05/16/2025
Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County is home to one of Pennsylvania’s most jaw-dropping landmarks, the Kinzua Skywalk. Once the tallest and longest railroad bridge in the world when it was built in 1882, the original viaduct stood 301 feet high and stretched more than 2,000 feet across the Kinzua Gorge. After a powerful tornado took out much of the bridge in 2003, the remains were transformed into something even more incredible: a glass-floored pedestrian skywalk that lets you stand at the edge of the broken span and look straight down into the gorge, with twisted steel towers still lying where they fell. It’s a wild blend of history, nature, and engineering, and standing out there gives you chills in the best way.
Right now, the Skywalk is temporarily closed for major restoration, with crews working to reinforce and preserve the remaining structure. They’re adding steel, updating the railings and glass, and giving the whole thing a fresh life while keeping its epic feel intact. The full reopening is expected in fall 2027, but here’s the cool part: it will reopen briefly from August 28 to October 31, 2025, just in time for peak fall foliage. Until then, the park’s visitor center is open year-round, and the surrounding trails still offer amazing views and that rugged, remote vibe the PA Wilds are known for. If you’ve never been, it’s absolutely worth the trip; part ghost structure, part sky-high adventure, and entirely unforgettable.