Directions to the 2026 Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival

October 10–11, 2026 | Ashtabula County, Ohio

Historic covered bridge surrounded by colorful October trees in Ashtabula County, with text promoting the 2026 festival

A fall drive on US Route 6 can lead to a weekend of covered bridges, rural scenery, and local history in northeast Ohio. The 2026 Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, October 10–11.

This year, festival activities are spread among bridge locations around the county rather than gathered at one central site. Organizers identify Harpersfield and Smolen-Gulf as major activity areas, with additional activities at other bridges. Check the festival website for the current schedule and map before you set out.

Coming from the west

Travel east on US Route 6 from Cleveland and communities farther west. As you reach the Geneva and Austinburg area, use local routes to continue toward your selected bridge. Ohio State Route 534 is a useful approach for the Harpersfield area, while Smolen-Gulf Bridge is on State Road, also known as Ashtabula County Road 25.

Coming from the east

From Pennsylvania, travel west on US Route 6 into Ashtabula County. Andover and the surrounding communities can serve as reference points as you plan your route inland. Since the festival is spread across several locations, enter the specific bridge or festival stop you want to visit into your navigation app before leaving US Route 6.

Coming from the south

From the Youngstown area, Ohio State Route 11 is a northbound approach into Ashtabula County. Once in the county, use current navigation to reach your chosen bridge. For Smolen-Gulf Bridge, check directions to State Road or Ashtabula County Road 25.

Coming from the north

From the Lake Erie shoreline, travel south toward the bridge areas using local roads. Ohio State Route 534 is an approach to the Harpersfield area. For Smolen-Gulf and Riverview, navigate directly to the State Road bridge area.

Make the bridges part of the journey

Ashtabula County’s covered bridges are spread across rural communities, so leave time for the drive between stops. Harpersfield Bridge crosses the Grand River, while Smolen-Gulf Bridge spans the Ashtabula River. The festival website’s bridge information and tour map can help you choose locations and plan a route.

Before you go, check the latest festival details, add each bridge as a separate stop, and follow posted parking directions. With US Route 6 as part of your approach, the drive itself becomes an invitation to discover Ashtabula County’s fall scenery and covered-bridge history.

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