A Walk Above the Gorge: Discovering Kinzua Bridge State Park

If you're looking for a memorable day trip during your stay at the Maple Shade Mansion, Kinzua Bridge State Park is a beautiful destination that combines history, adventure, and some truly spectacular scenery.

Located near Mt. Jewett, the Kinzua Viaduct has a fascinating history. When the original railroad bridge was completed in 1882, it was an engineering marvel - and held the distinction of being both the tallest and longest railroad bridge in the world. For more than a century, the massive steel structure carried trains high above the Kinzua Gorge.

Then, in 2003, nature dramatically changed the landscape. A powerful tornado swept through the area destroying much of the historic viaduct. While the loss was significant, the story of the Kinzua Bridge didn't end there. Instead, the remains were given a new purpose. Today, visitors can experience the historic structure in a completely different way.

 In 2011, the remaining towers were transformed into the Kinzua Skywalk, creating a unique pedestrian walkway that allows visitors to venture out over the gorge and experience this remarkable landmark from above.

The Skywalk extends approximately 600 feet along the remaining portion of the viaduct, leading you out over the Kinzua Gorge. One of its most memorable features is a partial glass platform that offers a fascinating view straight down into the gorge below. It's the perfect spot to pause, take in the scenery, and appreciate just how impressive this historic structure once was.

But the Skywalk is just one part of the Kinzua Bridge experience. The park's Visitor Center offers exhibits where you can learn more about the history of the viaduct, the tornado that changed its future, and the beautiful mountainous region surrounding it.

If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, there are plenty of ways to make a day of your visit. Hike or bike through the area, take a scenic drive along the Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway, or spend a quiet afternoon fishing for trout in Kinzua Creek. You can also pack a picnic and find a peaceful spot beneath the sugar maple and eastern hemlock trees of the Allegheny National Forest.

And if you're visiting during the fall, be sure to bring your camera. The surrounding forest comes alive with brilliant autumn color, making an already beautiful destination even more spectacular.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

If you're planning a visit to Kinzua Bridge, it's always a good idea to check conditions before you head out. The Skywalk may close during inclement weather, and construction is expected to limit access at some locations through fall 2026.

For the most current information, including operating hours and temporary closures, check the park's “Alerts” section before your visit.  https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/kinzua-bridge-state-park/alerts

There are so many wonderful places to explore within an easy drive of Brockway. Kinzua Bridge State Park is one of those special destinations where history and nature come together in a way you won't soon forget.