Exploring the Tuna Valley Trail System
Exploring the Tuna Valley Trail System
Just Riding Along the Twin Tiers
Many of us cross between the “Twin Tiers” (the Southern Tier of New York and the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania) and often and think nothing of it. The state line and the 42nd Parallel are just lines on the map, but consequently, our state and national forests, state parks, and other public lands get chopped off at the border and many trails don’t extend over state lines. So, what is on the other side of the line?
If you are from New York, you may have never heard of the Tuna Valley in northwest Pennsylvania and you might wonder if there is an anomaly of saltwater fish miles from the ocean. “Tuna” is simply the nickname for the Tunungwant creek. Tunungwant is the Seneca name for the creek, and depending on translation, is said to mean: big cove with large mouth, beautiful fish, or crooked creek. The West and East Branch of the "The Tuna” converge in downtown Bradford, PA and flow north, joining the Allegheny River near Seneca Junction.
Exploring the Tuna Valley has become easier thanks to the Tuna Valley Trail Association. The TVTA was founded in 1998 and has built and maintained over 50 miles of trail in the Bradford area. The organization is a non-profit, volunteer-based group with the goal of increasing community access to our natural and historic resources through multi-use trails.
The TVTA trails in Bradford include the Community Parks Trail, Richard E. McDowell Trail, and Crook Farm Trail which are wide, smooth trails linking the historic downtown with Callahan Park, Hanley Park, School Street Elementary, Bradford Area High School, and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Also under development are the Quintuple Mountain Trails, which will connect UPB land with the Blaisdell-Emery Trail. The Quintuple Mountain Trails will offer a more challenging trail excursion easily accessible from downtown and Pitt Campus.
Just south of Bradford, The Blaisdell-Emery Trail currently runs from Owens Way (near Zippo and Case Cutlery) to Lewis Run. This rail trail will eventually extend toward Kinzua Bridge State Park via the old Erie railroad grade. The TVTA currently holds easements that reach close to Route 59 and the Bradford Airport. The former rail line features stone culverts and bridge abutments built by master masons dating back to the Civil War era. Plans are in the works for a 90-foot steel truss span over the East Branch of Tuna Creek just south of Lewis Run. The span will utilize the original cut stone abutments and offer stunning views of the creek.
Perhaps the crown jewel of the TVTA system is the Watershed Trail System near Marilla Reservoir. This popular fishing spot just west of Bradford along route 346 has a variety of trails for all abilities. Take a quick hike around the Marilla Bridges Trail to experience the full beauty of the reservoir. A Bald Eagle nest is visible across the water from the Erik Benjamin covered bridge and breastworks of the dam. A new pavilion is also under construction at Marilla. This site will offer additional parking, electric, restroom, and sheltered facilities for seasonal TVTA events such as Marilla Trail Race, and Marilla Winter Trek. The pavilion may also become a venue for weddings, parties, and live music in the coming years.
Other TVTA Watershed trails include White Pine Trail, Marilla Rocks, Hidden Valley, and Cornelius Connection - more challenging trails that pass towering old-growth White Pine and Hemlock trees, Sandstone Conglomerate boulders, forgotten narrow-gauge railroad grades, and Native trout streams.
By connecting to the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania and Allegany State Park in New York, the TVTA has given more options to trail users in the Twin Tiers. Marilla Springs Trail follows Marilla Brook through open, shaded woods carpeted with ferns. The Watershed Trails connect to the New York border via Blacksnake Mountain Trail on the Quaker side of Allegany State Park.
So, no matter which Tier you call home, adventure doesn’t have to end at the state line! To find out more about the Tuna Valley Trail Association, see detailed maps, or to become a member, please visit www.tunavalleytrail.com.
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About the writer: Pete Dzirkalis is the owner of Just Riding Along bike shop, 48 Mechanic Street, Bradford, PA and serves on the board of directors for the TVTA.