Hidden away in the woods between Clarksville and Pitt Gas, Pennsylvania, many people who pass through the area every day have no idea that it's there. Yet some residents who have lived here much of their lives remember the bridge as a coveted high school hang-out spot and local landmark.
The bridge is officially named the Clyde No. 3 Mine Swinging Bridge. It was built in 1900 by the Clyde Coal Company and for much of the 20th century, it was an important part of the area's infrastructure.
Miners crossed the bridge daily from work back to Shantytown, the company-built housing where they lived on the West bank of the river. By the mid 20-th century, the mine was abandoned, Shantytown fell to ruin, and the swinging bridge was forgotten.
Though the bridge no longer has any official use, many residents would meet and relax here during their teenage years. Today, though, the bridge has fallen into severe disrepair and cannot be crossed safely.
Check out the video below to hear more about this swinging bridge. The second half of the video also includes footage of a nearby haunted house.
Do you have any memories of this bridge-- or of any old swinging bridges in Pennsylvania?
Every season in Pennsylvania promises its own unique beauty. Autumn, however, might be the most striking time of the year as the burst of fall colors transforms the landscape into an artist's palette. We have so many places to admire the fall foliage - from our own neighborhood to our favorite state parks - but one just might stand out from the rest. Stroll across Kinzua Bridge Skywalk in the fall for spellbinding views of the colorful landscape.
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While you can't cross Kinzua Bridge Skywalk, tucked in Kinzua Bridge State Park in Mt. Jewett, you can stroll 624 feet as...
Encompassing just 339 acres, the state park is one of the most popular places to view the fall foliage in Pennsylvania.
You stand 301 feet above the ground, as the fall colors surround you. The former bridge, which was partially destroyed in a 2003 tornado, now serves as a scenic skywalk that...
Draws visitors from all over Pennsylvania and beyond. If you walk to the end of the skywalk, you'll come to a glass floor that offers a look straight down to the forest floor below.
Several hiking trails. Embark on the easy 1.6-mile General Kane Trail that will take you into the forest. Or, enjoy a picnic at one of the shaded picnic tables.
Have you ever walked across the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk in the fall? What was it like? Join the conversation in the comments! For more spellbinding fall views, set off on a fall canopy zipline tour at Pocono Tree Ventures.
Where & When To See Fall Foliage In Pennsylvania
Autumn seems to go by so quickly, especially when our schedules are packed with fall fun. While many fall activities – pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and train rides – tend to run from late August or early September until Halloween, or even a bit after, the fall foliage is far more fleeting, so you probably want to plan your leaf-peeping activities ahead of time.
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The peak of the fall foliage in Pennsylvania, depending on where you live, usually occurs mid-month with the state well past its most colorful by Halloween. View the Pennsylvania fall foliage map to learn, week by week, when the leaves are expected to change and to get a better idea of when your area will likely experience the peak fall foliage.
Viewing the vibrant colors of fall is often as easy as going into our backyard or our favorite neighborhood park. We also have 124 magnificent state parks that promise an idyllic fall adventure, winding roads for scenic country drives, and countless scenic overlooks.
Know Before You Go
Be prepared for crowds, especially during the peak of the fall foliage. Like with all Pennsylvania state parks, admission to Kinzua Bridge State Park is free. Ample parking is available, and you might want to stop by the Visitor Center if it's your first visit.
Little Sister’s Big Rig parks at Kinzua Bridge State Park daily, except for Tuesday, at select times. The popular food truck serves such comfort classics as elk burgers, chili cheese dogs, chicken tenders, and loaded fries.
For a sit-down meal, drive about half an hour to Texas Hot Lunch in Kane. The popular restaurant serves a variety of favorites, from Texas burgers to chicken and biscuits, and welcomes diners for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
One day of fall fun simply not enough? We’ve got the answer: The Guesthouse in Warren. This charming Airbnb, about 15 minutes from Mt. Jewett, sleeps up to six guests in its three bedrooms and features a full menu of amenities, including a full kitchen, WiFi, and a private backyard. Even better? The owners often decorate for the season.
A drive through the Pennsylvania countryside sometimes feels like traveling back in time as we pass rolling farmland, quaint farmhouses, and enchanting covered bridges. Once a familiar sight on the American landscape, covered bridges have dwindled in recent decades. In their prime, Pennsylvania once had more than 1,500 covered bridges, but that number has since dropped to around 200. Nevertheless, Lancaster County earns props as the county with the most covered bridges in Pennsylvania, and definitely some of the most photogenic bridges on the East Coast!
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If you want to get the most bang for your buck, figuratively speaking, when it comes to covered bridges, make your way to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where you’ll find 25 of these throwbacks to yesteryear.
Curious as to the oldest covered bridge in Pennsylvania? The Hassenplug Covered Bridge near Mifflinburg opened in 1825.
Once you’ve visited the oldest covered bridge in Lancaster County, consider a stop at the longest covered bridge. The Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge measures 180 feet.
On the flip side, the shortest covered bridge tallies just 53 feet, making it nearly as wide as it is long! A familiar landmark on the landscape since 1873, Landis Mill Covered Bridge is unique in that it features both King post trusses and Burr arches.
With so many covered bridges in Lancaster County, PA, you might need a day or two to see them all, if that’s your goal. This homey farmhouse rental is the perfect basecamp for your covered bridges excursion!
Discover Lancaster has a handy-dandy map where you can choose from several driving tours that are compiled according to region, including the Northern Amish Countryside and Lititz and its countryside.
While you're out and about, you already know that Lancaster County is full of good eats, and especially hearty Amish cooking! Check out some of our favorite Amish country restaurants to fuel up for your travels.
Not up for a drive right now? The video below by Amish PA showcases many of the bridges across Lancaster County. Enjoy!
Did you know that Lancaster County has the most covered bridges in Pennsylvania? How many of these PA covered bridges have you checked off your list? Let us know in the comments!
