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.
This crushed limestone trail offers a mostly-flat and picturesque hike through tall pines and mixed hardwoods surrounding the reservoir.
Along the trail, you’ll cross over three wooden bridges, including a covered bridge near the trailhead.
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.
If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 41.954484, -78.740365 to reach the trail parking lot alongside Route 346 (AKA West Washington Street).
Exploring the Trail
Being that the Marilla Bridges Trail is a loop trail, it makes no difference which direction you hike it.
Clockwise or counter-clockwise, you’ll cross three bridges if you do the entire 1 mile loop.
Each one of the bridges features a fantastic view of the Marilla Reservoir (built in 1898).
You’re also apt to see lots of red squirrels, waterfowl, and mushrooms galore!
This granite table and matching benches is another beautiful vantage point along the trail.
The Marilla Reservoir is stocked with trout, and fishing is permitted (PA fishing license required).
All three of the bridges along the trail make for great photos, especially in the fall.
But the Eric Benjamin Covered Bridge is certainly the most eye-catching of the three.
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.
Nearby Attractions
The Zippo/Case Museum is dedicated to telling the story of Zippo lighters and Case knives, two iconic products made in Bradford, Pennsylvania.
The 15,000-square-foot facility in McKean County includes the museum, a gift shop (naturally!) and the famous Zippo Repair Clinic.
Rimrock Overlook in neighboring Warren County is a spectacular scenic overlook just minutes from a picnic area in the Allegheny National Forest.
Jakes Rocks Overlook is another scenic overlook in the Allegheny National Forest in Warren County.
Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County is home to what was once the longest and tallest railway bridge in the entire world – The Kinzua Viaduct.
The most exciting trail at the park is certainly the 600 foot long journey to the end of the Kinzua Skywalk!
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