The Stovall Mill Covered Bridge, the smallest covered bridge in Georgia at one span wide and 36.8 feet long with queen-post truss, was built in 1895 by Will Pardue to span the Chickamauga Creek.
An earlier covered bridge at this location, built by Fred Dover, who owned the water turbine powered grist mill, saw mill, shingle mill, and other businesses, was washed away after a storm in the early 1890’s.
In 1917, Fred Stovall, Sr. purchased Dover’s enterprise and the bridge became known as Stovall Bridge. The mills are gone now, washed away in 1964, and only the remains of the dam are evident a few feet from the bridge.
The Stovall Mill Covered Bridge was featured in the 1951 movie, “I’d Climb The Highest Mountain” starring Rory Calhoun, William Lundigan and Susan Haywood.
The bridge has a variety of names including the Helen Bridge, Sautee Bridge, Nacoochee Bridge and Chickamauga Bridge.
Only a short drive from the numerous attractions in the area and worth the trip, Stovall Mill Covered Bridge has a parking area, picnic area and historic marker.
Location
On the Old Clayton Highway, east of Sautee
Directions
From Helen, take State Road 75 south to State Road 17 (turn left).
Turn left at the Old Sautee Store on State Road 255.
The bridge is on the right.
