Welcome to Kinzua Bridge State Park, a unique park near Alleghany National Forest in Pennsylvania. This state park has beautiful natural surroundings, an intriguing history, and an epic attraction. It has swiftly become one of my favorite day trip destinations (though it is a rather long day trip from Buffalo, New York).
As the name suggests, everything at Kinzua Bridge State Park is centered around the Kinzua Bridge. Yet, this is more than just any bridge. Kinzua Bridge is a partially destroyed bridge that has been turned into a Skywalk. The Sky Walk allows visitors to walk along the old railroad bridge and stand hundreds of feet high, with a bird’ s-eye view of the treetops. Experiencing the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk is the main draw to visiting this Pennsylvania state park and makes for a fascinating day trip.
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Before You Go
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Table of Contents
About Kinzua Bridge
At the time of its completion in 1882, Kinzua Bridge was the tallest and longest railroad bridge viaduct of its kind in the world, sitting at an impressive 301 feet high and 2053 feet long. However, in 2003, a tornado blew through the region, partially destroying Kinzua Bridge.
While the bridge was destroyed in 2003, excursion trains were bared from crossing Kinzua Bridge just the prior year, in February 2002. During an inspection that year, it was discovered that the bridge’s steel was rusted through, making it unsafe for trains to cross.
The bridge was partially restored and turned into an observation deck, opening in 2011 to visitors.
Where is Kinzua Bridge State Park
Kinzua Bridge State Park is located in Mclean County, Northern Pennsylvania, near Alleghany National Forest.
Best Times to Visit Kinzua Bridge State Park
Kinzua Bridge State Park is open year-round, however, the Skybridge will close during inclement weather. So I would advise against visiting in the winter as walking the Skybridge is the highlight of visiting this state park. If you’re planning on hiking, the ground tends to be muddy if it’s after a wet winter.
The best time to visit is between late spring and early fall. Between April to October is the best time to visit this park. I recommend visiting in October, as the Fall foliage at Kinzua Bridge is stunning! Yet, you cannot go wrong with a spring or summer visit either.
Parking and Entrance Fees to Kinzua Bridge
Pennsylvania state parks are free to visit, thus there are no parking or entry fees at Kinzua Bridge State Park. Both Kinzua Bridge State Park and the Kinzua Skybridge are free. There is a large parking lot at Kinzua Bridge with plenty of parking, so you likely won’t have to worry about fighting for a spot.
Kinzua Bridge Skywalk
The absolute highlight of visiting Kinzua Bridge State Park is the Skywalk. With the Kinzua Skywalk, visitors can walk along the still-standing and restored part of the railroad viaduct. It is an incredible and somewhat thrilling experience (especially if you’re weary of heights). The railroad viaduct has been transformed into a pedestrian walkway that juts out over Kinzua Gorge. This walkway follows the intact portion of Kinzua Bridge, which stretches around 600 feet long. It is not an overly long walk, yet you will likely find yourself stopping along the way to look down at the treetops and the destroyed portions of the bridge lying on the ground below.
There are flat portions of the walkway on either side of the railway tracks to walk along. Yet, if you are daring, you can even walk across the railroad tracks. Remember that there are openings between the slabs under the tracks, so this is undoubtedly a don’t look down type of activity.
At the end of the Kinzua Skywalk is a platform where you can get a great view of Kinzua Gorge. You’ll see a creek flowing through the gorge, what appears to be endless treetops of Allegany National Forest, and the leftover pieces of the destroyed portion of Kinzua Bridge.
The Skywalk sits 225 feet above the gorge, making it an incredible viewing platform. If you want the full effect of just how high you are, stand on the glass bottom section of the Skywalk. It is exhilarating looking down at the gorge hundreds of feet below, knowing you are standing on only 1-inch of glass. The glass platform is very cool; however, it was a bit dirty when we were there, which made it hard to see through. Perhaps some rain will make the glass more translucent.
