Covered Bridge on the Lower Trail in PA
The covered bridge on the Lower Trail, part of the Rails to Trails of Central Pennsylvania, is situated over the tailrace of a historic mill stream, likely constructed during the industrial era when the area was actively used for iron production in the Etna iron plantation area; the bridge itself is a remnant of that time, serving as a key crossing point for workers and materials along the Juniata River, and is now a significant feature of the scenic, family-friendly trail for hikers and bikers accessing the river's water trail. [1, 2, 3]
- Industrial heritage: The bridge is associated with the former iron industry in the region, particularly the Etna iron plantation, where the Juniata River was used for transportation and power generation.
- Mill stream crossing: The bridge spans the tailrace of a historic mill, indicating the presence of a mill operation nearby which likely utilized the river's water power.
- Part of the Rails to Trails: The covered bridge is now a key part of the Lower Trail, a section of the Rails to Trails of Central Pennsylvania, which repurposed an old railroad line into a recreational trail.
- Scenic location: The bridge offers beautiful views of the Juniata River and surrounding wooded areas, making it a popular spot for trail users.
- Important birding area: Due to its location along the river, the area around the covered bridge has been identified by the Audubon Society as an "Important Birding Area". [2, 3]
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Covered Bridge at Fair Hill Nature Center Cecil County MD
The Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge in Cecil County, Maryland has a rich history, including its construction, reconstruction, and designation as a historic landmark: [1, 2, 3]
Construction
Ferdinand Wood built the bridge in 1860 to cross Big Elk Creek for the Cecil County Commissioners. The bridge was originally called Strahorn's Mill Bridge, named after a property purchased by William du Pont Jr. to create Foxcatcher Farm. [1, 2, 3]
Reconstruction
Historic landmark
In 1994, the American Society of Civil Engineers designated the Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge as a Maryland Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. [3]
Location
The bridge is located near the Fair Hill Nature and Environmental Center on Tawes Drive. It's surrounded by the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, which was formerly the land of William du Pont Jr. [1, 3]
Pump house
A pump house on the side of the bridge pumped water from Big Elk Creek to a reservoir, which then gravity-fed the water to cattle barns. [4]
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Covered Bridge on Hop River State Park CT
The trail was originally part of the Hartford, Providence and Fishkill line, which was completed in 1849. Freight trains used the line until 1970. The Willimantic section of the trail was built in 2015. [3]
The planning for the covered bridge began in 2001 and was delayed by design changes, meetings, hearings, and manufacturer concessions. [1]
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