Brady’s Bend Overlook in Clarion County is one of the finest roadside vistas in Pennsylvania!
Once a popular hang glider launch (an activity that is no longer permitted there), Brady’s Bend Overlook is perched some 520 feet above the Allegheny River.
How to Find Brady’s Bend Overlook
Brady’s Bend Overlook is located along Route 68, 5 miles east of the small town of Brady’s Bend.
It should be noted that while the overlook is in Clarion County, the town of Brady’s Bend is in Armstrong County, the Allegheny River being the border.
If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 40.988173, -79.583269 to find the large, paved parking area at Brady’s Bend Overlook, right along Route 68.
History of Brady’s Bend Overlook
Brady’s Bend is named after Samuel Brady, an Irish-American Revolutionary War officer and legendary frontiersman whose exploits frequently found him in western Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The plaque honoring Richard P. Thompson was placed at Brady’s Bend in 1977, after he died in a hang gliding accident there.
The Views From Brady’s Bend Overlook
The view to the north is of the Allegheny River as it starts its counter-clockwise bend while flowing south.
The view to the south is the continuation of the bend as the Allegheny River winds towards Pittsburgh, to become part of the Ohio River.
Numerous boat docks dot the shoreline along the Allegheny River far below.
If you continue west on Route 68 into the town of Brady’s Bend itself, you’ll encounter several small shops, gas stations, and an Army tank parked in front of the American Legion, right along the highway.
Brady’s Bend is the quintessential little western PA town, small in stature but big on honoring its Veterans.
Brady’s Bend Overlook is a must-see roadside attraction if you’re passing through this part of Pennsylvania – it’s easy to reach and hard to forget!
Related Attractions
Rapp Run Falls is a picturesque waterfall located just outside of downtown Clarion.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Venango County to the west, you have Freedom Falls.
Right next to Freedom Falls is Rockland Furnace, an iron furnace built in 1832.
Downstream from Freedom Falls and Rockland Furnace is Rockland Tunnel along the Allegheny River Rail Trail.
Beartown Rocks in Jefferson County features an exceptional scenic overlook perched high atop a “rock city” dating back to the last Ice Age!
Jefferson County is also home to Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil!
151 of the Best Scenic Overlooks in PA will introduce you to some of the Keystone State’s finest vistas!
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