Felton Covered Bridge
Felton Covered Bridge County Park, at Graham Hill Road and Mount Hermon Road in Felton, protects a wooden covered bridge over the San Lorenzo River that dates from 1892–93. Santa Cruz County Parks says it was the only way into Felton for 45 years and is believed to be the tallest covered bridge in the country. It is now a footbridge in a small park open sunrise to sunset, with a 32-space lot, a playground and river access, a short drive from Henry Cowell.
Covered Bridge Park at a Glance
A County Park, Not the State Park
The covered bridge is run by Santa Cruz County Parks, not California State Parks, so Henry Cowell's rules and fees do not apply. The county lists no entry fee. The state park's own brochure map shows it in Felton near the Fall Creek Unit, and it sits at the same junction (Mount Hermon Road and Graham Hill Road) that the agency uses in its directions to every Henry Cowell entrance.
The Bridge
The county gives the bridge's date as 1892–93 and says that for 45 years it was the only way into Felton. Today it is a pedestrian bridge that connects to the park. The county believes it is the tallest covered bridge in the United States; that is the county's claim, and this site has not found a measurement to confirm it.
What Is in the Park
Santa Cruz County Parks lists:
- the historic wooden covered bridge
- a multi-use path
- a playground and a large lawn and playing field
- a sand volleyball court
- river access and fishing
- a picnic area, with one area you can reserve
- a 10,000-square-foot pump track for bikes, which the county lists as new
Hours: sunrise to sunset. Restroom: yes. Parking: a lot with 32 spaces, including accessible spaces.
Picnics, Parties and Ceremonies
The county takes reservations for the one reservable picnic area and permits small outdoor ceremonies with the bridge as a backdrop or setting. Apply through Santa Cruz County Parks' reservations pages, not through the state park.
Fishing Here
The county lists fishing among the park's features. The San Lorenzo River's steelhead are protected, and California State Parks sends anglers to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the rules; read the current CDFW regulations before you fish anywhere on the river. More on the San Lorenzo River page.
Pairing It With Henry Cowell
- Fall Creek: the Fall Creek Unit trailheads are just west of Felton on Felton Empire Road.
- The Redwood Grove: from this junction, California State Parks' directions go right on Graham Hill Road, then left on Highway 9, with the day-use entrance about 2 miles down on the left. See parking.
- Roaring Camp: the private steam railroad is at 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton.
Good For / Maybe Skip If
Good for: a short stop for families, a picnic with a playground, photographing a piece of local history, and kids on bikes at the pump track.
Maybe skip if: you want redwoods or a hike. The bridge park is small; the trails are in Henry Cowell.
Felton Covered Bridge FAQ
Where is the Felton Covered Bridge?
In Felton Covered Bridge County Park, at Graham Hill Road and Mount Hermon Road in Felton, California. Santa Cruz County Parks runs it.
How old is the Felton Covered Bridge?
Santa Cruz County Parks dates it to 1892–93. It was the only entry to Felton for 45 years and is now a pedestrian bridge.
Is the Felton Covered Bridge the tallest covered bridge in the US?
Santa Cruz County Parks says it is believed to be the tallest covered bridge in the country.
Is there parking at Felton Covered Bridge Park?
Yes. The county lists a lot with 32 spaces, including accessible spaces. The park is open sunrise to sunset and has a restroom.