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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.

Directions: Oxford Township. From Oxford, Ohio, north on SR 732, one-half mile.

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Black Covered Bridge

Link to Ohio Covered Bridges