If you should find yourself by the Pennsylvania border, near Allegany State Park, you don’t have far to travel to reach the Kinzua Bridge State Park and Kinzua Skywalk. This park is a unique experience that everyone in the family will enjoy, we definitely loved our trip here.
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The Kinzua Bridge
Built in 1882, this railroad bridge was constructed by the New York, Lake Erie, and Western Railway, as a way to cross the Kinzua Valley. At the time it was built is was called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” as it was the tallest railroad bridge in the world. It held that record for two years. Before the Kinzua Bridge collapsed, it was the 4th tallest railroad bridge in the US.
The Kinzua Bridge was sold to the state of Pennsylvania in 1963 and became a state park. In 2003 the bridge was undergoing restoration when an F1 tornado struck the bridge, and half of the bridge collapsed.
Kinzua Skywalk
Today, the state park has salvaged the standing portion of the bridge and turned it into “One of the World’s Top 10 Most Beautiful Skywalks and Viewpoints in the World” according to the Culture Trip, UK.
The Kinzua Skywalk is an unbelievable experience. Take a stroll to the end of the skywalk and get an incredible scenic view of the Kinzua Valley far below. There is even a glass floor where you can look straight down. The view from up here is breathtaking, although if you have a problem with heights, you might find it nail-biting as well.
It can be cold up on the bridge, even if it is a hot day, due to the wind. From the top of the bridge, you can see the twisted metal of the collapsed section of the bridge, left exactly where it fell in 2003, as well as the creek flowing through the valley floor. You can also see a trail the meanders around the wreckage from the top of the bridge as well.
Trail through the Twisted Metal
The trail through the twisted metal looks so incredible from the top, but it is definitely not for the faint of heart. The trip down to the valley floor is easy enough but it is fairly steep heading back up the hill. On a hot day, it can be sweltering on the valley floor. You will want to make sure that you are prepared for this hike. Sneakers or hiking boots only, sunscreen, and water (there are no restrooms or water fountains along the trail.) There are several benches along the trail, on the way up, they come in handy as a place to catch your breath.
It was amazing walking amongst the fallen metal from the bridge. It almost looked like the rails of a wild and crazy rollercoaster ride along the valley floor. It is nothing short of stunning the way the stream and natural beauty act in stark contested to the devastation of the collapsed bridge.
Getting to Kinzua Bridge State Park
Address: 296 Viaduct Rd., Mt Jewett, PA