The Bridges of Ashtabula County

Since moving to Cleveland about 2 years ago, I have been exploring many of the beautiful towns on Lake Erie. There are many quaint towns, complete with historic downtowns and beaches, that will give you a nice break from the city congestion for a few hours. Ashtabula, located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, is located about an hour east of the city.

The small town is rich in historical significance, most notably for being the final stop on the Underground Railroad (today you can explore the Hubbard House Museum). Also notable is the town’s industrial past, serving as a major shipping port during the coal and iron ore trade. If you like searching for seaglass, both Walnut Beach and Conneaut Township Park are hotspots thanks to an old GE light bulb factory in the area.

“The Covered Bridge Capital of Ohio”

What draws the most tourists to the area are 19 covered bridges which give the county the distinction of being “the covered bridge capital of Ohio.”

What’s really cool is that this county is home to both the longest and shortest covered bridge in the US (613 foot Smolen Gulf in Ashtabula and 18 foot West Liberty in Geneva). I love touring quaint old bridges; it’s such a blast to the past. Sadly, few covered bridges remain so time is running out to see what’s left.

While 12,000 bridges were built between the 1800’s-early 1900’s, only a thousand or so remain. With so many in one place, Ashtabula County is a great place to plan a historical daytrip, especially if you are living in or traveling to Cleveland. Ohio currently ranks number 3, following only Vermont, and Pennsylvania for most remaining bridges.

I’ve taken many daytrips to this area to photograph all these bridges. You could visit all of them in a single day but it would require a lot of driving. Thankfully, the town is home to other attractions like museums, beaches, and a historic downtown, to justify more than one trip. Enjoy the tour!

Smolen-Gulf

• Length: 613 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 7001 State Road (Lower view) and Country Road 25 (Upper View)

Smolen Gulf is a Prass Truss bridge in Ashtabula. This is the bridge that draws the majority of tourists thanks to its’ distinction of being the longest covered bridge in the US. According to the visitor’s bureau, the structural design was via a former county engineer and the architectural design by a current county engineer. It opened in 2008 to traffic.

If you only have time for one, I would say this is a worthy pick just to check it off your bucket list. It stands 93 feet above the Ashtabula River and there are some nice views if you want to walk across the pedestrian walkway.

West Liberty

• Length: 18 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 94 W Liberty St. Geneva

This one is also worth putting your bucket list, if anything just to say you drove through the shortest covered bridge in the country. This one opened to traffic in 2011. It looks different than most of the others thanks to a Scissor Truss roof. The old toll keeper booth gives it a bit of extra historical significance. Also, there is a little historical plaque where you can read more about the bridge. It seems to be in pretty good condition! There is a Little Free Library on-site, so bring with any used books you no longer need!

Harpersfield

• Length: 228 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 1122 Harpersfield Rd. Geneva

At 228 feet, this Howe Truss bridge is the second longest after Smolen Gulf. Built in 1868, today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It would be a lot more scenic, however, the steel bridge attached following a flood in 1913 takes away from the view a bit. A pedestrian walkway was added in 1991 and today you take a nice walk and enjoy views of the Grand River.

This one attracts more tourists because it is located in the County Metropark. You can picnic, fish, and hike in this area so there is more to do than simply take pictures of the bridge which is nice if you are seeking a longer day out. There is also a small gift shops and restrooms. The bridge reopened to traffic in 2024 so you can now drive across it.

Benetka Road

• Length: 138 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 4500 Benetka Road. Ashtabula

This beautiful historic Town Lattice was built in 1900 across the Ashtabula River. Laminated arches were added in the 1985 remodel. It’s rustic and secluded – prepare to drive 2 miles down a gravel road. It’s worth the inconvenient drive to see this secluded historic beauty.

Middle Road

• Length: 136 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 910 Middle Road. Conneaut

This historic bridge built in 1868 features a lush setting over Conneaut Creek, the longest river in the eastern portion of the county. In 1984, volunteers helped with reconstruction efforts. This is an example of a Howe Truss designed bridge.

This was a nice quiet stop – one of my favorites overall. No one else was around as it is a bit off-the-beaten path (thus part of its’ appeal). It was easy to drive, walk across, and take some pictures of the creek. I imagine this one would be especially scenic in the fall with all the colorful leaves.

