Kinzua Bridge State Park is located in northern Pennsylvania in the middle of a beautiful forest. The park contains a visitor’s center, museum, skywalk, challenging trail and creek. There are also the remains of what was once the world’s tallest and longest railroad structure.
The results of an unfortunate disaster of a tornado that destroyed the railway structure produced something unique and worth visiting. The surviving part of this structure has been converted into an elevated walkway and observation deck. The remains that once connected the railway from one end of the valley to the other lays in a chaotic heap on the valley floor.
From the skyway, you can also look onto the path that descends into the valley. You can also see other visitors as they make their journey. Of course, from such a magnificent perspective, the view is expansive.
The other notable aspect of the park is the trail that takes you down to the valley floor. The trail is not for beginners and requires a bit of stamina, strength, and lung capacity. You need that for going down and for coming back up. Appropriate footwear will also be needed, flat soled sneakers aren’t recommended as sections of the trail are very rocky.
OUR VISIT TO KINZUA BRIDGE STATE PARK
Our family greatly enjoyed the experience as we visited in mid-October. We were hoping to get a great view of the changing leaves, unfortunately, by that time many of the leaves had fallen in that area, especially across the valley. Despite that, there were still beautiful colors to enjoy.
We hike fairly often, even so as a family of four with 2 kids (ages 13 and 10) the climb down and then back up was quite the challenge but doable and worth the effort.
It’s worth noting that some areas were a bit steep and rocky. As a help, there were several benches to take a break and rest and we took our time going both ways.
The sky bridge was breathtaking as it extends some 600 feet out over the valley below and provides some of the most awe-inspiring views imaginable.
The original train track is still intact as it is laid down in the middle of the bridge with enough space on either side for people to walk and stop and enjoy the view.
The observation deck at the end allows an even better view of the area. It includes a glass floor section that allows you to look straight down to the ground some 300 feet below you.
WHAT TO PACK FOR KINZUA BRIDGE STATE PARK
If you’re planning to take the hike down the trail with your family, here are several things that you’ll want to make sure that you have ahead of time:
These basic items will make the trip more enjoyable especially if you have children with you. The path is dirt, grave and rocks so dependable shoes or boots for both yourself and the kids are a must. A water bottle or two (which can be filled in the visitor center prior to going out) as well as a backpack with some light snacks and other supplies are good because once you’re out on the trail there’s nothing in the way of facilities out there.
A hoodie or long sleeve top (depending on the season) may be needed for the observation deck because it can get quite windy up there.
WHERE TO STAY FOR YOUR VISIT TO KINZUA BRIDGE STATE PARK
Kinzua Bridge State Park is located in a fairly remote area. One of the closest towns to find accommodations in is Bradford, Pennsylvania. A quick search on Booking.com will turn up several choices of hotels to stay in.
Another option would be to rent a cabin at Allegheny National Forest. We selected a cabin in the Red Bridge Campground with electric, water and heat. There are several cabins to choose from that are ideal for families.
KINZUA BRIDGE VISITOR CENTER AND INFO
The Visitor Center has clean restrooms, a gift shop, water fountains, and a lot of information about the park and its creation. Included in that is a museum with a short film about the history of the park, the railroad bridge that became the skywalk, and how it came to be. All of this is free. It adds to the appreciation of the area and is quite interesting.
Basic Info
The park is open year-round, closes at dusk, and is located at: 296 Viaduct Rd, Mount Jewett, PA 16740
General information to further plan your visit is found at:
https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/KinzuaBridgeStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
