Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
173.00 ft (52.73 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
1.17 mi (1.88 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

A small, partially faded sign marks the start of Colvin Trail. Located in Pennsylvania’s Shawnee State Park, you’ll find the trailhead across the street from the Colvin Area Boat Launch. Colvin Trail is short in length, but leads adventurers to a pleasant variety of sights.

The trail starts as a wide, well-maintained, grassy path through the woods. Adorned with frequent wildflowers, the trail is peaceful with few visitors. Sections of the trail may be overgrown with high grasses, while other areas may be muddy if there has been a recent rain. Continue straight ahead, make your way through the potentially tall grass, and within a short distance, you’ll find the trail leads to a road. This is Mill Road.

With no trail sign to guide you, make a left and walk down a small hill. The park’s woods will be on your left. Enjoy the farmland on your right as you walk the paved road with little traffic. When you see a quintessential Pennsylvania covered bridge, stop and admire the beautiful architectural work of art. Known as Colvin Covered Bridge, it will be your landmark to look toward the woods for another small sign that marks the trail’s return into the woods. Do not cross the bridge; the trail is located just before the bridge. From here, the path follows a stream, the Shawnee Branch, before veering away and leading adventurers back to the original wide grassy path and a return to the trailhead.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Small covered bridge. Easy hike. Mostly woodland.

Cons

Sections overgrown. Some swampy areas. Part of the trail goes on a road.

Trailhead Elevation

1,188.00 ft (362.10 m)

Highest point

1,258.00 ft (383.44 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Wildlife
Family friendly
Flushing toilets
Potable water
Wildflowers
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Allegheny Mountains + Valleys, Pennsylvania
Allegheny Mountains + Valleys, Pennsylvania

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