Hidden away in the quiet countryside of Meriwether County, the Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge is not just a photogenic spot; it is a testament to engineering genius and American history. Built in the 1840s by the legendary Horace King, this bridge offers a rare opportunity: it is one of the few remaining covered bridges in Georgia that you can still drive through today.

Whether you are a history buff following the path of Horace King or a photographer looking for that perfect rustic shot near Atlanta, this guide covers everything you need to know before you visit.

  • Built: 1840s (Exact date debated, often cited as 1840)

  • Builder: Horace King

  • Length: 391 feet (including approaches), 116 feet (covered portion)

  • Admission: Free

  • Traffic: Open to light vehicular traffic (One lane)

  • Height Clearance: 7 feet (Strict limit for RVs/Trucks)

The Legacy of Horace King

You cannot talk about this bridge without honoring its builder. Horace King was born into slavery in 1807 but emerged as the most respected bridge builder of the Deep South.

King, alongside his master and later partner John Godwin, utilized the Town Lattice truss design. This is a geometric web of planks held together by wooden pegs (trunnels) rather than metal nails. This design allowed the bridge to flex and hold immense weight without snapping.

King’s skill was so renowned that he was eventually emancipated and served in the Alabama House of Representatives during Reconstruction. When you touch the rough timbers of Red Oak Creek, you are touching the work of a man who built bridges literally and metaphorically during a divided era in America.

Architectural Details: The Town Lattice Truss

The bridge stands out for its engineering durability. The structure originally relied entirely on wooden pegs, avoiding the use of iron nails which were scarce and expensive at the time.

While the covered section is about 116 feet long, the total span including the steel approaches added later makes it the longest wooden bridge in Georgia. Despite floods, including the devastating flood of 1994, and nearly two centuries of traffic, the lattice design has kept it standing.

Driving Through: What to Expect

Yes, you can still drive your car across it. However, there are critical things to keep in mind to protect both your vehicle and the bridge.

The clearance is roughly 7 feet. If you are driving a large SUV with a roof rack, a van, or an RV, do not attempt to cross. You will get stuck or damage the historic roof. The bridge is strictly one lane. Always check for oncoming traffic before entering the wooden planks.

Roll down your windows when you cross. The distinct clack-clack sound of tires on the wooden runners is part of the time-travel experience.

Photography Tips for Red Oak Creek

For the best photos, timing is key. Visit shortly after sunrise or just before sunset known as the Golden Hour. The light filtering through the lattice openings creates beautiful geometric shadows on the bridge floor.

There is a small pull-off area on the north side. Walk down carefully toward the creek bank to get a side profile of the bridge reflecting in the water. If you visit in late November, the autumn foliage frames the weathered wood in stunning oranges and reds.

How to Get There

The bridge is located near Woodbury, Georgia, about 60 miles south of Atlanta. It is a bit remote, so GPS signal can be spotty.

Address for GPS: Covered Bridge Rd, Woodbury, GA 30293

If you are coming from Atlanta, take I-85 South toward Columbus and take Exit 41 for US-27 ALT/US-29 toward Greenville/Warm Springs. Follow US-27 ALT South for about 32 miles through Newnan and Luthersville. In the small town of Gay, turn left onto GA-109 East (Greenville St). Drive about 10 miles, then turn right onto Covered Bridge Road. The bridge is about a mile down on this paved road.

There are no restrooms or food vendors at the bridge site. Plan your pit stops in Woodbury or Gay before you arrive.

Make it a Day Trip

Driving 60 miles just for a 10-minute stop might not seem worth it, but this area is packed with history. You can combine this visit with a stop at Starr’s Mill Waterfall, which is just 30 minutes north on your way back to Atlanta. It is another incredibly photogenic historic site. Check out our guide to Starr's Mill Waterfall Park for details.

Alternatively, visit The Little White House in nearby Warm Springs, which was President FDR's retreat, or stop for lunch in downtown Senoia, known to fans of The Walking Dead as the setting for Woodbury.