Stovall Mill Covered Bridge
An 1895 covered bridge over Chickamauga Creek, 13 minutes from downtown Helen
The short answer
You can walk across it in a few seconds, and it's still worth the stop. The Stovall Mill Covered Bridge is a tiny wooden span over Chickamauga Creek in White County, built in 1895. Wikipedia notes that the road was moved away from the bridge by 1959, which is why it sits quietly by itself now.
It's often called the smallest covered bridge in Georgia. The listings don't agree to the foot (about 33 feet in one Wikipedia article, 36.8 in another, with the Lula bridge close in size), so enjoy the title as a local claim. It's built on a queen post truss, a simple frame you can see from inside.
Quick facts
What the sources agree on
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1895 |
| Spans | Chickamauga Creek, White County |
| Length | About 33 feet (Wikipedia's bridge article) to 36.8 feet (its Georgia covered bridges list) |
| Construction | Wooden covered bridge with a queen post truss |
| Reputation | Often called Georgia's smallest covered bridge; the Lula bridge is listed at a similar length, so treat "smallest" as a local claim |
| Cost to visit | Free; no posted hours |
| Film | 1951, I'd Climb the Highest Mountain |
Wikipedia lists the bridge as owned by the White County Historical Society. It isn't on the National Register by itself; the nearby White County listings include the Sautee Valley Historic District.
The Crybaby Bridge legend
A story locals tell
Like a lot of old covered bridges, this one has a ghost story. The tale goes that on misty nights you can hear a baby crying under the bridge. Versions differ from teller to teller, and nothing about it is documented, so take it as folklore. Our Crybaby Bridge post has more.
On the silver screen
The bridge shows up in the 1951 film I'd Climb the Highest Mountain, with Susan Hayward and William Lundigan (Wikipedia also lists Rory Calhoun in the cast).
Photo Gallery
The bridge and its setting
The Stovall Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1895
The bridge in fall color
The queen post truss, seen from inside
Chickamauga Creek runs beneath the bridge
Fall foliage around the bridge
The Sautee Nacoochee countryside
Spring wildflowers along the creek banks
Evening light over the valley
Making a loop of it
The bridge takes 15 to 20 minutes, so build a half-day around it. The Old Sautee Store is a good lunch stop, Hardman Farm is a Georgia State Parks historic site, and the Nacoochee Mound is beside the road. The Sautee Nacoochee Valley guide maps them all. For October color, see fall color around Helen.
Getting there
It's about 6.7 miles and 13 minutes from downtown Helen. Look for Stovall Mill Road off GA-255 in the Sautee Nacoochee area and use a map app to be sure; the bridge sits just off the road. Expect to pull over on a narrow rural road, and give other cars room.
Stovall Bridge questions
Is the Stovall Mill Covered Bridge free?
Yes. It's open to the public and there's no admission fee or posted hours.
How far is the Stovall Bridge from Helen?
About 6.7 miles, or around 13 minutes by car from downtown, on Stovall Mill Road off GA-255 in the Sautee Nacoochee area.
Is it the smallest covered bridge in Georgia?
It's often called that. Wikipedia lists it at about 33 feet in one article and 36.8 feet in another, and the Lula covered bridge is listed at around 34 feet, so the title is a bit fuzzy.
What movie was filmed at the Stovall Bridge?
The 1951 film I'd Climb the Highest Mountain, with Susan Hayward and William Lundigan.
How long should I plan to stay?
Fifteen to twenty minutes is plenty. Most people pair it with the Old Sautee Store, Hardman Farm and the Nacoochee Mound.
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