The longest covered bridge in America stretches 613 feet, and you can drive your car right across it. That bridge is not in New England.
It sits in northeast Ohio, and it isn’t even the only record-setter in the state.
I love that Ohio quietly holds the top two spots. One of them started life as a railroad bridge before anyone thought to give it a roof.
Another sits next to a restored gristmill with a giant wheel and a waterfall.
Fall is when these wooden tunnels really show off. The leaves turn, the back roads get quiet, and each bridge becomes a framed window into the season.
So grab a full tank and a thermos of cider. Ten bridges are waiting, spread from the Lake Erie region to the Appalachian foothills.
Which one will make you pull over first?
1. Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge
Six hundred thirteen feet of roof and timber makes a pretty strong opening act. You’re looking at the longest covered bridge in the United States, and it ranks fourth longest in the world.
Better yet, you don’t just admire it from the side. Two paved lanes carry cars straight through, and walkways line the route so you can stroll it on foot too.
Down below, things get even more interesting. A walking bridge and a peaceful trail follow the Ashtabula River, giving you a view of the big bridge overhead and a waterfall nearby.
At one end, a stop offers history information and a solid spot for photos. That makes it a natural first or last stop on an Ashtabula County covered bridge tour.
It’s open around the clock, with free parking. Sunday afternoons draw the biggest crowds, so a weekday visit keeps things calmer.
Address: 4800 State Rd S, Ashtabula, OH 44004
2. Historic Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark
Right down the road from the record holder, another giant crosses the Grand River. Harpersfield is long, picturesque, and refreshingly easy to enjoy.
You can walk across it or drive across it, so pick your pace. Either way, the river views do most of the talking.
The bridge anchors a metropark run by Ashtabula County Metroparks. That means picnic areas sit close by, ready for a lunch break between bridge stops.
Geneva’s countryside adds plenty of charm on the way in. Rural roads and river parkland surround the site, and autumn color fills the area nicely.
Families will feel right at home here, since the park welcomes kids. Parking is available on site, so you can step out and start exploring quickly.
Pair it with Smolen-Gulf for a one-two punch of northeast Ohio’s longest spans. It’s hard to find a better morning drive in the region.
Address: 1225 Harpersfield Rd, Geneva, OH 44041
3. Bridge of Dreams
Trains once rumbled across this span long before it ever wore a roof. Built in the 1920s as a railroad bridge, it was covered in 1998.
Today it stretches 370 feet, making it Ohio’s second-longest covered bridge. Not bad for a former rail crossing in a village of fewer than 200 people.
Instead of cars, you’ll share the deck with walkers, bikers, and the occasional horse-drawn buggy. It’s part of the Knox County bike trail system and the Kokosing Gap Trail.
Bring a bike and turn the visit into a longer ride. The paved trail rolls through wooded hills that look especially good in October.
Picnic tables and a large parking lot make lingering easy. Fishing and horseback riding are part of the scene too.
Hours run from 6 AM to 11 PM daily. Several more covered bridges sit within about a 30-minute drive.
Address: 15791-15799 Main St, Brinkhaven, OH 43006
4. Historic Rock Mill Covered Bridge
A covered bridge, a gristmill, a barn, and a house walk into one park. No punchline needed, because the scene is the reward.
Fairfield County’s Rock Mill site packs a lot into a small space. The bridge crosses a gorge about 30 feet deep, framed by sandstone bluffs.
Next door stands a lovingly restored gristmill dating to 1824. Its giant mill wheel steals plenty of attention.
Then there’s the waterfall, often called one of the nicest in central Ohio. Fall leaves around the falls make the whole setting feel like a storybook page.
Yes, it’s a bit out of the way. That extra driving through Lancaster farmland is part of the fun.
The park is open 24 hours, with free parking. It welcomes kids, who tend to love that huge wheel.
Address: 1429 Rockmill Rd NW, Lancaster, OH 43130
5. Historic North Lewisburg Covered Bridge
Not every covered bridge on this list wears a century of age. This Union County beauty was replaced in 2006, with the township and Honda teaming up on the project.
