Bridges to the Past

Fall serves as a spectacular backdrop to explore Ashtabula County’s collection of 19 covered bridges, including the longest and the shortest in the United States.

The arrival of autumn is a perfect time to drive or bike through history while exploring the covered bridges of Ashtabula County, each one a testament to the preservation of the past and a commitment to the future. e county is home to 19 covered bridges, including the longest and shortest in the United States. Twelve of the bridges were built in the mid1800s and early 1900s, while seven have been newly constructed.

At 613 feet long, the Smolen-Gulf Bridge is the longest covered bridge in the United States. e bridge was constructed in 2008 as part of a conservation e ort to preserve the bridges and their history that was started by former county engineer John W. Smolen. Built in 2011, the West Liberty Street Covered Bridge spans just 18 feet, making it the smallest covered bridge in the nation. is bridge is only 12 miles from the Smolen-Gulf Bridge, making it easy to cross both o the list in one trip.

To celebrate the covered bridges and to teach visitors about their history, the Ashtabula Covered Bridge Festival is held at the county fairgrounds each year. ( is year’s event is set for Oct. 14 and 15.)

“[ e bridges] are more or less a museum in themselves,” Smolen says. “We don’t think of them as museums, but they kind of are. We want to preserve them for the ages.” coveredbridgefestival.org

Erin Finan

Ledges Trail Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The Ledges area of Ohio’s only national park is one of the stars of fall in northeast Ohio. The views along the 1.8-mile Ledges Trail are among the most spectacular in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and there are geological surprises to discover on the hike up to the overlook that offers a view across the valley. Enormous sandstone rock formations tower along the trail, making for a great afternoon adventure and fun photos. nps.gov/cuva

On Track

These excursion railroad lines offer scenic fall trips.

Elevated Beauty

The Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail Hike in the Hocking Hills offers some of the region’s most spectacular views, and fall is the best time to visit.

One of the major hiking trails located in the Hocking Hills region, Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve boasts some of the best fall landscapes, and its gorgeous, 2.5-mile Rim Trail gives visitors a bird’s-eye view of this beauty in all its autumn splendor.

e 87-acre preserve has become a popular Hocking Hills a raction, seeing between 2,000 and 5,000 visitors each weekend during its busiest seasons. e draw is especially strong in October when the leaves reach their radiant gold and crimson coloring.

“ e rim trail has so many excellent views,” says Levi Miller, southeast regional manager for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. “You can see this wonderful valley in full fall colors; it’s fantastic.” ere are waterfalls within the preserve and several of them can be seen from the trails. e preserve has a distinctive tiered cli system, creating beautiful cascades of water between the rim and the gorge. e preserve’s ecological conditions make it host to a wide variety of plant species not commonly found in other parts of the state including mountain laurel, eastern hemlock and Canada may ower. Conkle’s Hollow is hosting a fall foliage event Oct. 14 and 15 where travelers can come and learn more about the preserve and its history. 24858 Big Pine Rd., Rockbridge 43149, naturalareas.ohiodnr.gov — Erin Finan

Birdwatching at Great Egret Marsh Preserve

Every year, flocks of migrating songbirds and shorebirds pass through Lakeside Marblehead’s Great Egret Marsh Preserve on their fall migration. Lasting at least twice as long as spring migration, this autumnal flight attracts birders hoping to catch a glimpse of birds in the warbler, teal, thrush or tanager families. nature.org/ohio

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Take in the vibrant fall colors of Cuyahoga Valley National Park from the comfort of a vintage rail car. The train’s route has been recently modified, but guests can still enjoy a laid-back, 2-hour excursion. You can also supplement your hike or bike experience with a one-way ticket via the Explorer Program. cvsr.org

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

This historic railway takes riders on a trip through time along parts of this over 150-year-old southeast Ohio rail route. The railway offers several riding options and experiences including a chance to step aboard a 1920-era steam locomotive, wild encounters with friendly bandits, popular fall-foliage rides and more. hvsry.org