Ohio: Ashtabula County's Covered Bridges

One-Tank Trip

Don’t overlook your backyard.

If someone asked me (in the past) if I had any regrets, I used to say no, but now I have an answer - NOT EXPLORING OHIO MORE!!!

I spent most of my life in this state, I grew up here, worked here, went to college here, drove around the state but didn’t see what actually existed in this state that makes it ABSOLUTELY fantastic. They say you really don't appreciate things until you've been gone.

This One-Tank trip my friend Kristen and I head up to Ashtabula County to track down and find some of the covered bridges in Ashtabula County which there are a total of 16 in the area.

Since the RV could potentially have height issues, I once again borrowed my dad's Cadillac to head northeast. 

Planning a trip around Ohio that didn’t happen.

Early summer I began planning out a trip around Ohio, I was going to make one big loop, staying at Harvest Host locations throughout the state. This would allow me to cut my travel costs and allow me to stay at some fantastic locations. 

If you do not know what Harvest Hosts is, it’s a yearly membership program that invites self-contained RVers to have unique overnight stays. If you have any plans to travel for extended periods of time, I highly recommend this program.

Harvest Hosts (15% Off Membership) > http://harvesthosts.refr.cc/joynewcomb

Finding apps that allow you to plan, research and route as an all-in-one was a difficult find, I was introduced to Roadtrippers when I won a lifetime membership during an event in Alabama at the beginning of 2020. I used this app to route out my trip around Ohio. I chose stops, unique places, parks, and places I wished to tour, visit and photograph.

I can not stress this enough, GET THIS APP!  Not only can you research areas, you can then add them to your trip itinerary and it will route out your trip, estimate the gas cost and mileage. 

Unfortunately because of Covid spikes & issues with my knee, I decided to hold off on. This trip didn’t happen. Yet.

Silver lining, The idea of One tank-Trips.

Since Covid19 created a worldwide pandemic, I had decided to stay in Ohio, while I couldn't quite travel like I wanted I knew that I could explore aspects of Ohio. Rediscover my backyard. Unfortunately my knee would not allow me to take full advantage of this concept. I did however travel to a few places.

Marblehead Lighthouse > https://youtu.be/zmXDQoqcnK8

Amish Country & Wineries > https://youtu.be/xtyT6v5XHU4

Holden Arboretum > https://youtu.be/ezyy7faQVE8

Berlin Lake > https://youtu.be/1FQqpEwEpz0

These small trips allowed me to keep exploring, keep creating and continue to practice my skills as a vlogger and fine tune my photography style. 

In my quest to explore Ohio with one-tank trips, I discovered a cluster of covered bridges in the northeast section of Ohio and knew I wanted to explore this area, especially during the full color spectrum of Autumn. Keeping an eye on weather and instagram for that area, I determined the end of October should be pretty amazing. Honestly, It was just the start of the leaves turning, one week later would have been better, but Ohio weather, you go when the sun is out.

Did you know?

Ohio ranks #2 for the number of covered bridges. There are 146. Pennsylvania is #1 with 200. 

Yes. One hundred and forty-six!!!! 146!! The concept of photographing and documenting all of them, intrigues me. It would be one hell of an undertaking. If covid19 continues into next year, it may be something I begin to plan out. I may have to wait until I have a van - I have decided that in the nearish future I will be downsizing to a campervan.

I was able to check off the first 5 in Ashtabula County, Ohio

Netcher Road Covered Bridge

A covered bridge spanning a small river in Jefferson Township, Ashtabula County, Ohio, United States. The bridge is a single span constructed of timber arches with inverted Haupt walls, in a "Neo-Victorian" design. It was built in 1998. It is 110 feet long and 22 feet wide.

Coordinates: 41°44′14″N 80°43′54″W

Doyle Road Covered Bridge

A covered bridge spanning Mill Creek in Jefferson Township, Ashtabula County, Ohio. Built in 1868 it is a single span Town truss design, with laminated arches added during its renovation in 1987. It is 94 feet in length and has a clearance of 13’ 3 inches.

Coordinates: 41°45′44″N 80°47′25″W

Giddings Road Covered Bridge

A covered bridge constructed ni 1995 spanning Mill Creek in Jefferson Township, Ashtabula County, Ohio. It is a single span Pratt truss design. It is 107 feet in length.

Coordinates: 41°45′53″N 80°43′57″W

Mechanicsville Covered Bridge

A covered bridge spanning the Grand River in Austinburg Township, Ashtabula County, Ohio built in 1867. It is the longest single span covered bridge in the county, and is believed to be the oldest in the county as well. The bridge is a Howe truss design with laminated arches added during its renovation in 2003-04. It is 156 feet in length.

Coordinates: 41°45′17″N 80°53′53″W

Harpersfield Covered Bridge

A covered bridge spanning the Grand River in Harpersfield Township, Ashtabula County, Ohio built in 1868. This double-span Howe truss bridge is the third longest covered bridge in Ohio at 228 feet. A flood in 1913 washed away the land at the north end of the bridge, and the steel span was subsequently attached. The bridge features a walkway, added during its renovation in 1991-92. The bridge also features an Ashtabula County MetroPark at its north end, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Coordinates: 41.75589°N 80.94433°W.