Posted in Ohio Attractions, Sights & Landmarks December 06, 2022 by

The Longest Covered Bridge In Ohio, Smolen- Gulf Bridge, Is 613 Feet Long

Did you know that the longest covered bridge in Ohio is more than 600 feet long? Did you also know that Ohio is home to the longest covered bridge in the country? Tucked away in the scenic Ashtabula County, you’ll find several drivable covered bridges that are simply begging to be photographed. (Be sure to check out this road trip that leads to 10 of them.) The Smolen-Gulf Bridge is the longest bridge in Ohio along the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Tour, and it’s downright majestic in the autumn months. Here’s why this one-of-a-kind bridge belongs on your bucket list.

No matter what time of year it is, Smolen-Gulf Bridge is a beautiful sight to behold, but it's particularly stunning in the fall when it's surrounded by vibrant fall foliage.
Mark K/Flickr
At the Plymouth and Ashtabula Township line in northern Ashtabula County, you'll find Smolen-Gulf Bridge.
The Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge is 613 feet long, stretching State Road across the picturesque Ashtabula River. It's both Ohio and America's longest covered bridge.
Mark K/Flickr
Construction for this massive bridge began in 2006 and was completed in 2008.
Once upon a time, Ashtabula County's Harpersfield Covered Bridge, (pictured), was the longest covered bridge in America.
Corey Balazowich/Flickr
It was built in 1868 and a steel bridge was added in 1913 after a flood altered the river. Today, it's the second longest covered bridge in Ohio.
The Smolen-Gulf Bridge stands 93 feet above the river with a height of 14.5 feet and a clear width of 30 feet. Its life expectancy is 100 years, according to Visit Ashtabula County's website.
Mark K/Flickr
Both the former and current County Engineer designed this beautiful bridge, John Smolen and Timothy Martin.
The view of the Ashtabula River from the bridge is stunning. You'll want to take your time driving through this one-of-a-kind piece of architecture.
Mark K/Flickr
Bring your camera!
Take some time to get out and stretch your legs at Indian Trails Park, which features a trail system right beneath the bridge at the Ashtabula River gulf.
Mark K/Flickr
Viewing the bridge from all angles is the best way to get a true sense of its massive size.

Have you ever visited Smolen-Gulf Bridge in Ohio before? How do you think the longest covered bridge in Ohio compares to some of the older covered bridges in Ohio? Share your thoughts, photos and experiences with us!

To see more of Ashtabula County’s picturesque covered bridges, check out our previous article: Hop In The Car And Visit 10 Of Ohio’s Covered Bridges In One Day.

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Address: 7001 State Rd S, Ashtabula, OH 44004, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Smolen-Gulf Bridge in Ohio

October 30, 2021
Sarah

What are some other covered bridges I should visit in Ohio?

Once you've visited the Smolen-Gulf Bridge, you'll be excited to visit some other charming covered bridges in Ohio. Happily, Ohio has many from which to choose (see the next question!). Some of our favorite covered bridges in the Buckeye State are:

  • The Bridge of Dreams which spans the Mohican River
  • Hune Covered Bridge near Marietta
  • State Road Covered Bridge in Monroe Township
  • Hueston Woods Bridge in the southwest corner of Ohio

 

What state has the most covered bridges?

In case you hadn’t already noticed, Ohio is full of some of the most beautiful covered bridges. In fact, it almost has the most covered bridges in the U.S. (Pennsylvania actually has the most, followed by Ohio.) On a beautiful day in the Buckeye State, they’re a heartwarming sight to see -- downright cheerful landmarks to come across whilst driving along our beautiful country roads. Ohio is proud of its covered bridge charm -- as it should be! -- and we share 17 of the most beautiful covered bridges in the Buckeye State in this article. Interested in more? Here are the number of historic covered bridges in some other states:

  • Connecticut - 8
  • Georgia - 18
  • Kentucky - 13
  • Maryland - 6
  • New York - 24

 

Does Ohio have any covered bridges I can drive across?

There's something so nostalgic about driving across an old, covered bridge. If this is an experience you're seeking, head to Ashtabula County, Ohio. The Covered Bridges Byway in Ashtabula County, (also known as the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Tour), is an especially beautiful way to take in some of Ohio’s back road scenery and discover some charming covered bridges along the way. You can drive through America’s shortest and longest covered bridge along this scenic route, which features a total of 19 covered bridges in Ashtabula County. Included in these are:

  • One of the most beautiful is the State Road Covered Bridge, a 157-foot-long beauty in Monroe Township.
  • West Liberty Covered Bridge
  • Harpersfield Covered Bridge
  • Caine Road Bridge