road and offers a direct crossing over Hammer Creek on a local route. Visitors should drive carefully since the crossing is narrow and lacks modern safety features.

The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 with registration number 80003536, formally recognizing its status as a landmark. This designation means the bridge is protected and maintained as evidence of local construction history.

Location: Ephrata Township

Location: Warwick Township

GPS coordinates: 40.16780,-76.24390

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:02