By-passed in 2014, Houck Covered Bridge is the only covered bridge in Putnam County that is pedestrian-friendly and safe to travel on foot. Surrounded by nothing but field, you can see the bridge from miles away as you approach on the lightly traveled road. Looking to the northeast, on top of the hill, you can see a glimpse of the Boone-Hutch Cemetary that holds the remains of Susan Boone Rissler, the great-niece to the famous hunter, Daniel Boone.
Originally constructed in 1880 by the Massillon Bridge Company, this covered bridge had major infrastructure updates in the mid-’90s and was recently bypassed to allow for pedestrian traffic. Follow the road west, past the covered bridge, where you can pull into one of four, free parking spots to wander the bridge on foot and view the amazing architecture. Named for the Houck family who owned the adjacent land during construction, the 201’ long Howe Truss, two-span bridge, was constructed over Big Walnut Creek and serves as an unofficial fishing spot.
Surrounded by cornfields and preserved pollinator fields, the view in any direction is gorgeous when you’re underneath the archway looking outwards.
Directions: Starting from the Putnam County Courthouse, head south on Jackson Street which turns into Manhattan Road. Turn right on West County Road 550 South and you will see the Covered Bridge.
