An day drive around the lovely Kimberton area of Chester County. As they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
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Rambling Around Kimberton
An old ruin along a creek, near the Kennedy Covered Bridge The “Historical” Seven Star Inn A couple of hooved friends on a warm winter’s day …. They are everywhere this time of year. Really nice barn Struble Lake in northwestern Chester County – definitely not in Kimberton. -
Almost Home
Here is a look around the area near my aunt’s farm in Greenwood Township, Columbia County from the opening weekend of rifle deer season. Sadly, no one had any luck that weekend.
Some curious cattle on my grandparent’s old farm. 
Muddy Run runs through the farm. 
The neighbors have a nice looking eagle carving. 
My cousin’s house is quite windy, and the flag takes a beating. It has to be replaced often. 
The pond at this property is relatively new. 
One of the fanciest dairy farms in the County (no relation). -
Berks (and Schuylkill) Bridges and Some Curious Cows
A drive through Berks and Schuylkill Counties this past Autumn provided some scenic views. First up is the Zimmerman Covered Bridge in Schuylkill County. Originally built in 1880, it is 65 feet long.
Zimmerman Covered Bridge 
The familiar Burr Arch Truss construction. 
A neat old shed. 
Are you looking at us? 
These cows do not seem to care. The Dreibelbis Station Bridge is a 172 foot long Burr arch truss covered bridge spanning Maiden Creek south of Lenhartsville, Berks County. The bridge was built in 1869 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 23, 1981. Another Berks bridge with a hex sign – I love it.
A pretty farm property 
Kutz’s Mill Bridge is a historic wooden covered bridge located at Greenwich Township in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It is a 93 foot long, Burr Truss bridge, constructed in 1854. It crosses the Sacony Creek. As the name implies, it leads to the Kutz Mill. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
Kutz’s Mill Covered Bridge 
Kutz’s Mill The Rock Covered Bridge is a single-span Burr arch truss 55 feet 7 inches over Little Swatara Creek in Schuylkill County.
Rock Covered Bridge 
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Looking on the Brightside
In 1996, Charlestown Township in Chester County purchased 20 acres of the Brightside Farm located to preserve it from impending development. The Township added 55 additional acres to Brightside Farm Park with the purchase of the rest of the farm with the help of a significant grant from Chester County in the year 2000. The farm is preserved as an agricultural asset for the residents to enjoy, and a portion of the property is under a conservation easement with the French & Pickering Creeks Trust. The park offers over 50 garden plots to township residents and has walking trails.
A view of the barn. 
And another … 
Near by farmhouse and barn. A feature in the Park is the Wisner Rapp House. Jacob Wisner House, also known as the Rapp House, is a historic home that was built in two sections. The older section dates to 1761, and is a 2 1/1-story, three bay wide, stone structure. A two bay wide extension was added in the 1840s. The addition was originally built to house a saddle and harness-maker’s shop and later housed the Sidley Post Office.
The Wisner-Rapp House Finally, a look around the neighboring area …
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Say Hay to Hills Creek
The 407-acre Hills Creek State Park, located in scenic Tioga County, contains abundant wildlife such as osprey, loon, and waterfowl which visit the lake that contains a variety of warmwater fish species. Camping, cabins, swimming, and picnicking make this an ideal spot for a day trip or family vacation. Hiking, fishing and hunting are also available.
It was a hazy day at the lake. 
I love the yurts in Pennsylvania state parks. 
People were camping in everything from large RVs to tents. 
Because you know I can’t resist hay bales. 
There was quite an impressive group in this field near the park. 
The view from above. 
They’re still there. Can you see them? -
An Au Naturel Covered Bridge
Knapp’s Covered Bridge is a Burr arch truss covered bridge over Brown’s Creek in Burlington Township, Bradford County. It was built in 1853 and is 95 feet (29.0 m) long. The bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and had a major restoration starting in 2000. Knapp’s Bridge is named for a local family, and is also known by as the Luther’s Mills Covered Bridge (for the nearby village of Luther’s Mills) and as the Brown’s Creek Covered Bridge.
The surrounding countryside also provides some nice sightseeing, like this pretty church with its barn across the road and the nearby farmland.
Nice barn star and flag. -
Sitting at a Bend in the River
The area around the French Azilum historic site is lovely. It is just one more reason to visit the area. I think these pictures speak for themselves, so I will leave this as a picture blog.
A barn adjacent to French Azilum. 
Also adjacent to the historic site, this must have been a cool place to live at one time. 
Old farm machinery near French Azilum. 
This lovely house sits next to … 
this fantastic barn. 
The goldenrod was out in force. 
The red barn theme contiues. 
I think someone forgot these hay bales. 
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A Route With a View
Bradford County is home to a unique historical site in north central Pennsylvania. However, I first made my way west over Route 6 to take in some impressive views.
First up is Wyalusing Rocks Overlook, which stands above one of the many bends in the Susquehanna River in this area.
A westward view … 
and two. A little further west, one comes upon the Marie Antoinette Overlook. The reason for this name will become apparent in my next post. The Overlook sits approximately 500 feet above the North Branch of the Susquehanna River. It was originally built in 1930 as a part of the WPA (Works Progress Administration).
A view west along another bend in the river. 
The plaque explains the reason for the name of the overlook. 
This is one of the more developed overlooks in state. 
The view in the opposite direction. 
The historic site below is blocked by the trees. -
Coming Attractions
Upcoming posts will feature a recent trip to Tioga and Bradford Counties, along with bonus locations. This will be followed by some very special “not in Pennsylvania” posts in Autumn. Stay tuned! In the meantime, here are some random favorites of mine.
Blue Marsh Lake 
Clinton County hay bales. 
Model airplane field, Valley Forge