State Road

• Length: 152 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 5899 State Road. Kingsville

This beautiful Kingsville bridge, built in 1983, features a scenic location over Conneaut Creek. The beautiful Town Lattice construction with 4 foot windows on both sides and leafy background easily makes this one of the most scenic in my opinion. According to the country website, it was the first covered bridge designed and built by County Engineer John Smolen, Jr. I love the look of this bridge and the rustic setting. If you are limited on time, this one would make my top 5 list.

Cain Road

• Length: 124 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 4699 Caine Rd. Pierpont

This bridge claims the distinction of the first Prass Truss bridge built in Ohio (1986). this is another one that is out of the way, requiring a drive down a gravel road but it’s worth it. I love all these quaint bridges in the Jefferson area. If I had to pick one area for a tour, I would probably pick Jefferson due to the lack of tourist crowds and pretty country setting.

Creek Road

• Length: 125 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 371 Creek Road. Conneaut

This beautiful Town Lattice bridge sits above the beautiful Conneaut Creek. According to the visitor’s bureau, the date of origin is unknown, but it was last renovated in 1994. I loved the serene creek views and it was so quiet – no one else around on our visit. There is a bench where you can take your photo. Parking is on the side of the road.

Graham Road

• Length: 97 feet
• Driveable: No
• Address: 4646 Graham Road. Pierpont

This is one of the few bridges in this county which you cannot drive across but it is still an interesting piece of history. It’s a Town Truss that was built in 1913 from what was left of a bridge that was damaged in a flood. This one is a bit odd – it’s not located on the road, but rather in a grassy space.

It’s a bit worn down, but it was interesting to take a walk around. We didn’t see anyone else in this area, so a nice rustic stop. There is a picnic table available inside the bridge which is pretty cool.

South Denmark

• Length: 100 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 2670 S. Denmark Rd. Jefferson

This rustic Town Lattice bridge was built in 1890. It’s very old looking but appears to be in good condition. I actually prefer viewing old bridges even if they are more worn down – it feels more like a nostalgic piece of history from a time long ago. I loved the quiet setting on a quiet road. Bonus: there is a pretty barn quilt painting on the side.

Mechansville

• Length: 156 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 1153 Mechanicsville Rd. Geneva

This Howe Truss with arch bridge claims the distinction of being the longest single span in the county. It was built in 1867, which makes it the oldest in the county. For the historical significance alone, i would say it’s worthy of a stop. It was renovated and opened to vehicle traffic in 2003. This is another cool one to walk through and the river views are nice.

If you need a bite to eat, there is a bar (Grand River Manor) right across the street. They serve your typical bar fare with a bonus riverfront view.

Netcher Road

• Length: 110 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 1544 Netcher Road. Jefferson

This 110 foot bridge sits over Mill Creek in Jefferson Township. It features a distinct red color and timber arch. It was built in 1998 (with grant funding) so this is another newer one. The eye catching red color reminds me of a barn. It’s located just a few miles from Giddings Road and Historic Doyle Road bridges so you can hit a few at the same time. All 3 bridges are located in a relaxed country area about 10 miles south of Ashtabula so a nice place to enjoy a cruise, especially during the warmer months.

Riverview

• Length: 150 feet
• Driveable: No
• Address: 4761 State Road. Ashtabula

Riverview is 150 feet long, making it one of the longest in the country. It was completed in 2016, making it the newest bridge in the area. You can’t drive through it unfortunately, but it’s a nice walk across with views of the Ashtabula River. It features Prass Truss design – the same as Smolen Gulf.

I usually go for the more historic bridges, but I like the park setting here. There are some trails you can access at the park for more exercise. Plus, there is a large parking area.

Root Road

• Length: 114 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 4680 Root Road. Conneaut

Another one of the oldest, this historic gem was built in 1868. This was my final stop after a very long day consisting of over 6 hours of driving. It’s a Town Lattice which crosses the Ashtabula River. Refurbishment which included an 18 inch raise and a concrete pier took place in 1982. It looks super old but appears to be standing the test of time.

