The original 1882 bridge was built in only 94 days using 125 workers.
The 2003 tornado that collapsed the bridge was an F1 intensity storm with winds reaching 94 mph.
The bridge was once recognized as the fourth tallest railway bridge in the world.
Visitors can see the twisted remains of the collapsed steel spans still lying on the forest floor below.
The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Kinzua Bridge State Park features a pedestrian skywalk built upon the remains of the historic Kinzua Viaduct, which was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003. The structure extends 600 feet into the Kinzua Gorge, allowing visitors to walk over the steel trestle towers that survived the collapse. Originally built in 1882 as a wrought-iron railroad bridge, it was reconstructed with steel in 1900 to accommodate heavier trains. The site is located in the Allegheny National Forest region of Pennsylvania. Beneath the bridge, a trail system provides access to the valley floor to view the ruins from below. The park offers educational exhibits regarding the engineering of the viaduct and the meteorological event that damaged it. It is maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The very end of the skywalk offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the Kinzua Gorge and the collapsed steel towers.
Walk down the 'Kinzua Creek Trail' to the valley floor for a perspective of the bridge's massive scale from below.
Bring binoculars for spotting local wildlife, including black bears and various raptors in the gorge.
Visit the visitor center first to view the timeline of the bridge's construction and collapse.
Attempting to climb on the collapsed bridge ruins on the valley floor, which is prohibited and hazardous.
The skywalk may close temporarily during periods of high wind or severe weather.
Sturdy footwear is recommended for the hiking trails; remain behind safety railings on the skywalk.
