Photographing the Loys Station Covered Bridge in Rocky Ridge, Maryland

On a recent trip to Rocky Ridge in Frederick County, Maryland, I spent time photographing one of the region’s most iconic landmarks — the Loys Station Covered Bridge, a brilliantly red, historic structure that continues to draw visitors, artists, and history enthusiasts alike. The bridge sits quietly over Owens Creek, surrounded by a small park and rural scenery, making it an ideal location for editorial and stock photography.

The Loys Station Covered Bridge has a long and dramatic history. Originally built in 1848, it carried travelers over Owens Creek using a multiple kingpost wooden truss design. Over time, the bridge was reinforced with a concrete pier and steel beams between 1929 and 1930, a modification that created two 45‑foot spans within its 90‑foot length.

Its most devastating moment came in 1991, when an arsonist set fire to a pickup truck inside the bridge as part of an insurance fraud scheme, destroying the historic structure. The community rallied, raising funds through T‑shirt sales, local events, and limited‑edition prints to rebuild the bridge. After three years and nearly $300,000 in reconstruction work — including the reuse of original hardware, rafters, and braces — the bridge reopened to the public on July 4, 1994.

Today, the Loys Station Covered Bridge stands as one of only eight remaining covered bridges in Maryland, preserved as an important example of 19th‑century engineering and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

During my visit, the bridge’s vivid red exterior contrasted beautifully with the surrounding landscape, creating strong visual compositions ideal for editorial storytelling. I captured a series of images highlighting its structure, color, and setting — photographs that are now edited, curated, and submitted to my agencies for licensing.

For photographers, travelers, and history lovers, the Loys Station Covered Bridge is more than a scenic stop — it’s a testament to community preservation, regional heritage, and the enduring charm of Maryland’s covered bridges. My images from this visit help share that story with a wider audience through editorial publications and stock licensing.