Stovall Mill Covered Bridge: Is It Worth the Drive?
In September 2023, Tina and I visited our third covered bridge in Georgia — the Stovall Mill Covered Bridge — while visiting nearby Helen for the weekend. We had hoped to mark nearby Bay’s Bridge in Smithgall Woods State park off our list as well, but unfortunately the trail that leads to it was closed due to a deer hunt in progress. Maybe next time.
While there’s really not enough to do at the Stovall Mill bridge to justify a long trip, it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area. It’s a cool structure set in a very scenic location over the Chickamauga Creek. Unfortunately the inside of the bridge is covered in graffiti, but that’s not surprising in this day and age.
In this article, I’ll share the photos we shot while we were there, basic facts about the bridge, as well as some cool history.
Location
Tucked away in the scenic North Georgia mountains, the Stovall Mill Covered Bridge is located in Sautee Nacoochee, just a short drive from the popular tourist town of Helen.
Address:
Stovall Mill Covered Bridge, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571, United States.
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: 34.711011 | Longitude: -83.675063
Driving Directions:
The bridge is located about 90 miles northeast of Atlanta and can be easily accessed via US-23 N and GA-255 N. Look for road signs directing you to Stovall Mill Road where the bridge is located.
Features
Architecture
The Stovall Mill Covered Bridge spans 38 feet and features the classic Town lattice truss design, which was a commonly used architectural style for covered bridges at the time. The design is characterized by a crisscross pattern of diagonal planks, which provides both architectural strength and aesthetic charm. One of the distinguishing features of the Stovall Mill Covered Bridge is its tin roof, which has been instrumental in preserving its wooden structure from the elements over the years.
Scenic Beauty
Surrounded by lush trees and running over the Chickamauga Creek, the area offers picturesque vistas suitable for photography.
Historical Significance
The Stovall Mill Covered Bridge has a pretty interesting history, outlined by the historical marker on site. Here’s what it says:
Fred Dover constructed a bridge and nearby grist, saw and shingle mill complex here in the late 1800s. The original bridge washed away in the early 1890s and Will Pardue replaced it in 1895 with the present 38-foot structure. Dover sold the operation to Fred Stovall, Sr. in 1917. The mill and dam washed away in 1964. Constructed as a modification of the queen post truss design, the bridge’s trusses have two vertical posts (with iron rods) separated by a horizontal crosspiece. The bridge was featured in the 1951 movie, I’d Climb the Highest Mountain, starring Susan Heyward.
Nearby Attractions
- Helen, GA
- Hardeman Farm Historic Site/Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound
- Unicoi State Park
- Anna Ruby Falls
These are just a few of the countless attractions in this beautiful part of Georgia! Tina and I will be making several more trips back to the area to really try to see everything there is to see.
Visitor Amenities
- Parking on both sides of the bridge
- 4 picnic tables
- Trash receptacles
- Informational plaque offering historical context.
Dos and Don’ts
Dos
- Take your time to explore and enjoy the scenery.
- Use the trash bins provided to keep the area clean.
- Read the informational plaque to appreciate the bridge’s history.
Don’ts
- Do not climb on the structure.
- Do not graffiti or otherwise vandalize the bridge.
Accessibility
The area around the bridge is fairly accessible, but it’s not wheelchair-friendly due to uneven terrain.
Conclusion
A visit to the Stovall Mill Covered Bridge offers a peaceful retreat, with opportunities for photography, history, and nature walks. So, pack a picnic, grab your camera, and prepare to step back in time during your visit to this historic landmark.
We hope this guide helps you make the most out of your visit to the Stovall Mill Covered Bridge in Georgia!
