The Ultimate Covered Bridge Road Trip in Ashtabula County, Ohio

If you’re planning the ultimate Ohio covered bridge road trip, you need to head straight to Ashtabula County.

I spent much of my childhood here.

Think country backroads, cider at roadside stands, wooden bridges, and amazing fall foliage.

Ashtabula County isn’t just another stop on a covered bridge tour in Ohio; it’s the star of the show.

With 19 covered bridges, it’s the Covered Bridge Capital of Ohio.

From record-breaking spans to quiet, hidden gems tucked among farmland, this part of the state is a dream destination for anyone mapping out an Ohio covered bridge road trip.

While these bridges are gorgeous year-round, autumn transforms them into something truly special.

The maples and oaks explode into reds and golds, vineyards harvest their grapes, and the air is crisp enough to justify packing a sweater.

Spring brings wildflowers, summer adds lush green backdrops, and winter wraps everything in a peaceful blanket of snow.

A scenic autumn view of the historic covered bridge lattice of bridge surrounded by lush aurumn greenery

Why Ashtabula County Is Perfect for an Ohio Covered Bridge Tour

If you’re after a truly memorable Ashtabula County covered bridge tour, you’re in luck.

The county has more covered bridges than anywhere else in Ohio, and many are still in daily use.

Some date back over a century, while others are modern builds honoring the tradition.

The variety makes Ashtabula a perfect hub for any Ohio covered bridge road trip.

You can see a record-breaking span bridge and cross over century-old structures.

You can also admire designs that blend old-world craftsmanship with new engineering.

Here are some of the prettiest covered bridges in Ohio.

Gray colored scenic covered bridge in Ashtabula County, Ohio with a bright blue sky

Best Time To Go On An Ohio Covered Bridge Road Trip

Fall is my top pick for an Ohio covered bridge road trip.

Between the brilliant foliage, crisp temperatures, and the Covered Bridge Festival in October, it’s an unbeatable time to visit.

Here are some of the best places to experience fall in the Midwest.

Spring brings fresh greens, blooming flowers, and lighter traffic, making it another great choice for a relaxed drive.

In summer, you can pair your bridge-hopping with a day at Lake Erie’s beaches or stops at local wineries.

Winter offers a completely different kind of beauty, when snow-covered bridges look like something straight out of a holiday card.

Close up picture of light brown covered bridge in Ashtabula County with stone columns surrounded by autumn colored greenery

Highlights of an Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Tour

You don’t have to follow a rigid loop.

This covered bridge road trip is all about meandering at your own pace.

Whether you start in Geneva-on-the-Lake, downtown Ashtabula, or one of the small inland towns, each bridge has its own personality and setting that makes it worth the stop.

Here are my top choices when it comes to these bridges.

They all have something different and interesting to make for a wonderful adventure.

Smolen–Gulf Covered Bridge

This is the showpiece of Ashtabula County and an essential stop on any Ohio covered bridge tour.

At 613 feet long, it holds the title of the longest covered bridge in the United States.

It is also the fourth longest in the world.

Opened in 2008, it blends modern engineering with traditional style.

The pedestrian walkway lets you slow down to take in sweeping views over the Grand River gorge.

In autumn, the valley below becomes a sea of gold and crimson; it’s incredible.

Scenic covered bridge in Ashtabula County, Ohio. The Smolen-Gulf Bridge is the longest covered wooden bridge in the US.

Harpersfield Covered Bridge Road Trip

Built in 1868, this two-span beauty stretches 228 feet over the Grand River.

It is one of Ohio’s longest covered bridges. I have to say It’s also one of the most photogenic.

There is also a riverside park right next door that’s perfect for picnics, fishing, or just stretching your legs.

If you visit in October, you might catch local vendors and festivities tied to the Covered Bridge Festival.

Brown wooden bridge with brown roof spanning wide rust-colored river

Benetka Road Covered Bridge Road Trip

Tucked away on a quiet road, the Benetka Bridge dates back to around 1900 and features a classic Town truss design.

During its 1985 renovation, laminated arches were added, giving it a slightly different profile than many of the others in the county.

It’s one of the places you might stumble upon accidentally and then spend half an hour photographing from every angle.

Benetka Road Bridge, Side View by a green bank. The article is about Ohio covered bridge road trip.

Netcher Road Covered Bridge

This bridge is proof that new doesn’t have to mean boring.

The Netcher Road Bridge was built in 1999 in a Neo-Victorian style, and it’s instantly striking.

White with red trim, it feels like it belongs in a painting, and it’s especially striking when surrounded by autumn foliage or blanketed in fresh snow.

red wooden covered bridge in Ashtabula county Ohio spanning over gully.

