Kinzua Bridge State Park is an incredible spot to see Fall foliage in northern PA. With vibrant foliage, scenic viewpoints, and the ability to walk above the treeline on the Skywalk, it is no surprise that this park is so popular in autumn. Kinzua Bridge Fall foliage is said to be one of the best spots to see foliage in Pennsylvania. From my personal experience, Kinzua Bridge is one of the most spectacular places I’ve seen Fall foliage in the USA.
My first trip to Kinzua Bridge was during the summer months. While I had a great experience walking the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk, nothing will compare to seeing this Pennsylvania State Park in the Fall. The Fall foliage transforms Kinzua Bridge State Park, and the vibrant array of autumnal colors makes the landscape even more breathtaking.
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Before You Go
🏨 Book Holiday Inn Express Bradford, a great hotel in the closest nearby city! This is the perfect place to base yourself to explore the region.
🚗 Rent a Car: You’ll need a car to explore Northern PA. Check out the best rental car prices here.
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When to See Fall Foliage at Kinzua Bridge State Park
The foliage in this area of Pennsylvania tends to change early in the season, making it a perfect early Fall day trip. I’m based in Western NY, so I tend to have to wait until mid-to-late October for the leaves to change. So, I love finding great day trips that can extend that leaf-peeping season.
Kinzua Bridge State Park’s Fall foliage tends to peak in the first week of October. We visited early in the season, the first week of October, and could still see some green dotted among the Fall hues.
Kinzua Bridge Skywalk in Fall
One of the top reasons to visit Kinzua Bridge in the Fall is the Kinzua Skywalk. The Skywalk is a restored portion of a railroad viaduct destroyed by a tornado in 2003. The Kinzua Viaduct has since been restored and opened in 2011 as an observation deck. The Skywalk is 600 feet long and stands 225 feet above the gorge. (For more information on how this bridge was destroyed and rebuilt, check out my full guide to Kinzua Bridge State Park.)
Being above the treetops allows you to appreciate the foliage even more. Looking down at the vibrant treetops was one of the highlights of my visit. From the Skybridge, you can truly appreciate the exceptional Fall foliage. You can see a vibrant array of reds, oranges, and yellows, with a river cutting through the trees. The walk is exhilarating, and the vibrant foliage adds to the experience.
Viewing Platforms at Kinzua Bridge
Don’t miss out on checking out the viewing platforms at Kinzua Bridge State Park. These viewpoints are the best places to capture the unique structure of this railway viaduct with brilliant fall colors. If you follow the pathway leading to the hiking trails, you will find these viewpoints.
Entry to Kinzua Bridge State Park in Fall
Entrance to Kinzua Bridge State Park is free year-round. Plenty of parking is available at the state park, but keep in mind that on weekends when the foliage is at its peak, the park gets relatively busy.
The park is open daily, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until early November. Fall foliage tends to hit peak here in early October, so the park will be open daily for you to visit.
Kinzua Bridge Fall Festival
There is an annual fall festival at Kinzua Bridge State Park. Over a weekend in September, you will find this Pennsylvania state park bustling with festival energy. There’s live music, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. The festival takes place this year between September 21- September 22, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This festival is a great way to make visiting Kinzua Bridge a full-day excursion. But keep in mind, if the foliage arrives early, visiting this particular weekend will be busy.
Where to Stay Near Kinzua Bridge During Fall
If you’re looking to spend a night or two in the region to make the most of your time, I recommend staying in Bradford, PA. Bradford is centrally located to everything you would explore in this region, including Kinzua Bridge, Kinzua Dam, and Alleghany National Forest.
Holiday Inn Express Bradford is my top hotel recommendation because of its great reviews and location. Holiday Inn Express also includes breakfast, which is always a perk when exploring. (Check Rates | Read Reviews)
Kinzua Bridge Fall Foliage: Wrap-up
I couldn’t recommend visiting Kinzua Bridge State Park enough in the Fall! This park has some stunning foliage and is a unique destination. Kinzua Bridge is a great day trip if you’re coming from Western NY or Northern PA. However, if you’re interested in visiting this stunning Pennsylvania state park, I recommend visiting Alleghany State Park and Ellicottville in New York State. Both are excellent fall foliage destinations within driving distance.
For more travel inspiration, check out these posts:
🌉 Kinzua Bridge Skywalk, Hiking and MORE at Kinzua Bridge State Park
🍁Fall Foliage at Letchworth State Park
🪨 Little Rock City: Enchanting Forest in NY
For more PA travel, check out my Pennsylvania section!
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