Ohio · Hiking

Covered Bridge

8.1 mi
round trip
1,532 ft
climb
1,073 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr, Jun–Oct
best months

Is Covered Bridge open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Athens Ranger District. It doesn't name Covered Bridge, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Athens Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Covered Bridge is an out-and-back hike of about 8 miles on natural trail in the Athens Ranger District of Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio. The route climbs to about 1,073 feet, with roughly 1,532 feet of total elevation gain and loss, and the steepest stretch comes around the 3-mile mark at a grade of about 19%. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is rated hard. Bikes are allowed, horses are not, and the trail is not accessible. September is a comfortable time to go, with typical highs around 78°F and lows near 55°F, based on averages from a nearby weather station in Newport. October is similar at about 67°F and 43°F. The station sits about 400 feet lower than the high point, so temperatures on the ridge run a bit cooler. Hune Bridge campground sits just 0.1 mile from the trail. Shay Ridge and Archers Fork TH Connector are both within about 4 miles, and Bell Ridge Boulders offers climbing about 4 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr, Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Covered Bridge

    Best months: April and June–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      39° / 22°

      14 wet

    2. Feb

      43° / 23°

      12 wet

    3. Mar

      53° / 30°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      66° / 39°

      12 wet

    5. May

      74° / 50°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      81° / 59°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      84° / 64°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      83° / 62°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      78° / 55°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      67° / 43°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      54° / 33°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      44° / 27°

      13 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Newport, OH, 8.2 mi away at 676 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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