TCVG08 - The Ghost Bridge Traditional Cache

The Van Reed family settled the land to the north of the Tulpehocken Creek around the time of the Revolutionary War. The family owned and operated one of the oldest paper mill industries in Berks County. Throughout their history in Berks County, the Van Reeds owned up to 3 paper mills, a fulling (wool) mill, a saw mill, and a Union Canal warehouse – all of which were located in this immediate vicinity along the banks of the Tulpehocken and Cacoosing Creeks. Here a 144’ single span covered bridge crossed the stream, called the Van Reed Covered bridge (1837). The bridge saw the transition over the years from Conestoga wagons delivering paper from the mill, to automobiles and trucks. In 1959, a 5 ½-ton tractor crashed through the 4-ton limit covered bridge with a load of 16 tons of shingles. The bridge was partially repaired; but was eventually removed in 1964.

The Tulpehocken Creek is popular for Fly Fishing from the Stilling Basin to Wertz’s Red Bridge, due to the bottom-release design of Blue Marsh Lake dam. This allows for the discharge of cold water at a constant temperature, resulting in an ideal habitat for rainbow trout and brown trout. By the former Van Reed Paper Mill, is a particular favorite spot for fly fisherman, as the Tulpehocken Creek meets with the Cacoosing Creek.

If you listen, you will hear the sound of the ghost bridge!