Historical Overview
At one time, hundreds of covered bridges graced the northeast Ohio countryside. These fascinating structures, originally popularized in 18th century Connecticut, were carried over by early settlers of the (Connecticut) Western Reserve. Today, a mere 50 of these bridges remain, with the largest grouping in Ashtabula County, located just an hour’s drive east of downtown Cleveland.
Covered Bridges Tour
Ashtabula County proudly showcases seventeen remarkable examples of original, restored, and replicated 19th-century covered bridges, which can be admired along the county’s picturesque country roads. For a detailed driving map and rich history of the bridges, you may refer to the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival.
Each autumn, Ashtabula County celebrates its beloved covered bridges during the Covered Bridge Festival, held on the second full weekend of October. This vibrant festival at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds features local crafts, official covered bridge souvenirs, a quilt show, contests, parades, food, and numerous exciting activities.
Bridge Highlights
Here are some notable covered bridges worth exploring:
Netcher Road Bridge
The Netcher Road Bridge, built in 1999, follows traditional inverted Haupt truss construction with a Neo-Victorian design. It spans Mill Creek in Jefferson Township, measuring 110 feet long, 22 feet wide, and 14 1/2 feet high.
South Denmark Road Bridge
This charming South Denmark Road Bridge, constructed in 1890, spans Mill Creek and showcases exemplary Town Lattice construction. Although it was bypassed for auto traffic in 1975, pedestrians can still easily access it, located just 2.7 miles from the Netcher Road Bridge.
State Route Bridge
The State Route Bridge, completed in 1983, is a newer addition to the area’s covered bridges and marks the inception of the first annual Covered Bridge Festival. This 152-foot bridge crosses Conneaut Creek and is accessible for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Creek Road Bridge
Restored in 1994, the Creek Road Bridge stands 25 feet above Conneaut Creek. This 125-foot structure is a prime example of Town Lattice construction and allows for both auto and pedestrian traffic.
The Harpersfield Bridge
Constructed in 1868 and spanning 228 feet, the Harpersfield Bridge was long regarded as the longest covered bridge in Ohio until 2008. This Howe Truss construction crosses the Grand River in western Ashtabula County and remains open for traffic, having undergone restoration in 1992.
Riverdale Bridge
This 114-foot long Town lattice bridge originally built in 1874 spans the winding Grand River. Reconstructed in 1981, it still retains much of its 19th-century charm while incorporating modern wood girders.
Mechanicsville Road Bridge
Located near Austinburg, Ohio, the Mechanicsville Road Bridge is notable for being the longest single-span covered bridge in Ashtabula County. This 156-foot Howe truss bridge over the Grand River was built in 1867 and reopened to motor traffic following renovations in 2003.
Graham Road Bridge
The Graham Road Bridge, once a 97-foot Town Truss bridge, now rests in the middle of a field, its original location having been lost following the 1913 flood. It previously spanned the Ashtabula River in Pierpont Township and stands as a testament to the area’s rich history.
Smolen-Gulf Bridge
Opened in the fall of 2008, the 613-foot Smolen-Gulf Bridge proudly holds the title of the longest covered bridge in the United States. It was named after John Smolen, a former Ashtabula County engineer who championed the preservation of covered bridges in the area.
