We can all probably agree that we’re so lucky to live in a state that offers so much to do and so many ways to ignite our imagination – from strolling through storybook gardens to losing ourselves among nature on meandering hiking trails. The story of the bridge to nowhere in Pennsylvania has almost become as much of a legend as the views it boasts, especially during the most brilliant days of the fall foliage. Still, it’s well worth a visit any time of the year – from the sunny days of spring and summer to the snowy days of winter.

Kinzua Bridge Skywalk, tucked in Kinzua Bridge State Park in Mt. Jewett, draws countless visitors all year round for both its spectacular views and its glass floor.
Flickr/David Fulmer
Before it became a popular tourist and leaf peeping destination, however, the bridge to nowhere played an important part in the railroad industry. Trains, carrying such freight as coal and timber, used the bridge on a daily basis.
Wikipedia/Erie Railway Company
The original Kinzua Bridge Viaduct, at the time the highest railroad bridge in the world at 301 feet, debuted in 1882. It carried railroad traffic until 1900.
Wikipedia/Public Domain
Due to the increase in the weight of trains, the bridge had to be rebuilt in 1905 – and it took a mere 105 days. It still stood 301 feet above the forest floor and measured 2,053 feet long.
Wikipedia/Jack Boucher

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However, it now weighed a massive 6,706,000 pounds, compared to the 3,105,000 pounds of the old bridge. Kinzua Bridge continued its role in carrying trains until 1959 and would eventually welcome “excursion trains.”
Wikipedia/IvoShandor
Not long after the closure of the bridge to railroad traffic, the land around it officially became Kinzua Bridge State Park.
Those trains were barred from using the bridge in 2002 due to concerns by engineers that the bridge could easily collapse if the conditions were right – and it did.
Google/Howard and Daphne Paslay
In the middle of a restoration project, on July 1, 2003, a tornado blew through, destroying much of the bridge, leaving its remains scattered on the forest floor. You can still see them today.
Google/Jonathan Dawson
Today, the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk features part of the original bridge and offers sensational views of the surrounding landscape. While it’s picture-perfect year-round, you’ll definitely want to make it a point to visit during the peak of fall foliage.
Google/Lindsay
Learn more on the official website of Kinzua Bridge State Park.
Google/Kinzua Bridge State Park

Have you been to the Kinzua Bridge in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Pennsylvania is also known for its enchanting covered bridges, a throwback to yesteryear. Van Sant Covered Bridge in New Hope, however, has quite a haunted history.

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More to Explore

Bridges In Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | April 05, 2023

Are there any covered bridges in Pennsylvania?

Kinzua Skywalk may be one of the most unique bridges in Pennsylvania. However, you’ll also find some of the throwback covered bridges in Pennsylvania are also worth a visit in any season. Some of the covered bridges in Pennsylvania include:

  • Baumgardener’s Covered Bridge in Pequea opened in 1860 and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980.
  • Lime Valley Covered Bridge is also known as Strasburg Covered Bridge, and it opened in 1871.
  • Keller’s Mill Covered Bridge measures 74 feet. It originally opened in 1873, was destroyed by a flood, and was later rebuilt in 1891.
  • Landis Mill Covered Bridge cost less than $1,000 to build in 1873. Tallying 53 feet long, it crosses over Little Conestoga Creek.
  • Jackson Saw Mill Covered Bridge opened in 1878 and underwent a restoration process in 2005. Nestled in Quarryville, it’s been called one of the most overlooked covered bridges in Pennsylvania.


Can I go on any bridge hikes in Pennsylvania?

If you enjoy exploring on foot, you’ll find several bridge hikes in Pennsylvania, including:


What are some famous bridges in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is home to countless bridges. Did you know, in fact, that Pittsburgh is known as the City of Bridges with 446 bridges? It has even more bridges than Venice, Italy. Here are some famous bridges in Pennsylvania:

  • The Fort Pitt Bridge in Pittsburgh boasts some of the best views of the city skyline, second only to Mount Washington.
  • The Ben Franklin Bridge is perhaps one of the most recognized landmarks in Philadelphia.
  • The Commodore Barry Bridge shuttles traffic from Philly to New Jersey.

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