Elder Mill Covered Bridge

Photo by me, October 2024.

The number of covered bridges remaining in Georgia is either thirteen or fifteen depending on the source of information you consult. I cannot say which is accurate as I have not visited them all, but I have seen many of them. 

 

Long ago, there were over two hundred and fifty covered bridges in Georgia and as time and engineering moved forward, covered bridges fell out of use. Many of these bridges were torn down and replaced by steel and concrete, others were victims of neglect and some were lost due to arson. Seeing and driving across one today reminds me of the one I often crossed over Nickajack Creek with my mother out Saturday shopping in the 1970s and 80s. That bridge, which still stands today, is the Concord Covered Bridge in Cobb County, Georgia.

Photo by me, October 2024.

Photo by me, October 2024.

In rural Oconee County in the eastern part of Georgia is Elder Mill Covered Bridge. It is located a few miles south of the town of Watkinsville off the Greensboro Highway on Elder Mill Road.

Photo by me, October 2024.

Photo by me, October 2024.

The bridge dates back to 1897 and was built by Nathaniel Richardson. The bridge was originally constructed in a different location in the county. Before being moved to its current location in 1924 over Rose Creek, it crossed Calls Creek to the north between Watkinsville and Athens.

Photo by me, October 2024.

Photo by me, October 2024.

The ninety-nine foot bridge remains functional to traffic and is one of the few covered bridges in the state that has not been reinforced by steel.

Photo by me, October 2024.

 

Photo by me, October 2024.

Photo by me, October 2024.

 

The scenery around the bridge and Rose Creek is pretty in that woodsy rural northern Georgia way and it is worth spending time climbing over the rocks and listening to the relaxing sound of the water. It should be noted that one should be respectful of the marked private property that is adjacent.

A barrier to prevent over-sized vehicles from crossing the bridge. Photo by me, October 2024.

Elder Mill Road approaching the bridge from the Greensboro Highway is paved with asphalt and the road on the other end continues on as a gravel road through the woods and by pasture land. There is room enough for two vehicles to park at the southern end of the bridge beside the road.