Located just east of the Allegheny National Forest is the Kinzua Bridge State Park. If you are visiting the Allegheny National Forest or the surrounding area, I highly recommend checking out the Kinzua Bridge State Park and the Kinzua Bridge. The history of the bridge is fascinating and the state park is beautiful. It is a great place to spend a day!
History
The Kinzua Bridge was a wrought iron railway viaduct built in 1882. At the time of its construction, the bridge was considered the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” holding the record as the tallest railroad bridge in the world for two years. In 1900, the bridge was rebuilt out of steel to accommodate heavier trains. The railway remained in commercial service until 1959 and was sold to the Government of Pennsylvania in 1963. The Government of Pennsylvania made the bridge the centerpiece of a state park. The Knox and Kane Railroad operated sightseeing trips through the Allegheny National Forest and over the Kinzua Bridge from 1987 to 2002. How cool would that have been?!
Restoration of the bridge began in 2002, but before it was finished, a tornado struck the bridge in 2003, causing a large portion of the bridge to collapse. Luckily, there were no human deaths or injuries. The state decided not to rebuild the Kinzua Bridge, as it would have cost an estimated $45 million. Instead, it was proposed that the ruins be used as a visitor attraction to show the forces of nature at work. The remaining portion of the bridge was reinvented as a pedestrian walkway in 2011.
What to Do
Once you arrive at the Kinzua Bridge State Park, head to the Visitors Centre. Wander through the interactive and informative displays to learn about the bridge and the state park.
Next, make your way to the bridge, now called the Kinzua Sky Walk. You can walk 600 feet out on the remaining support towers of the bridge. From here, you can see miles of forest, the Kinzua Gorge, and the ruins of the bridge that still lay on the forest floor. This is such a unique view and my favourite part of visiting the Kinzua Bridge. At the end of the walkway, there’s also a glass platform you can step on…if you dare!
After going out on the Sky Walk, make sure you head to the picture-taking platform, located on the right side of the bridge. This is my favourite view of the bridge.
From the platform, I highly recommend making the short hike down to the Kinzua Gorge to see the bridge ruins up close. The view of the Kinzua Bridge from below is awesome. Please note that this is a very steep one-way hike, so prepare to be winded on the way back up.
There is also an easier loop hike through the state park forest that starts at the overflow parking lot.
Where to Eat
We finished our time at the Kinzua Bridge State Park with a picnic lunch under the trees near the parking lot. It was wonderful!
If you are looking to purchase food, there are several yummy-looking food trucks in the parking lot.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to Kinzua Bridge State Park!
To read my blog post “A Guide to the Allegheny National Forest,” click here.
To read my blog post “Must-See Attractions in the Allegheny National Forest,” click here.
