Riegelsville Free Bridge — Attraction in Riegelsville

The free bridge between Riegelsville, New Jersey and Riegelsville, Pennsylvania is narrow and beautiful. The Pennsylvania side has stores, amenities, and a restaurant/hotel. The New Jersey side, however, is far more modest with no amenities and a railroad crossing over the road to Carpentersville.

The deck of the bridge itself is grate. The two pedestrian paths – one on the north side and one on the south side – have concrete decking. It's suitable for bicycles or for animals on leashes.

Of note to bicyclists: there is a simple connection between the Delaware and Lehigh Canal towpath and the bridge. Note that bicycles must be walked across the bridge.

Significant motor vehicle weight and height restrictions on this bridge and it is policed 24x7 on both sides...

If you're a fan of old suspension bridges, a walk across the Reigelsville bridge is worth the trip. The bridge was built by the Roebling Co. after a 1903 flood on the Delaware River destroyed an earlier covered bridge. The bridge is supported by two pairs of cables readily visible from the composite board walkway on the upstream side. The steel grate road surface is narrow, so you may want to pull in your mirrors should you choose to drive across. Whether afoot or in a car, you'll be so close to the structure that you'll get a real sense of place and of the river's power that is missing from the larger bridges over...

Beautiful suspension bridge built by Mr. Roebling & company, of Brooklyn Bridge fame. Decorative motifs abound. Structural details are fascinating. Great spot on the river with two fantastic old school restaurants as "book ends" to the bridge, NJ and PA sides. A daring young man once flew a single engine plane under this bridge. Settled into his ground effect over the river and shot through. A very large set of brass ones on that boy. Paid dearly legally, I believe. FAA and a few other agencies were not very thrilled with his stunt. But wow. Be sure to stop in at the Reigelsville Inn or Hootz for a great...