8 Ohio Covered Bridges Worth Taking the Scenic Road For

A covered bridge can turn an ordinary drive into a small adventure. Some carry modern traffic across a river; others have been preserved for pedestrians or moved to a park. Look closely and the differences tell stories about floods, craftsmanship and communities that decided a bridge was worth saving.

These eight stops focus on Ashtabula and Fairfield counties. They are not ranked, and the two areas are several hours apart, so consider them separate trips rather than a single-day route. Check local maps and current access information, park only where permitted, and respect private property.

1. Smolen-Gulf: A Long Span Over the Ashtabula River

Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge gives visitors a contemporary example of an old bridge-building tradition. Opened in 2008, the 613-foot bridge carries a road over the Ashtabula River and is a striking contrast to the shorter historic structures elsewhere in the county.

Ohio's tourism office describes the bridge as a tribute to former county engineer John Smolen. The scale is easiest to appreciate when you take time to look at the structure and the river valley, rather than treating the crossing as just another stretch of road.

Use designated parking and pedestrian areas, and watch for traffic. A stop here pairs well with the separate Riverview pedestrian bridge below, but verify park access and conditions before descending into the river corridor.

2. Riverview: A Pedestrian Bridge Under a Giant

The Riverview Covered Bridge offers an interesting companion to Smolen-Gulf. Located beneath the larger road bridge, this pedestrian span gives visitors another way to see the Ashtabula River and compare two structures built for different kinds of traffic.

The county's covered-bridge trail map lists Riverview as a separate stop, and Ohio's tourism office notes its pedestrian role. Check the current park and trail information before going, particularly after rain or snow, and allow time for the walk rather than assuming you can drive directly to it.

Look up as well as across the river: the larger bridge overhead changes your sense of scale. Stay on public paths, use care near the water and avoid blocking the bridge while others are crossing.

3. West Liberty Street: A Small Bridge in Geneva

At the other end of the size spectrum, Geneva's West Liberty Street Covered Bridge is a compact modern span. Ohio's tourism office gives its length as 18 feet and notes its dedication during the county's 2011 covered-bridge festival.

Its modest size makes it easy to miss if you're looking only for a long rural crossing. That is part of the appeal: the bridge offers a chance to think about how a familiar covered form can fit a very different setting.

The bridge is in a town setting, so follow parking signs and watch for vehicles and pedestrians. Add a stop at a local shop or a meal in Geneva, then use the county's map to select another bridge rather than trying to see every span at once.

4. Harpersfield: Wood, Steel and a Flood's Legacy

Harpersfield Covered Bridge crosses the Grand River in Ashtabula County. Its wooden covered span and adjoining steel section tell a story shaped by a 1913 flood, which changed the riverbank and led to the addition of the metal bridge.

The covered portion dates to 1868, and Visit Ashtabula County reports that the bridge reopened in 2024 after renovation. A walkway was added during an earlier rehabilitation, giving visitors a way to experience the crossing at a different pace from passing traffic.

The surrounding county park can make this a longer stop. Check current access and posted rules, bring a picnic if conditions allow, and stay clear of the roadway when taking photographs. River levels and weather can change the character of the visit.

5. Windsor Mills: A Historic Bridge in a Former Mill Community

Windsor Mills Covered Bridge dates to 1867, according to Ohio's tourism office. It once served a community built around mills; as the mills declined, the town changed, while the bridge remained an important piece of local history.

The bridge was closed after deterioration and reopened following renovation in the early 2000s. That preservation story is a useful reminder that an old covered bridge may contain both historic material and later work needed to keep it standing.

Take time to observe the setting from safe public areas. Check current traffic and parking conditions, and never stop in a travel lane for a photo. The county trail map can help you combine Windsor Mills with other southern and western Ashtabula County stops.

6. Mechanicsville: Another Ashtabula County Survivor

The Mechanicsville Covered Bridge is another of the older bridges on the county trail. Ohio's tourism office dates it to 1867, placing it in the same era as Windsor Mills while making each bridge a distinct stop with its own setting.

Use the current county map to locate the bridge and choose a route appropriate for your vehicle. Rural roads can be narrow, and construction, seasonal weather or temporary closures may alter access. Pay attention to posted height, weight and traffic restrictions.

Instead of trying to cover a long list in one afternoon, pick a few bridges and leave room for the drive between them. Notice the different truss shapes, siding and approaches—small details that make the county's collection more varied than the shared name suggests.

7. Rock Mill: A Bridge Beside a Restored Mill

Near Lancaster, Rock Mill Covered Bridge stands beside the restored Rock Mill at Stebelton Park. The combination of a historic mill, a covered bridge and the Hocking River gorge makes this a rewarding stop even for travelers who aren't trying to complete an entire bridge trail.

Local visitor information says the bridge is no longer open to vehicle traffic. The mill's interior may have a different schedule from the park, so check current tour and operating information if going inside is important to your plans.

Sources published by the local visitor organization differ on some historical details, including the bridge's construction date. Rather than relying on a single date, look at the site itself and use the park's interpretation to learn about its preservation. Stay behind barriers near the gorge.

8. John Bright #2: A Bridge Saved and Moved

John Bright #2 Covered Bridge now stands on the Ohio University Lancaster campus, but it originally crossed Poplar Creek near Baltimore, Ohio. Built in 1881, the bridge was moved in 1988 after it could no longer carry traffic at its former location.

The local historical marker describes an unusual inverted bowstring truss and the cooperation that helped preserve the structure. Today the bridge is associated with a walking and biking trail, giving visitors a chance to examine the construction without standing in a road.

Check campus parking and trail access before visiting, especially during events. A walk here can be combined with other Fairfield County bridges, but follow the county guide carefully: some bridges on its wider trail are on private property and should only be viewed where public access is allowed.

Before You Go

Download current county trail maps and check for road, park or bridge closures before driving. Never stop in a traffic lane or trespass for a photograph. Bridge load limits and access rules can change, and wet or icy approaches require extra care.