For those not yet familiar with Central Pennsylvania's countryside, it's a land of broad rolling hills, often painted in contrasting shades of green and tan farmland. Seldom traveled rural roads lead from one picturesque farm to another. Scenes also include vestiges from the 19th century when it was common to cross area streams and rivers over wooden bridges.
   This covered bridge scene near Mifflinburg invites bridge fans to take a closer look at the 70 foot long Hayes Bridge. Built in 1882 and spanning Buffalo Creek, its kingpost truss design uses the world's oldest support system. Ancient Babylonian records indication the kingpost design dates back to 783 BCE, with covered bridges crossing the Euphrates in the Middle East.
   At one time, Pennsylvania led the country in the number of covered bridges with as many as 1500 scattered across the state. Locally, Uncovering PA has issued a detailed web page featuring five covered bridges in Union County. Tracking down some of these historic treasures creates a fun-filled afternoon in one of Pennsylvania's most picturesque countrysides.

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