We pulled into Kenisee Grand River Campground near Lake Erie, a peaceful hideaway nestled among tall trees and gravel paths. Chris was eager to reconnect with her longtime friend who summers nearby. I was eager for fresh air, a good campsite, and to let Charlie—our loyal service dog—sniff out every inch of Ohio. The campground delivered: shady sites, friendly neighbors, and walking paths perfect for a morning stroll or evening laugh. With our RV parked and the coffee hot, we had a solid launchpad for exploring Ashtabula County. This corner of Ohio is rich with Americana, and we were here to tour something special—its remarkable collection of covered bridges. A throwback to a slower, sturdier time. And yes, we were chasing all nineteen of them.
Our first stop was the Harpersfield Covered Bridge, built in 1868 and still proudly spanning the Grand River. It’s Ohio’s second-longest covered bridge, with a unique steel extension and a pedestrian walkway that invites you to slow down and imagine buggies rolling through. From there, we wandered toward Mechanicsville Bridge—another 1867 relic—where history met pop culture. Right next to the oldest tavern in Ohio sits a mural of The Beatles’ Abbey Road walk, and you better believe Chris and her friend recreated the iconic scene, right down to the stride. Even Charlie played along. These bridges weren’t just protection for timber beams—they were built to shelter horses, travelers, and memories. Turns out, they still do.
Then came the Smolen-Gulf Bridge, the heavyweight champ of American covered bridges. Stretching 613 feet over the Ashtabula River, it’s the longest in the country—and it feels like it. Towering above the gorge, it blends modern engineering with timeless charm. Built in 2008 but styled to match its 19th-century cousins, the Smolen-Gulf Bridge is a tribute to the county’s respect for heritage. Finally, we visited the Doyle Road Bridge, another 1868 structure quietly spanning Mill Creek. No bells, no fanfare, just solid craftsmanship doing its job—156 years later. These bridges weren’t merely crossings; they were comfort. Shelter from storms. They’ve stood through every season—and still serve.
After a full day, we had stories, snapshots, and sore legs. But most of all, we had perspective. These covered bridges remind us that the best things in life are often practical and beautiful. Sturdy but poetic. Charlie never cared about the engineering—he just loved the walk, the shade, and the company. And maybe that’s the lesson. It’s not just the bridges that connect places—it’s the people, the pets, the shared laughter between destinations. Ashtabula County gave us more than a map to follow. It gave us space to breathe, remember, and marvel at the simple genius of a roof over a road. America still builds things that last.
