Black Covered Bridge, Oxford OH

If you want to go somewhere peaceful just to take a nice, relaxing stroll, the Black Covered Bridge is a great place to start!

It was a great place to visit it's hard to believe that there used to be more bridges like that

Very beautiful, huge covered bridge to walk thru. Lots of history. There is also a nice, paved walking/running/bike path that starts as soon as you walk thru the bridge. There is a place along the path to park bikes. The parking lot for cars is not very big.

Historically is great but there’s not much to do here. There’s a trail you can take. It’s really hot in the summer but that’s awesome for a walk (but bring water and bug spray).

I absolutely love this park. You can run into some really kind people who assist. They have paved trails that are easy to navigate. They also connect to the Miami university trails and allow you the ability to explore the woods and area that sounds. I'd definitely recommend it for solo or non solo walks/runs. You can also ride a bike on these trails.

This covered bridge was built in 1868 as a single 208 foot long span, which was discovered to be inadequate, so a central pier was added and the bridge trusses were modified soon after the original construction was completed.

Lovely setting across Four Mile Creek. It is easily accessible from Oxford. It has a paved walking trail and a paved parking area. Each season has its own beauty. Relaxing spot.

This historical landmark has become my favorite cycling trail. I wish it was not covered. The fact that you cannot enter with a motorized vehicle makes it even more perfect for a run or cycling.

Black Bridge was also known as Pugh's Mill Bridge and spans Dry Fork Creek. Dry Fork Creek accepts the spill over from Acton Lake at Hueston Woods State Park, three miles north. Built in 1870, Black Bridge has been restored in 2000 by the following four organizations: The Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, The Oxford Museum Association and the Ohio Historical Society.
The Black Bridge is constructed with a variation of the Long truss. This truss has three members forming the "X" panel and two members forming the vertical that divides the panels. To look at the interior of Black Bridge with all of the huge timbers in the truss, it appears to be a structurally sound bridge. Further inspection of the floor reveals a ripple effect across the length of the bridge which is evidence that the bridge was used beyond the lifetime of a safe, sound bridge.
As of 1987, when I wrote Covered Bridges Today, I described the condition of the bridge as follows: "The exterior is naturally weathered and has not been painted, repaired or preserved in any manner. There is an eighteen-inch tall, horizontal ventilation panel extending the entire length of the bridge on both sides. The portals on either end are missing wood and, consequently, the water is destroying the wooden interior sides and the horizontal floor planking. A wire fence has been installed to prevent pedestrian passage on the bridge because its condition is so poor. "
Today, October 25,2017, Black Bridge is open to pedestrian traffic. It has been painted white 15+ years ago, and has since weathered. The portals have been repaired and water is no longer leaking into the floor boards. The roof also appears in good condition. The one span bridge at 206 feet still has ripples but has been stabilized.
Black Covered Bridge no longer carries automobiles but it has been saved through the restoration work that was done around 2000-2001.
Black Bridge can easily be seen from an adjacent bridge on State Route 732. The covered bridge strikes an imposing view across the Dry Fork Creek. You can also access the covered bridge via a road with a sign just south of the bridge. They have installed a parking lot and pedestrian traffic is allowed across the bridge joining a walking path.
Black Covered Bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Well kept, massive covered bridge. Nice spot to hop off the bike for a smoke break and stretch our legs.

Great fishing under the bridge as well as both upstream and downstream. Also has great historical value and a neat story.

Awesome covered bridge just outside of Oxford. Beautiful design to the bridge, and also quite long. He four mile creek below was shallow, maybe one to two feet. Ample parking is available. An Ohio Historical marker is present to explain the history behind the bridge.