Covered Bridge Scenic Byway

Area Status: Open
Hills Covered Bridge

The National Forest Covered Bridge Scenic Byway (Map) follows State Route 26 from Marietta to Woodsfield, Ohio. For most of its length, it parallels the Little Muskingum River. The scenic byway traverses some of Ohio's most beautiful countryside and many choose to stop along its route, to camp and savor the natural beauty of this area. There are four campgrounds along the byway. The Scenic Byway is a self-guided tour to interpret 35 miles of scenery and history along the Little Muskingum River. To guide you along the tour, look for the tour markers that will lead you to each of the ten stops. The tour is approximately four hours, plus one hour to return to Marietta. For a shorter tour, omit Stops #9 and #10 and return by S.R. 260.

Brochure on this scenic byways and its stops.

Interpretive Sign at Hills Covered Bridge Interpretive Sign for Mail Pouch Tobacco Barns Interpretive Sign for Hune Covered Bridge Interpretive Sign for Hune House Interpretive Sign for Oil Industry

At a Glance

Operational Hours: Open year-round
Fees: Free
Usage: Light-Medium
Closest Towns: Marietta is at one end and Woodsfield is at the other end.
Water: None
Restroom: Vault
Operated By: Marietta Unit, Athens Ranger District, 27750 Star Route 7, Marietta, OH 45750 740-373-9055

General Information

Directions: To begin. From Interstate 77, take Exit 1 (S.R. #7). Go towards Marietta on S.R. 7. Turn right at Acme Street (the first light). Acme St. ends at Greene Street. Turn right on Greene St. (S.R. 26). Follow S.R. 26 approximately 5 miles. Turn right on County Road 333 to the first tour stop. There is a small parking area at the south end of the bridge.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Viewing Scenery

This scenic byway parrallelling the Little Muskingum River showcases some of the area's most beautiful scenery. It is a road that winds back through time to pastoral scenes with covered bridges and Mail Pouch barns.

Special Feature river, covered bridges, historic structures
Difficulty Level: Easy

Interpretive Areas

This byway has numerous interpretive stops along the route with panels which explain why the stop is significant. It also had an audio component which is being redone and more information about the stops available in a brochure

Difficulty Level: Easy

Scenic Driving

The Scenic Byway is a self-guided tour which interpret 35 miles of scenery and history along the Little Muskingum River. To guide you along the tour, look for the tour markers that will lead you to each of the ten stops. The byway takes approximately four hours to drive, plus one hour to return to Marietta. For a shorter tour omit Stops #9 and #10 and return by S.R. 260.

Pavement Type for Parking Most are gravel
Size Restrictions Some of the roads are gravel, and you do go through a covered bridge so extra wide vehicles may have difficulties however, you can turn around and do the byway without going through the bridges and would only miss two stops.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
35 miles

  Latitude : 
39.4834

  Longitude : 
-81.2763