That’s a fun twist for a road trip. A carmaker helping build a new covered bridge feels very Ohio.
You’ll roll up on a smooth two-lane blacktop. Open countryside spreads out around it, perfect for watching fall fields turn gold.
Union County is known for having many covered bridges. This one makes a handy starting point if you want to chase a few more nearby.
Sure, it’s a more modern design. It still looks great and earns its spot on a scenic drive.
The bridge is accessible around the clock. Quiet weekend afternoons make easy photo opportunities.
Address: Marysville, OH 43040
6. Historic Newton Falls Covered Bridge
Old and still on the job, this bridge refuses to retire. It ranks as the second-oldest covered bridge in Ohio and still carries traffic.
You can drive right through it, which feels like a small time-travel trick. A pedestrian walkway lets you take the slower route too.
Newton Falls is a small town, and the bridge fits its easygoing pace. It’s also the only covered bridge in Trumbull County.
That single status gives it local pride. Folks in the region don’t need to drive far for a taste of the old days.
The structure is well preserved, so the details are worth a close look. Bring a camera for those classic timber angles.
It’s open 24 hours. Weekday mornings tend to be the quietest time to stop by.
Address: Newton Falls, OH 44444
7. Historic Roberts Covered Bridge
Why have one tunnel when you can have two? Roberts is a double-barreled covered bridge, a rare design with two side-by-side passages.
Look for the curved center beam running through the structure. It’s the kind of detail that rewards a slow walk.
The bridge sits in a scenic park in Eaton, the Preble County seat. Waterfalls, a lake, picnic tables, and park benches surround it.
Ducks hang out nearby, and kids usually find them as exciting as the bridge. Pack a snack and claim a bench for a while.
Southwestern Ohio back roads lead you here, and they cost nothing but gas. Fall color along the way is a free bonus.
The park is open 24 hours. It’s an easy stop that feels much bigger than its size.
Address: 315 S Beech St, Eaton, OH 45320
8. Black Covered Bridge
Here’s a bridge where your feet do the driving. The Black Covered Bridge is a walk-through span over Four Mile Creek, just outside Oxford.
It’s huge, with original planks underfoot. A historic marker explains the story behind it.
Getting there is almost suspiciously easy. Park in the free lot, then stroll about 50 feet on blacktop to reach the entrance.
A paved trail continues beyond for walking, running, or biking. Butler County woodland turns that path into a colorful fall tunnel.
The Oxford Museum Association highlights the bridge’s history. That gives the visit a little extra depth beyond photos.
Unlike some round-the-clock stops, this one keeps hours. Plan for 7 AM to 8 PM daily.
Address: 5401 Corso Rd, Oxford, OH 45056
9. Historic Mohican Covered Bridge
State park scenery and a covered bridge in one stop? Mohican delivers both, set inside Mohican State Park near Perrysville.
Walkways run along both sides of the bridge. From there, you get lovely views of the stream below.
Forest surrounds the whole area, and fall color here can be spectacular. The Mohican River valley is a favorite autumn drive for good reason.
You won’t run out of things to do. Walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas sit nearby.
The river invites kayaking and wildlife watching too. It’s an easy place to turn a quick photo stop into a full afternoon.
A large parking lot keeps arrivals simple. The bridge is accessible 24 hours a day.
Address: Park Rd, Perrysville, OH 44864
10. Historic Rinard Covered Bridge
Cars aren’t invited here, and that’s part of the appeal. The Rinard Covered Bridge is open only to people on foot.
Step out onto it for views of the Little Muskingum River. With no traffic, you can take your time with photos.
The bridge sits along State Route 26 north of Marietta. That stretch holds several covered bridges, so you can chain them together.
It’s part of the Washington County covered bridge tour. Southeastern Ohio’s Appalachian foothills make a stunning fall backdrop.
Route 26 winds through Wayne National Forest country. Expect curvy roads and plenty of leaf color along the way.
It’s a fitting finale for this Ohio bridge hunt. From the nation’s longest to a quiet footbridge, the state covers it all.
Address: OH-26, Matamoras, OH 45767
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