Bridges of Ashtabula County LbNA #25456

The annual Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival occurs on the second week-end in October each year. The Covered Bridge Committee schedules the festival at that time because the fall foliage of northeastern Ohio provides a gorgeous backdrop for the sixteen unique covered bridges in our county. But, winter, spring, summer or fall—these quaint bridges are always entertaining and well worth the trip. My letter box involves one of the covered bridges. You may obtain a free self-guided tour map by contacting The Covered Bridge Festival Committee at (440-576-3769) or by e-mail info@coveredbridgefestival.org. You just go on-line and get it right away.Click on the blue link above that says Bridges of Ashtabula County.
You'll need that information to find the right bridge.

Find the bridge which contains 97,000 feet of southern pine and oak, and was erected in 1983. A four-foot tall window extends the length of the bridge showing the Town-Lattice construction. This bridge spans a creek that is usually shallow enough for hiking. I often wear old tennis shoes and walk the riverbed. It’s so relaxing and great fun for all ages—my grandchildren and I love to play there. If you decide to give it a try, keep your eyes open for the abundant signs of nature. This “river” is nationally acclaimed for its steelhead fishing and you may even catch sight of a pair of Bald Eagles who nest nearby. They can sometimes be seen (and heard) hunting the creek or flying overhead.

Once you’ve explored the river and examined the bridge construction, follow the road out past the parking area. It’s smooth walking and traffic is very infrequent. As you amble along this lovely rural road, you will notice that a guard rail protects the bank on the right side. When the railing stops, you can see a small path that gives you entrance back down into the woods. Although this isn’t YOUR destination, if you follow it, you’ll come to a lovely waterfall area that feeds into the bigger Creek. Remember it for another trip or later in the day. There is a flat shale area at the top of the falls that is a wonderful picnic spot in summer! You may be tempted to slide down the smaller section of the falls. Great fun but be careful! It can be treacherous and you may get stuck at the bottom if you are alone.

But for now, continue down the winding road until you have traveled about .4 mile from the bridge. At that point, a road intersects from your right side while a wooded area flanks your left. You'll find a small opening in the woods which is almost directly across from the Stop sign. Aim for that and climb up the steep bank into the trees. It is a bit steep but I've left a green rope there which you can use to pull yourself up more easily. The property owners know that the box is there and they do not mind you coming to look for it. Now, although you couldn’t see it from the road, you’ll find a green colored house abandoned in a stand of pines right there. No one is living inside-- in fact, the entrance is boarded over. But, here’s the secret— you can gain access through the cellar door. My letterbox is just inside the door waiting for you to come. It's right inside-- you won't even need to go in-- just open the door and take the box out. Oh, and by the way, the first letterboxer to visit during the week-end of the covered bridge festival will win a prize. Will it be you?

For more information on the lovely bridges of Ashtabula County, visit their website at: www.coveredbridgefestival.org.