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While you may have heard of the Bridges of Madison County, have you heard of the bridges of Ashtabula County? This area of wine country is located in northeastern Ohio. These 19 covered bridges will take you back to a much simpler time.
Take the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Trail to discover more about each of these unique bridges.
1. Netcher Road Covered Bridge
The Netcher Road Covered Bridge, located at 1544 Netcher Rd, is the first bridge along the trail.
The Netcher Rd Bridge is the newest of the bridges, being built in 1998 by John Smolen, Jr. This bridge features a “Neo-Victorian” design, with timber arches and inverted Haupt walls. The bridge spans 110’ and is 22’ wide.
2. South Denmark Covered Bridge
The second bridge along the trail is the South Denmark Covered Bridge, located at 2670 South Denmark Rd.
The South Denmark Bridge was built in 1895, using a Town Truss design. It is 100’ long and 13’ 3” wide. In 1975, the bridge was bypassed. You are still able to drive through it, however, it’s recommended to only light traffic.
3. Caine Road Covered Bridge
The Caine Road Covered Bridge is the third bridge along the trail and is located at 4699 Caine Rd.
Built in 1986, this bridge was built to commemorate Ashtabula County’s 175th birthday, by John Smolen, Jr. The bridge is 124’ long and is a Patt truss design with arch.
4. Graham Road Covered Bridge
The fourth bridge on the trail is Graham Road Covered Bridge, located at 4646 Graham Rd.
The Graham Road Bridge was originally constructed in 1913, using a Town truss design and is 97’ in length. Unfortunately, this bridge is no longer usable, and sits off the side of the road. It was relocated in 1972 and is now a part of the Metro Park.
5. Root Road Covered Bridge
Located at 4680 Root Rd, you’ll find the the Root Road Covered Bridge, the 5th one along the trail.
The Root Road Bridge is one of the oldest in the area, built in 1868. It has a Town truss design and is 112’ long. In 1982, the bridge was renovated, adding a center pier for stability and was raised 18”.
6. Middle Road Covered Bridge
The 6th bridge you will find along the trail is Middle Road Covered Bridge, located at 910 Middle Rd.
Middle Road Bridge is 136’ long and has a Howe truss design. It was originally built in 1868 but reconstructed in 1984.
7. State Road Covered Bridge
The State Road bridge is your 7th stop along the trail, located at 5899 State Rd.
The State Road Bridge was built in 1983 by John Smolen, Jr using a Towne truss design and is 157’ long. This bridge also features a 4’ tall window which spans the entire length of the bridge.
8. Creek Road Covered Bridge
The 8th bridge you’ll find on this trail is the Creek Road Covered Bridge. It can be found at 871 Creek Rd.
Creek Road bridge is 112’ long and features a Towne truss design. It is unknown when this bridge was built, however, it was renovated in 1994.
9. Benetka Road Covered Bridge
Located at 4500 Benetka Rd, you’ll find the 9th bridge along the Covered Bridge Trail.
The Benetka Road Bridge was built around 1900 and has had other names over the years, including East Matherson. It’s 115’ Towne truss design. In 1985, the bridge was rehabilitated and laminated arches were added along the length of the bridge.
10. Olin Covered Bridge
Olin Covered Bridge is the 10th on the trail and can be found at 1880 Dewey Rd.
The Olin Bridge was built in 1873 and is 115’ long and is a Towne truss design. The bridge is named after the Olin family, which lives on the property next to it. The bridge was renovated in 1985.
11. Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge
The Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge is located at 4878 Plymouth Ridge Rd. It is the 11th stop on the Covered Bridge Trail.
The Smolen-Gulf Bridge is 613’ long, making it the longest covered bridge in the United States. The bridge is a Pratt truss design, using Southern yellow pine. Construction began in 2006; replacing the Crooked Gulf Covered Bridge that was there previously. A Visitor’s Pavilion was added in 2010.
12. Riverview Covered Bridge
The Riverview Covered Bridge is the 12th stop and is located at 4761 State Rd.
The Riverview Covered Bridge is a small pedestrian bridge located just below the the Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge. The bridge was built in 2016 using a Pratt truss design and is 150’ long.
13. Giddings Road Covered Bridge
The 13th stop of the Covered Bridge Trail is Giddings Road Covered Bridge, located at 1399 Giddings Rd.
The Giddings Road Bridge was built in 1995, using the ODOT Timber Grant. It’s 107’ long and a Pratt truss design.
14. Riverdale Road Covered Bridge
Located at 3349 Riverdale Rd. Is the 14th stop on the trail, the Riverdale Road Covered Bridge.
This 140’ Towne truss design bridge was built in 1874. It has had many repairs and renovations done over the years – 1945 (center steel bracing replaced), 1981 (renovation) and 1987 (concrete abutment added).
15. Windsor Mills Covered Bridge
Windsor Mills Covered Bridge is the 15th bridge along the trail and is located at 7696 Warner Hollow Rd.
Although this bridge is one of the oldest, being built in 1867, it appears to be very new. This 120’ Towne truss bridge was renovated in 2002. It was closed in the 1980s due to safety concerns and was reopened after renovation.
16. Harpersfield Covered Bridge
The 16th bridge on the Covered Bridge Trail is the Harpersfield Covered Bridge. It can be found at 1122 Harpersfield Rd.
The Harpersfield Bridge is an incredible bridge that has undergone many renovations and additions over the years. This double span, Howe truss design bridge was built in 1868. In 1913, a steel bridge was added to one end due to a flood. It’s also had renovations done in 1991 and 2022.
Harpersfield Bridge is is the 2nd longest covered bridge in the state, coming in at 228’. It lost its title as first when the Smolen-Gulf Bridge was built.
17. Mechanicsville Road Covered Bridge
Mechanicsville Covered Bridge is located at 1153 Mechanicsville Rd and is the 17th on the trail.
The Mechanicsville Bridge is thought to be the oldest in Ashtabula County, built in 1867. The Howe truss design features an arch and is 156’ long. Renovations were done to the bridge in 2004. Although it is still possible to drive through the bridge, the road now bypasses it.
While visiting this location, be sure to stop at Grand River Manor, across the street.
Although it wasn’t open when I was there early in the morning, it definitely looks like a great spot to grab a bite to eat.
18. West Liberty Covered Bridge
Located at 94 W. Liberty St, you’ll find the 18th covered bridge on the trail, the West Liberty Covered Bridge.
The West Liberty Bridge is the shortest covered bridge in the US, coming in at only 18’ in length. It is also one of the newest, being constructed in 2010. The bridge replaced a culvert that needed repairs.
19. Doyle Road Covered Bridge
The Doyle Road Covered Bridge is the last bridge you’ll find on the Covered Bridge trail. It is located at 1300 Doyle Rd.
The Doyle Road Bridge was built in 1868 using a Towne truss design and is 94’ long. Renovations were done in 1987, adding laminated arches.
It took me 2 days to visit all of the bridges, mainly because I kept making side trips lol. I’m sure it could be done in 1 day as well. Keep in mind that these bridges are located in very rural areas and finding restrooms and food can be difficult at times and you may have drive miles out of the way. However, I greatly enjoyed this trip and hope you do too!
Have you already been to see the bridges of Ashtabula County? Which was your favorite?
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