.

Let's Go Exploring Together Logo in color
Let's Go Exploring Together Logo in color

Everett Covered Bridge in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Front view of the historic Everett Covered Bridge showcasing its red exterior, white timber trusses, and wooden walkway.
Information

This blog contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product/service links we may earn a referral fee at no extra cost to you.

Step back in time at the Everett Covered Bridge, a beautifully preserved historic bridge tucked into the scenic landscapes of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Surrounded by forest trails, river views, and wildlife, this charming wooden bridge is one of the most photographed spots in the park and a must-visit for anyone exploring Summit County.

Location

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

How Long

30-60 Minutes

Best Time

Spring, Fall

Cost

Free

Overview

The Everett Covered Bridge, also known as the Everett Road Covered Bridge, is the only remaining covered bridge in Summit County and the last remaining covered bridge within the national park. Located near the south end of the park, it offers a peaceful, scenic stop just minutes from trails, waterways, and other iconic destinations.

Whether you’re planning a quiet nature walk, capturing family portraits, or simply soaking in Ohio’s natural beauty, this historic bridge delivers a timeless experience.

The original bridge dates back to the late 1800s, built during a time when covered bridges were essential for local travel. Designed using the classic Smith truss design, the structure protected its wooden framework from harsh weather—especially Ohio’s frequent storms.

The bridge served local citizens, including valley farmers like John Gilson, whose family played a role in the area’s early development. Stories of Mr. Gilson and Mrs. Gilson are still part of the local lore, connecting the bridge to the agricultural roots of the valley.

However, the bridge’s history hasn’t been without challenges. It was destroyed by a spring flood in the 1970s and later damaged again during a winter storm. Thanks to the efforts of the National Park Service, National Park Foundation, the Cuyahoga Valley Association, and dedicated private organizations and local citizens who joined hands, the bridge was rebuilt.

Today’s structure is a historically accurate reconstruction, preserving the charm and craftsmanship of the original while standing strong for future generations to enjoy.

Family posing together in front of the historic Everett Covered Bridge on a sunny autumn day.

Our family in front of the bridge

Gravel walking path curving through an open meadow bordered by trees and rolling hills under a clear sky.

The path leading from the bridge back to the parking area

Everett Covered Bridge Plan

With so much to explore in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, it’s worth planning a full day around your visit. When looking up information about the park, the covered bridge kept popping up as a beautiful place to take photos while also being very easy to access. We decided to make sure we stopped there along our travels in Cuyahoga Valley. 

Before visiting, we had read that the bridge was the only remaining covered bridge in Summit County and one of the few examples of a Smith truss design still standing today. We also learned that the current structure is a historically accurate reconstruction, rebuilt after multiple storms damaged the original bridge over the years. Located near scenic Riverview Road in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the bridge is known for its peaceful setting and is especially popular for photography during the fall foliage season, with many families stopping for portraits. Some visitors even mention local legends tied to the area, including stories of a ghostly hitchhiker said to appear near the bridge on quiet winter nights, adding a little mystery to its charm.

Historic red covered bridge spanning a rocky creek surrounded by trees with autumn foliage.

We walked just past the bridge and were able to go to the edge of the river below it for better photos

Shallow rocky creek flowing through a wooded valley beneath colorful autumn trees and a bright blue sky.

Looking up the river from the covered bridge

Getting There

Location

The bridge is located along Riverview Road in the south end of the park, with a small parking area nearby.

From main park routes, follow signs toward Everett Road. The bridge is accessible via a short, easy walk from the parking lot, making it a convenient stop during your visit.

Best Time to Go

Spring brings blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery as the surrounding forest comes alive after seasonal rains, while summer offers lush landscapes and shaded trails that stay relatively cool beneath the trees. Fall is one of the most popular times to visit because the colorful foliage creates a stunning backdrop for photos throughout Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Winter is much quieter and especially beautiful after a snowfall, though trails and walkways can become icy. Early mornings are often the best time to visit year-round if you want to avoid crowds and have a better chance of spotting wildlife like deer and birds.

Interior view of the Everett Covered Bridge showing white wooden trusses, plank flooring, and sunlight streaming inside.

Walking through the bridge

Interpretive sign displaying the history and photograph of the Everett Covered Bridge in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Informational sign about the history of the bridge

Everett Covered Bridge

Who Can Go?

The Everett Covered Bridge area is accessible for most visitors, including families with school children, casual walkers and hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. Some nearby paths are stroller-friendly, though surfaces can vary depending on the weather.

What You'll See

Visitors to Everett Covered Bridge can expect to see the iconic wooden bridge stretching across a gentle waterway surrounded by forest scenery. Nearby trails wind through wooded areas filled with seasonal wildflowers in spring and colorful foliage in fall. Wildlife sightings are common and may include birds, deer, and other small mammals, while the peaceful setting makes the area especially popular for photography. The bridge and surrounding landscape also connect to the region’s rich history, with nearby routes tied to early travel during the Erie Canal era.

Child standing in a rocky creek bed holding a large red autumn leaf near the Everett Covered Bridge.

Tyler found a leaf bigger than his face!

Child sitting on a large rock in a shallow creek with the red Everett Covered Bridge visible in the background.

Ryan sitting on one of the larger rocks with the Everett Covered Bridge behind him

What to Bring & Wear

It’s a good idea to bring comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore the surrounding trails or nearby scenic areas in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Water and light snacks can make your visit more enjoyable, especially during warmer months. A camera or smartphone is perfect for capturing the bridge and forest scenery, while binoculars are useful for birdwatching and spotting wildlife. Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended year-round, along with sunscreen and bug spray during spring and summer.

Where to Go

The Everett Covered Bridge is located inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with the most direct access via the Everett Road Trailhead in Peninsula, Ohio. Visitors typically drive to the small parking area off Everett Road, which is the closest point to the bridge. Once you arrive and park, it’s only a short, easy walk along a flat trail to reach the Everett Covered Bridge, making it a quick and convenient stop for photos or a brief scenic visit.

Shaded woodland overlook with interpretive displays and stone seating surrounded by trees.

Before getting to the bridge, you’ll pass this small overlook area that looks down on the river

Narrow dirt trail winding through dense woodland with green vegetation and early autumn foliage under a clear blue sky.

The trail narrows significantly past the bridge, but you can go just a few steps beyond to get to an opening leading down to the water

How Long Does it Take?

Most visitors spend about 30 to 60 minutes at Everett Covered Bridge if they are simply stopping to admire the bridge, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. However, many people choose to stay longer and combine their visit with nearby hiking trails, scenic drives, or other attractions in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, turning it into a relaxing half-day or even full-day outing.

Cost

Visiting the Everett Covered Bridge is free. Like most areas of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, there is no entrance fee, though some parking areas may vary.

Clear creek flowing over rocks toward the Everett Covered Bridge, framed by trees and autumn vegetation.

Everett Covered Bridge

Side entrance of the Everett Covered Bridge with red exterior siding, white trusses, and bright autumn sunshine.

Looking into the covered bridge

Tips for the Everett Covered Bridge

  • Visit early or on weekdays for fewer crowds
  • Combine your stop with Brandywine Falls or Beaver Marsh
  • Stay on marked trails to protect public lands
  • Be cautious after heavy rain or a spring storm, when trails may be muddy
  • Bring a camera, this is one of the park’s most photogenic spots

Map