PA Hiking/Biking Trails

Hiking the Marilla Bridges Trail in McKean County

Covered Bridge along the Marilla Bridges Trail near Bradford, Pennsylvania.

The Marilla Bridges Trail is a gorgeous 1-mile loop trail around the Marilla Reservoir near Bradford, just a few minutes south of the Pennsylvania/New York border.

Pier along the Marilla Bridges Trail in McKean County, PA. — Pier beside the Marilla Reservoir in McKean County.

This crushed limestone trail offers a mostly-flat and picturesque hike through tall pines and mixed hardwoods surrounding the reservoir.

The Marilla Bridges Trail passing through an area of tall pines.

Along the trail, you’ll cross over three wooden bridges, including a covered bridge near the trailhead.

Covered Bridge along the Marilla Bridges Trail. — Eric Benjamin Covered Bridge above the Marilla Reservoir spillway.

How to Find the Marilla Bridges Trail

The Marilla Bridges Trail is located in McKean County, 10 minutes west of downtown Bradford along Route 346.

Map to the Marilla Bridges Trail in McKean County, PA.

If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 41.954484, -78.740365 to reach the trail parking lot alongside Route 346 (AKA West Washington Street).

Marilla Bridges Trail Head in McKean County, PA.

Exploring the Trail

Being that the Marilla Bridges Trail is a loop trail, it makes no difference which direction you hike it.

Bridges across part of the Marilla Reservoir.

Clockwise or counter-clockwise, you’ll cross three bridges if you do the entire 1 mile loop.

Looking across the Marilla Reservoir at the covered bridge. — Looking across the Marilla Reservoir at the covered bridge above the spillway.

Each one of the bridges features a fantastic view of the Marilla Reservoir (built in 1898).

Fall foliage along the Marilla Bridges Trail in McKean County, PA.

You’re also apt to see lots of red squirrels, waterfowl, and mushrooms galore!

Mushrooms along the Marilla Bridges Trail in McKean County. — Mushrooms along the trail.

This granite table and matching benches is another beautiful vantage point along the trail.

Granite table along the Marilla Bridges Trail. — Granite table near the Marilla Reservoir.

The Marilla Reservoir is stocked with trout, and fishing is permitted (PA fishing license required).

A lone fisherman along the Marilla Bridges Trail. — A lone fisherman at the Marilla Reservoir.

All three of the bridges along the trail make for great photos, especially in the fall.

One of the three bridges along the Marilla Bridges Trail. — One of the three bridges along the trail.

But the Eric Benjamin Covered Bridge is certainly the most eye-catching of the three.

The Eric Benjamin Covered Bridge along the Marilla Bridges Trail in McKean County.

So if you find yourself in McKean County visiting the more famous area bridge attraction, namely the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk, be sure to save an extra hour or two and visit the Marilla Bridges Trail as well.

Kinzua Bridge skywalk as viewed from one of the viewing platforms. — The Kinzua Bridge Skywalk in McKean County, PA.

Nearby Attractions

5 Must-See Attractions in McKean County showcases more remarkable sights and experiences near the Marilla Bridges Trail.

A collage of photos from McKean County PA featuring the Kinzua Skywalk, The Marilla Bridges Trail, The Eldred WWII Museum, and the Zippo Case Museum.

Explore Pennsylvania like a pro with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map, showcasing over 1,000 memorable destinations I’ve personally visited across the Keystone State.

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