Delaware is home to some unique finds, and no matter how long you’ve lived here, you never really know what’s hiding around the corner! When you’re looking for a unique day trip idea, head out to discover the Ashland Covered Bridge. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth the journey.

  1. It’s the oldest one in the First State.

Flickr / James Walsh The Ashland Covered Bridge has been standing since 1860, making it the oldest original covered bridge in Delaware.

  1. It’s hidden among the most gorgeous scenery around.

Flickr / TC Davis The Ashland Covered Bridge is on Barley Mill Rd, which is part of Delaware’s Red Clay Creek Scenic Byway system. You’ll see the most beautiful parts of the Brandywine and Red Clay Valley on your drive to discover the bridge.

  1. It’s the perfect place for a photo op.

Flickr / James Walsh This bright red bridge along a quiet country road is truly unique. While it is on an active road, you can safety check it out up close most days. Keep an eye out for traffic, though.

  1. It’s right near the Mt. Cuba Center!

Facebook / Mt Cuba Center Make a day out of your trip and head to the Mt. Cuba Center, right around the corner. This all-native botanical garden is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.

  1. It’s a piece of Delaware history.

Wikimedia Commons Just a few towns over from the Ashland Covered Bridge you’ll find the Wooddale Covered Bridge. While the original Wooddale was built ten years before Ashland, it was destroyed in a storm in 2003. It was restored and rebuilt, but Ashland Covered Bridge remains original to the 1800s design.

  1. It’s one of Delaware’s hidden wonders that you’ve got to see.

Flickr / Ken Martin Most people don’t even know there are covered bridges left in Delaware - let alone one that’s 160 years old! Can you imagine what sort of traffic this bridge has seen over a century and a half?

Ashland Covered Bridge Address: 3540 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707

Flickr / James Walsh

The Ashland Covered Bridge has been standing since 1860, making it the oldest original covered bridge in Delaware.

Flickr / TC Davis

The Ashland Covered Bridge is on Barley Mill Rd, which is part of Delaware’s Red Clay Creek Scenic Byway system. You’ll see the most beautiful parts of the Brandywine and Red Clay Valley on your drive to discover the bridge.

This bright red bridge along a quiet country road is truly unique. While it is on an active road, you can safety check it out up close most days. Keep an eye out for traffic, though.

Facebook / Mt Cuba Center

Make a day out of your trip and head to the Mt. Cuba Center, right around the corner. This all-native botanical garden is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.

Wikimedia Commons

Just a few towns over from the Ashland Covered Bridge you’ll find the Wooddale Covered Bridge. While the original Wooddale was built ten years before Ashland, it was destroyed in a storm in 2003. It was restored and rebuilt, but Ashland Covered Bridge remains original to the 1800s design.

Flickr / Ken Martin

Most people don’t even know there are covered bridges left in Delaware - let alone one that’s 160 years old! Can you imagine what sort of traffic this bridge has seen over a century and a half?

For more fascinating Delaware drives, read about 6 Beautiful Byways In Delaware That Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive.

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