These 8 Beautiful Covered Bridges In Georgia Will Remind You Of A Simpler Time
Covered bridges are truly a beautiful sight. They were built long ago, predominantly out of timber with a roof and siding. They had a purpose, these bridges. It wasn’t just to be an aesthetically pleasing structure, nor to be the silent character in a Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood movie. These bridges were built with the purpose of protecting the wood structure from the elements of weather that could destroy or damage the bridge. (Of course, this was before metal or steel bridges were being utilized.) There are some absolutely stunning covered bridges in Georgia that have still stood the test of time. Take a look at some of our favorites on this list of bridges in Georgia.
To start of our list of covered bridges in Georgia is Poole's Mill Covered Bridge in Ball Ground. This covered bridge is about a century old, and can be located in Forsyth County over the Settendown Creek. The design on the bridge is a Lattice truss which means it has a unique criss-cross pattern throughout.
Although this bridge isn't open to traffic, it still is a wonder to see. Especially since it's been rebuilt twice, once after its 100th birthday, and the next time after a flood washed it away. It's one of the most historic places in Georgia and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Located just southwest of the town of Blakely, Coheelee Creek Covered Bridge is the southernmost original covered bridge in the U.S. The 96-foot long bridge was built in 1891 by John William Baughman. But here's the kicker; the bridge cost only $490.41 to build. WOW.
At more than 130-feet long and 16-feet wide, the Concord Covered Bridge was built in 1872 and has indeed stood the test of time. Since it has been one of the most high-traffic covered bridges in Georgia, repairs have been added in the form of steel beams and concrete piers.
Watson Mill Bridge is a true beauty of covered bridges in Georgia. It sits on a 1,018 acre Georgia state park, located near the South Fork of the Broad River. Although it can get a bit crowded, the scenery, depending on the time of year you visit, is well worth the trip.
Elder Mill has truly become part of Georgia history. After being built in 1897, it became a popular place to view the magical Rose Creek. Now, Elder Mill Covered Bridge is one of only 13 functional covered bridges left in the state of Georgia.
Howard's Bridge was built in 1904 and sits at around 168 feet. It's named after the pioneer family that settled in the area in the late 1700s. You can find the bridge by heading three miles southeast of Smithonia on SR S2164.
Last on our list of bridges in Georgia is Cromer's Mill Covered Bridge, also known as Nails Creek Covered Bridge. It was built in 1906 and is open all year round to visitors.
Have you been to any of these beautiful covered bridges in Georgia? Maybe you packed a picnic for a romantic stroll or brought the kids out to discover some of your state’s history. We would love to hear about your experience.
Address: 7725 Pooles Mill Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107, USA
Address: Culloden, GA 31016, USA
Address: Old River Road, Old River Rd, Georgia 39823, USA
Address: Georgia 106, GA-106, Toccoa, GA, USA
Address: 650 Watson Mill, Comer, GA 30629, USA
Address: Elder Mill Road, Elder Mill Rd, Georgia 30677, USA
Address: Concord Road Southwest, Concord Rd SW, Smyrna, GA 30082, USA
Address: Smithonia Road, Smithonia Rd, Georgia, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Covered Bridges In Georgia
October 13, 2021
Melissa M.
What are some of the most beautiful bridges in Georgia?
Georgia sure does have some pretty sites and that includes its bridges. Among the most beautiful bridges in Georgia are the Tallulah Gorge Bridge in Tallulah Falls, the Silver Comet Trail Bridge in Paulding County, the Dillingham Street Bridge in Muscogee County, and the Broad Avenue Bridge in Albany. You can learn more about these bridges and more in this post.
What are some of the most fascinating historical places in Georgia?
Founded in 1732, Georgia has an incredible history and preserved historic places that everyone living in the state should visit. Spend some time at the former British Colonial fort, Fort King George Historic Fort, Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Park which is one of the best-preserved Civil War Battlefields in the country, and Wormsloe State Historic Site which has ruins as well as a gorgeous tunnel of live oaks and Spanish moss.
How many covered bridges can be found in Georgia?
Throughout the state of Georgia, there are only 16 covered wooden bridges left.
Address: 7725 Pooles Mill Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107, USA
Address: Culloden, GA 31016, USA
Address: Old River Road, Old River Rd, Georgia 39823, USA
Address: Georgia 106, GA-106, Toccoa, GA, USA
Address: 650 Watson Mill, Comer, GA 30629, USA
Address: Elder Mill Road, Elder Mill Rd, Georgia 30677, USA
Address: Concord Road Southwest, Concord Rd SW, Smyrna, GA 30082, USA
Address: Smithonia Road, Smithonia Rd, Georgia, USA
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.