Tyler State Park Covered Bridge Loop Hiking Guide
Tyler State Park covers 1,711 acres of fields and woods along Neshaminy Creek near Newtown, assembled from old farms by the Tyler family in the 1920s. Its best-known landmark is the Schofield Ford Covered Bridge, the longest covered bridge in Bucks County. A loop from the Boat House follows the creek north to the bridge and returns past farm fields, finishing on a hikers-only path beside Porter Run.
The Route
Hiking Project maps this loop at about 4.3 miles with roughly 400 feet of gain; another mapping app lists a similar version at 4.1 miles and 350 feet. Start at the Boat House parking area, cross the pedestrian causeway over the creek and head north on the Mill Dairy and Neshaminy Creek trails to the covered bridge. The return climbs through fields on the White Pine, Dairy Hill and No. 1 Lane trails, then finishes on the Nature Trail loop around Porter Run.
Schofield Ford Covered Bridge
DCNR's park history says the bridge stretches 166 feet across Neshaminy Creek, built of hemlock and oak after local townships petitioned for it in the 1870s. Fire destroyed it in 1991. Volunteers raised money to rebuild it with historic materials and methods, and the new bridge was dedicated on September 6, 1997. The Covered Bridge Trail on the far side includes a steep climb to a hilltop view if you want to extend the walk.
Surfaces and Trail Uses
Much of this loop is paved, which makes it one of the more forgiving hikes near the city, though the creek sections and fields have uneven ground. Bikes share the paved trails, and horses use the Neshaminy Creek, Covered Bridge and White Pine trails, so stay alert at junctions. The Nature Trail is the exception: a 2-mile, yellow-blazed loop for hikers only, past rock outcrops and big boulders along Porter Run.
Dam Removal in Fall 2026
The state began removing the old Spring Garden dam on Neshaminy Creek in late summer 2026, with completion targeted for the end of September. During the work, a section of the footpath along Tyler Park Drive near the dam closed while heavy equipment was on site, and a short section of the Neshaminy Creek Trail was to close for one to two days. Most trails stayed open throughout; if you find a barrier near the dam site, follow the posted detour.
Hours, Dogs and Hunting
The park entrance is at 101 Swamp Road in Newtown, and it is open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset. Like every Pennsylvania state park, it charges no entrance fee. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Tyler is also open to hunting in season, so wear orange on fall and winter visits. Ten farmhouses from the 18th and 19th centuries still stand in the park and are leased as private homes, so admire them from the trail.
Hiking tips for Tyler State Park Covered Bridge Loop
- Start at the Boat House lot so the covered bridge falls at the loop's midpoint.
- Watch for bikes on paved sections and horses on the creek and bridge trails.
- Save the hikers-only Nature Trail for the end, when you want a quieter finish.
- Arrive after 8 a.m.; the park does not open earlier.
- Look for short detours near the old Spring Garden dam site after the fall 2026 removal.
Nearby trails to explore
- Ringing Rocks and High Falls Loop
- High Rocks Trail (Ralph Stover)
- Forbidden Drive (Wissahickon)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Tyler's covered bridge loop is an easy sell for a group walk on a fall afternoon. Use TrailMates to find Philadelphia hikers heading to Tyler State Park. Download the TrailMates app to connect.