Mechanicsville Road Covered Bridge

Dating back to 1867, this is one of the oldest in Ashtabula County and sits low over the Grand River, giving it a unique, intimate feel.

On foggy mornings, it almost disappears into the mist, making it a favorite for photographers looking for that moody, timeless shot.

light-colored wooden bridge spanning river surrounded by greenery

Olin-Dewey Covered Bridge

Nestled in a leafy setting, the Olin-Dewey Bridge looks like it was pulled straight from a storybook. In summer, it’s framed by lush greenery.

In fall, the trees explode with color, and in winter, snow makes it look like something from a Christmas card.

Other bridges to add if you have the time include Caine Road, Giddings Road, Doyle Road, Root Road,

South Denmark Road, State Road, Middle Road, Windsor Mills, West Liberty, and Riverdale, each with its own slice of Ashtabula charm.

wooden bridge crossing over river surrounded by autumn-colored leaves

Windsor Mills Covered Bridge

Dating back to 1867, Windsor Mills is a sunny yellow gem tucked over Phelps Creek.

Its 120-foot Town Lattice design, built from local white pine, has weathered more than a century of Ohio seasons.

After being closed for decades, it was lovingly restored in the early 2000s and now welcomes visitors once again.

The bright paint pops against the greenery, making it a must-stop photo op on your Ashtabula County bridge tour.

The Windsor Mills Covered Bridge is the only bright yellow covered bridge in Ashtabula County, and locals say it looks like it’s glowing when the morning sun hits it.

A scenic autumn view of the historic and restored orange wooden bridge surrounded by bright fall leaves.

Fun Detours Along the Way

One of the best parts of a covered bridge road trip in Ashtabula County is that the bridges are only part of the adventure.

The roads between them are dotted with stops worth lingering over.

Geneva-on-the-Lake is a classic boardwalk town with vintage arcades, lakeside ice cream stands, and a stretch of shoreline that feels like stepping back in time.

It’s one of the best small towns in Ohio.

In Ashtabula Harbor, you’ll find a charming waterfront lined with boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants, all with views of the harbor and historic lift bridge.

If you love wine, you’re in luck; this is Ohio’s wine country, home to more than 30 wineries, many of which offer tasting rooms and patios overlooking the vines.

There are so many beautiful vineyards in Ohio.

On warmer days, you can detour to Walnut Beach or Geneva State Park for a walk along Lake Erie.

In autumn, roadside produce stands tempt you with pumpkins, apples, and jars of homemade jam.

These little stops are what make the journey as memorable as the bridges themselves.

Brown wooden bridge surrounded by lush greenery

Covered Bridge Road Trip: Travel Essentials

Here are my tips on packing lightly and using a carry-on when traveling to the Midwest—and why it is almost a necessity!

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.

It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would also work well for you.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful if visiting hotel spas to unwind.

These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.

If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

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Covered Bridge Road Trip Tips

To make the most of your trip, download a bridge map from the Ashtabula County tourism site before setting out.

Cell service can be patchy on rural backroads, and some smaller bridges are easy to miss.

I find early mornings and late afternoons offer the most magical light for photography, especially in fall when the trees are ablaze with color.

I also advise to take your time, many bridges are one-lane and best enjoyed at a slow crawl.

My biggest tip is to leave space in your schedule for detours, a lakeside stroll in Geneva-on-the-Lake, a stop at a produce stand, or a tasting at a local winery.

And don’t miss the chance to stretch your legs at Harpersfield Covered Bridge Park.

Or along the pedestrian walkway on Smolen–Gulf Bridge, where sweeping views of the Grand River will remind you why this is a drive worth taking.

It is a good idea to pack snacks, drinks, and a thermos of coffee to have when lingering at each stop without rushing to find the nearest café.

White covered bridge with road leading up to it with surrounded by greenery with chite clouds in blue sky.

Covered Bridge Road Trip: Where to Stay

If you decide to turn your Ohio covered bridge road trip into a weekend getaway, there are plenty of inviting places to stay in and around Ashtabula County.

For a lakeside escape, The Lakehouse Inn Geneva offers boutique-style rooms, stunning views of Lake Erie, and an on-site restaurant and spa perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

If you prefer something familiar and reliable, the Hampton Inn Ashtabula is a comfortable choice with free breakfast, an indoor pool, and friendly service.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites in Austinburg is another great option, especially if you’re planning to spend time exploring the county’s many wineries.

Wood covered bridge surrounded by greenery spanning over a river.

Whether you visit for the foliage or just want a Ohio weekend getaway of small-town charm, an Ohio covered bridge road trip in Ashtabula County blends history, beauty, and nostalgia into one unforgettable drive.