About North Pole Road Covered Bridge
The North Pole Road Covered Bridge crosses Eagle Creek approximately four miles east of Ripley in Brown County, Ohio. This 156-foot covered bridge features the distinctive Smith truss design and has a colorful history that includes survival of a devastating flood. Originally built in 1875, the bridge underwent significant repairs after the damaging flood of 1997. After serving the community for over 140 years, a modern replacement bridge was constructed in 2019, and the historic covered bridge was preserved as a pedestrian crossing and historic resource.
History of North Pole Road Covered Bridge
The North Pole Road Covered Bridge was originally constructed in 1875 to serve the rural community east of Ripley. For over a century, the bridge carried traffic across Eagle Creek without major incident. However, the March 1997 flood proved catastrophic for covered bridges in the area—the North Pole Road Bridge's twin, located nearby on State Route 763, was completely washed away. The North Pole Road Bridge sustained heavy damage but was rebuilt and returned to service. After another two decades of active vehicular use, county officials constructed a modern bridge alongside the historic structure in 2019, allowing the covered bridge to be preserved without continuing wear from traffic.
Architecture and Design
The North Pole Road Covered Bridge employs the Smith truss, a design patented by Robert W. Smith of Toledo, Ohio. The Smith truss features a distinctive pattern of wooden diagonals combined with iron vertical rods, creating an efficient load-bearing system. At 156 feet, the bridge represents a significant span for this truss type. The bridge's gray-painted siding gives it a distinctive appearance among Ohio's typically red or natural wood covered bridges. The post-1997 reconstruction maintained the historic character while incorporating modern reinforcements to ensure structural stability.
Visiting North Pole Road Covered Bridge
The North Pole Road Covered Bridge is located east of Ripley in Union/Huntington Township. From Ripley, travel north on US Route 68 for approximately 1 mile, then turn right onto North Pole Road (County Road 13/15) and continue for about 3 miles to reach the bridge. The roads leading to the bridge are notably narrow and winding, adding to the scenic but challenging approach. While the bridge is now closed to vehicular traffic with bollards blocking access, visitors can walk across the span to appreciate its historic construction. The peaceful setting along Eagle Creek makes this a worthwhile destination for covered bridge enthusiasts touring Brown County.