Only a special landmark gets its very own state park. The Kinzua Bridge is one such place: one shrouded in amazing history. Kinzua Bridge State Park, located in McKean County, is a popular spot not only for hikers, but also for anyone interested in local or architectural history. Follow this one easy hike in Pennsylvania for unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape.

Jonathan Smith/ Flickr
When you enter the park, you will find this sign welcoming you with information about the bridge as well as about the various hiking trails available to you. If you hike into the central area of the park, you will find a picnic area. If you walk straight ahead, you will find the crowning wonder of the area: The Kinzua Bridge Sky Walk.
flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Kinzua Bridge, or the Kinzua viaduct, was first built in 1882. At the time, it was known popularly as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," because it was the longest and tallest viaduct in the world. It stood at 301 feet tall and just over 2,000 feet long. In 1970, Kinzua Bridge State Park opened.

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Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr
In 2003, the Kinzua Bridge was damaged and partially collapsed due to a strong tornado. From the Sky Walk as it stands today, you can see the remains of the original viaduct in the valley below. It is a great monument to the history of the place, as well as an interesting way to observe nature reclaiming a manmade structure. It is also a popular spot to admire foliage in the fall.
Jim Mullhaupt/ Flickr
Though the Kinzua Bridge is now an observational Sky Walk, it is still an incredibly impressive structure and one that you aren't likely to forget. You'll walk just over 600 feet to the end of the Sky Walk, where you'll come to a glass floor. Look down 301 feet for sensational views of the forest floor, which is particularly pretty covered in the fallen autumn leaves.

Check out the old news report that aired when the bridge first re-opened in its new and restored status as the Kinzua Sky Walk.

For more information, stop by the official website of Kinzua Bridge State Park.

Have you ever been on the easy hike in Pennsylvania that leads to the Kinzua Bridge Sky Walk? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! If you’re up for a challenge, set off on the Kinzua Creek Trail, which leads to views of the Kinzua Bridge Sky Walk.

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Beth Price-Williams | September 18, 2020

What are the best hikes with a view in Pennsylvania?

For some of the most beautiful views in Pennsylvania, embark on the Thousand Steps Trail. The challenging trail will literally require you to climb 1,000 steps. However, once you see the view at the top, you’ll be well-rewarded for your effort. Dingman Ferry’s Trail is, on the other hand, an easy trail that boasts sensational views. At just under 1.5 miles, the trail culminates at Dingman Falls. Chickies Rock Overlook Trail, in West Hempfield Township, measures under a mile long and leads to an overlook with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding landscape.

Which hikes in Pennsylvania are short and sweet?

You’ll find quite a few hiking trails with a view in Pennsylvania. To get a glimpse of the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, head out on the .03-mile Raymondskill Creek Trail. The short and sweet trail leads straight to Raymondskill Falls, which tumbles down a glorious 150 feet. It’s one of those hikes you’ll definitely want to try in each season. Logan Falls Trail, in Allegheny National Forest, is another short but sweet trail that leads to a cascading waterfall. The .03-mile trail takes you to Logan Falls. Be prepared for an easy downhill trek going and a bit more of a challenge on the return, which requires you to walk uphill.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania?

Waterfalls and hiking are just the perfect combination. Some of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania, in fact, lead to breathtaking waterfalls. If it’s been far too long since you’ve been on a road trip, you might want to hit the highway on this road trip to the best waterfalls in Pennsylvania, which features waterfalls you can access via hiking trails. For a short hike that leads to a sensational waterfall, stroll just about a half of a mile to Nay Aug Falls in Scranton. For a full day of hiking, on the other hand, you’ll probably want to head over to Bushkill Falls, which boasts eight waterfalls. (Bushkill Falls is privately-run park, so there is an admission fee.)

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Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA