Looks good from a distance!
Anyone who travels westbound on I-68 is sure to notice a striking peculiarity when heading down Polish Mountain toward Flintstone, Maryland. In the middle of a beautiful, pastoral valley, a red covered bridge can be seen spanning Town Creek.
Needless to say, this frog has been jumping at the chance to get a close-up look at the bridge for a while. In fact, I attempted to find it on one other occasion but failed.
I’ll go ahead and give all of you directions, but please bear in mind that permission is necessary before heading into the valley to check out the bridge. I’ll get to that in a second. After exiting I-68 in Flintstone (exit 56), head east on Maryland Route 144 for about a mile before turning left on Dry Ridge Road. Go about a half-mile and take a right on Romsburg Lane. You’ll pass through a gate and come to a house on the left, and this is where you’ll ask permission. Admittedly, I found out about the permission part later, but all of you have seen my picture by now. Who could refuse a gorgeous frog like me?
Betty Ruth!
Did any of you know that most of the covered bridges in Maryland have been christened? This particular bridge is known as the Betty Ruth Covered Bridge. It is 64′ in length, and the cover was added to an existing span in 1993. All of this leads me back to the permission part again: Romsburg Lane is little more than a private driveway, and the typical covered bridge dates back to a far earlier time than the early nineties. Yes, apparently it was built on a whim.
In one hundred years this bridge might be famous! (And I saw it!)
After looking up some facts, I’m somewhat disappointed in the authenticity of this structure. However, I did learn that the Betty Ruth Covered Bridge is the longest non-authentic covered motor vehicle bridge is the state of Maryland, and I’d like to add that the Town Creek Valley is a breathtaking place.
In the end, not all things are what they appear to be, but this bridge at least makes up partially for the fact that it is a replica. The bubble has been burst in regard to any civil war soldiers crossing the bridge in a bygone era, but I have to admit that it’s well worth a closer look.
A bridge with a view!
Tags: Polly 5
February 20th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Hmmm… I’ve seen this bridge from the interstate lots of times, and the truth kind of hurts. It’s like ordering wine and cheese through room service and getting a bottle of Boone’s Farm and a box of Velveeta. Oh, well… It’s not a bad looking bridge, and I actually do enjoy cheap wine and fake cheese. I guess it’s an okay bridge.
February 20th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Jazzy Jeff,
Thanks for the comment. It’s odd, but thousands of people have likely seen the bridge from the interstate, not knowing that it is less than twenty years-old and is on a road that dead-ends at a house three-tenths of a mile away. So much for romance, right? Nonetheless, from a different perspective, it’s a “real” covered bridge, and people will marvel at and daydream about it for a long time to come. Honestly, I’ll thank the landowner for giving us something to think or talk about. It’s a beautiful structure over a relatively major tributary of the Potomac River. It’s all good!
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:51 am
I didn’t know a covered bridge could be fake. It still looks good to me!
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:02 am
Hi, Polly #5…great post, great bridge, great time!
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Anonymous,
I’m not sure where you’re from, but if you’re ever in that area, the bridge is worth seeing. It’s as real as it can be, and I did overreact to its age and the fact that it’s located on a private driveway. Perhaps the coolest part is its location in regard to I-68. Seeing it from the interstate for the first time is a real “wow” moment. Thanks for the comment.
February 24th, 2011 at 1:13 am
Nice bridge, but how’s the fishing in Town Creek? Is it stocked with trout?
February 24th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Hank,
Yes, Town Creek is stocked with brown and rainbow trout in the spring and fall. Other fish in the creek include smallmouth bass, bluegill, and rock bass. Here’s a bit more information…
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fis.....owncr.html
I hope you’re only a fisherman and have no interest in harvesting bullfrogs!
Polly #5
March 1st, 2011 at 11:13 pm
I’ve seen this bridge from the interstate and have often wondered about it. It may nor be a historic landmark, but the location is perfect. The view from I-68 would make a great postcard!
March 10th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
Beautiful! Is it right in the middle of a field? This is very cool!
December 9th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
pretty bridge!
December 9th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Pretty neat if you ask me!
December 9th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Dear Polly number 5.
I really liked the picture of Polly when she was on the bridge.
December 10th, 2011 at 10:22 pm
JR and Janeisha,
It is a very nice bridge, and I enjoyed having my picture taken in front of it. Thanks for reading my post!
August 18th, 2012 at 10:05 am
I’ve seen that bridge from the interstate many times and have often wondered about it. Thanks for the post.