Kinzua Bride Viewing Platform + Photo Spots
If you follow the pathway leading to the hiking trails, you will find several viewing platforms. So many people visit Kinzua Bridge and don’t go to this area, which is a shame. While less thrilling than the Skywalk, this area is so picturesque. These platforms are a fantastic spot to take photos of the Kinzua Bridge in the background. There are two spots to take pictures. The first spot is the upper and lower decking that overlooks Kinzua Bridge.
There is a second photo spot that many people miss. After checking out the first viewpoint, continue along the dirt path, where you will see a small platform directly under the bridge. The view is unique, and you can take dynamic photos here. You can lean or sit on the bridge, creating the illusion that you are up a lot higher than you are. In reality, you are only a couple of feet off the ground, but the photos look like you were much more daring.
Kinzua Bridge State Park Hiking
There are a couple of hiking opportunities at Kinzua Bridge State Park. If you have time, be sure to check out some of the trails.
Kinzua Bridge Trail
This is the most popular trail at Kinzua Bridge State Park. It is a moderate out-and-back trail, starting at the base of the bridge and walking around the scattered pieces of the destroyed portion of the old bridge. This trail is a great way to get another perspective of the bridge.
General Cane Trail
The General Cane Trail allows you to stroll through the woods. While you won’t be rewarded with epic views, this trail is perfect for stretching your legs and immersing yourself in nature.
Kinzua Skywalk Platform
Technically, All Trails considers this a hike. Personally, I wouldn’t categorize it as such. Regardless, you cannot visit Kinzua Bridge State Park without walking the Skywalk. It is a short and easy stroll with incredible views.
Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway
You may have read about the Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway and are trying to find where it is. Have no fear; you cannot miss it. The road leading into the park is considered the Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway. It is quite a beautiful road. If you are inclined to pull over to stop and take photos of the beautiful tree-lined road, be sure to turn the hazards on your vehicle.
Kinzua Bridge Visitors Center
Lobby
If you’re visiting on a cool day and want to warm up inside, the visitors center at Kinzua Bridge is just the place to do so. The visitors’ center features a floor-to-ceiling window looking out at the landscape, with the Kinzua Bridge perfectly framed by the trees. There is even a small bench by the window to relax and enjoy the view.
Kinzua Bridge Museum
Various signage and infographics are scattered throughout the park; however, if you’d like to learn more about the history of Kinzua Bridge Viaduct, head into the visitors center. The Kinzua Bridge Visitors Center is not only a spot to use the restroom and grab a refreshment. While facilities and vending machines are available in the visitors center, there is much more to see and do here.
The visitors center at Kinzua Bridge State Park is home to a museum about the history of the area, the bridge, and its destruction. Visiting this museum is a great way to learn about this unique railway history. The museum is spread across two floors of the visitors’ center, so be sure to walk through both to ensure you don’t miss anything. One of the museum’s highlights is the oil car exhibit, which features a model of an oil car locomotive.
Gift Shop
If you loved your visit to Kinzua Bridge State Park, consider purchasing a souvenir as a memento of your trip. While I didn’t get anything from the gift shop, it was nice to browse through. The gift shop has high-quality shirts with simple wearable designs.
Where to Stay Near Kinzua Bridge State Park
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 has plenty of hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, etc., which is great, especially when exploring such a rural part of the state. Additionally, Bradford is centrally located to everything you would be exploring 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 Sky Walk at Kinzua Bridge State Park: Wrap-up
Walking the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk is such a bucket list type of experience! I’ve driven to Kinzua Bridge State Park various times to enjoy this incredible scenic spot. While I would suggest visiting during peak Fall foliage, this spot is also really lovely without foliage. To enhance your experience, you could add other spots in the area, such as Kinzua Dam, for a full-day trip. Additionally, you can explore nearby Allegany for a weekend getaway.
For more travel inspiration, check out these posts:
🍁 Kinzua Bridge Fall Foliage: Best Spot to See Foliage in Northern PA
🪨 Little Rock City: Enchanting Forest in NY
For more PA travel, check out my Pennsylvania section!
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