Once hailed as the 8th wonder of the world, here are 3 reasons why the remote Kinzua Bridge State Park is worth the trip.
Fascinating History of the Engineering Marvel
A snow storm the day before my trip to Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County blanketed the region in 6+ inches of snow creating a serene arctic-accented landscape. The plowed parking lot and partially cleared walkways were an encouraging sign that the park was still open. However, I was slightly concerned that the emptiness of the parking lot portended that the bridge itself would be closed.
The unobtrusive visitor center had a low, long profile with porticos cleverly crafted as bridge columns. The visitor center design complemented, rather than drawing attention from star of the show: the Kinzua Bridge and gorge. Both inside and out, the visitor center looked new. The friendly woman at the visitor center desk greeted me and confirmed that the entire park was open, including the Skywalk. After some pleasant and informative conversation, she invited me to enjoy the exhibit room.
The exhibit room spotlighted the innovative features, construction, and history of the Kinzua Bridge. There were also exhibits highlighting McKean County’s contributions to industry and development. The entire back wall was window, casting the Kinzua Gorge and Skywalk as a real-life background to the exhibits.
At the time of its completion in 1882, the Kinzua Bridge was the highest railroad viaduct in the world. The original wrought iron bridge was rebuilt in 1900 using steel to accommodate heavier trains and remained in service until 1959.
The former engineering icon was sold to a salvage company, but recognizing the uniqueness and significance of the bridge, the head of the salvage company was reluctant to consign it to the scrap heap. The State of Pennsylvania purchased the bridge and surrounding land in 1965 and opened Kinzua Bridge State Park to the public in 1970.
The Kinzua bridge once again carried trains over its majestic span, this time entertaining visitors with sightseeing trips from 1987 until 2002 when it was closed due concerns over the aging bridge’s susceptibility to the high winds of the Kinzua Gorge.
Ironically, during a construction project to fortify the bridge against strong winds, on July 21, 2003, a tornado tore through the center of the 121-year-old steel giant throwing 11 of its towers to the floor of the gorge. But this was not to be the end of the tenacious structure. In 2011 the remains of the Kinzua Bridge were granted new life to once again to delight and awe visitors as the Kinzua Skywalk.
A Walk in the Sky
The Kinzua Skywalk projects 624 feet into the gorge. Although the railing of the Skywalk was nearly chest-high, there was a definite sense walking into open space as terra firma dropped away below.
There was a strong westerly wind blowing through the gorge that increased in force the farther I traveled on the Skywalk. I had to literally hold onto my hat to avoid losing it. The Skywalk terminated in an octagonal platform with a glass floor in the center.
Although I am not particularly bothered by heights, looking over the edge of the platform created a sense of exhilaration mingled with slight uneasiness. The Skywalk lived up to its name as I tentatively stood on the glass floor gazing through to bottom of the gorge nearly 300 feet below. I stood for some time inwardly reveling in the experience of the view, wind, and height in solitude.
The gray sky and snow-powdered landscape facing North from the Skywalk platform.
Descent to the Other-Worldly Kinzua Gorge
A winding 0.8 mile out-and-back trail descends 300 feet into the gorge below to give a reverse perspective of the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk. At the bottom of the gorge, adventurers can explore the tornado-wrecked towers.
The snow-laced twisted metal of once mighty fallen giants amid a lonesome landscape of grays, browns, and whites makes for an other-worldly feel at the bottom of the Kinzua Gorge.
The remains of the renown Kinzua Bridge thrust into the sky above testifies to the derivative majesty and ingenuity of the Imago Dei, while the twisted wreckage below simultaneously bears witness to the transience and vulnerability of man and his noblest works.
There are more trails, especially on the other (north) side of the gorge, but on account of the snow, I decided to save them for another day. You can hike to the northern portion of the viaduct, but the structure itself fenced off. The trip to the bottom of the gorge and back is steep but worth it.
The storied history, unique Skywalk experience, and majestic gorge make the remote the Kinzua Bridge State Park worthy of your bucket list.
Kinzua Bridge State Park is located at 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740
For more information visit the Kinzua Bridge State Park website
Be sure to visit our other adventures.