Giddings Road

• Length: 107 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 1399 Giddings Rd. Jefferson

This Pratt Truss bridge was built in 1995. It’s not one of my favorites personally, but it’s located within close proximity to more historic bridges like Doyle Road. The design is simple and not as exciting as some of other others, however, if you are doing the full tour you can’t miss it. We got to see a bit of fall foliage, but I imagine it is quite gorgeous in the peak of autumn due to the leafy surroundings.

Windsor Mills

• Length: 120 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 7696 Warner Hollow Rd. Windsor

This Town Lattice was built in 1867, so it is one of the older bridges in this area. It’s also on the National Register of Historic Places. Renovations took place in 2002 and 2003 and it opened to vehicle traffic again at this time. This is another one of my favorites – I love the quiet country location and the eye catching yellow color. It’s very green and I assume a gorgeous leaf peeping choice around fall. It’s located on a side road around private homes. Limited parking on the side.

This is one of the most remote bridges (it’s not really by any others) so this was one of the last I got around to seeing. However, it’s one of the most gorgeous and attractively secluded so worthy of the drive.

Riverdale Road

• Length: 114 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 3349 Riverdale Rd. Rock Creek

This Town Lattice is built over the Grand River. It’s another older one (built in 1874) although the floor was rebuilt in 1981. This is a classic old time bridge in a nice quiet area – just another great one for the bucket list.

Doyle Road

• Length: 94 feet
• Driveable: Yes
• Address: 1300 Doyle Rd. Jefferson

This 94 foot long Town Lattice bridge crosses Mill Creek. It was built in 1868 and remodeled in 1987. No official lot, but there is parking for 1 or 2 cars on the side. You can walk across but watch out for traffic. On the day we toured this bridge, the sun basically ruined most of our pictures. While we could stand behind a tree for some of the shots, this one just didn’t cooperate. I’d like to come back under better conditions as this is a beautiful old bridge in a quiet area.

Things to Know:

Expect a lot of driving time between bridges. I took multiple daytrips to the area. While it can be done, I think driving to all in a single day (especially if you are staying in Cleveland) is just too much. Consider grouping those in the same area i.e. Ashtabula, Jefferson, Conneaut and planning separate daytrips.

Bridges photograph better on overcast days. The sun is brutal for photography. On sunny days, we attempted to maneuver around to get the best photos, but it is difficult.

Tours are available. You can read more about these tours and also learn some unique facts on the official Ohio website.

This area gets a lot of snow as it is located in Ohio’s snow belt region. Winter is not the best time to plan your tour. Summer, spring, and early fall are all great times to take a self-guided tour.

The Covered Bridge festival takes place in October each year. This is a great time to plan your visit as it will likely be peak leaf peeping season. This event includes: a 5k, parade, food vendors, and live entertainment.

Tips

Take a look at this bridge map on the visitor’s bureau website. There is also more info on each bridge.

Stop by this great little coffeehouse called Harbor Perk while touring the Ashtabula bridges. I always stop here first thing on any trip to the area. The coffee is fantastic and I love the cozy setting with the brick walls (it reminds me of an old school house coffee which are unfortunately disappearing today). It’s located in the downtown nearby a number of local cafes and shops.

While touring the Conneaut bridges, be sure to stop by Conneaut Township Park. This is a nice beach for strolling, collecting seaglass, and you can even see a lighthouse. It’s free to park. I’ve found so much rare blue seaglass here thanks to a former GE lightbulb factory. Seaglass is basically discarded trash (often found near old dump sites) which has had decades to tumble around and eventually resembles a smooth gem.

Plan for a stop at Walnut Beach in Ashtabula. This is another nice beach and I also find quite a lot of seaglass here. It’s a low-key gem with numerous amenities including: picnic tables, volleyball courts, a boardwalk path, tire swings, and the cutest boat photo opp.

While touring the Geneva bridges, you can make a quick detour to Geneva-on-the-Lake. It’s not really my style, but a lot of tourists love this area. You’ll find a lot of quirky shops and food stands on the main drag known as “The Strip.” I can say that I enjoyed the best lemonade and french fries ever here (or maybe I was just starving from all the driving!).

If your visit falls between August -Thanksgiving, you will want to stop by Brant’s Orchards for some fresh apple cider and donuts. You can pick your own apples and enjoy a healthy lunch overlooking the lake. It’s a wonderful place to spend a fall day. And the fall colors are amazing!