Kinzua Bridge State Park, PA (Long Day Trip)

Once the highest and longest railroad viaduct in the world (in 1882), partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003, today you can walk on it and get a stunning view of the Kinzua Gorge and the debris field below. The bridge was closed last November for renovations, but has been re-opened for 2 months (Sept - Oct) to allow viewing fall foilage.

• It's free, but you are attending at your own risk, and you are responsible for yourself and for your own travel arrangements!
• This is 3.5 hrs from me in Parma/Middleburg Hts, but I am going to allocate at least 4 hours to get there to account for rest stops. Check the distance from your place on Google Maps. Start and End time shown includes a 4 hr drive there and back, your drive time might be different, stay as long as you like, or leave for home earlier.
• I plan on getting there at 12 noon and will visit in the following order:
• 1 - Visitor Center/Museum (open 8:00 AM. to 6:00 PM - it's small)
• 2 - Skywalk Overlook (open 8 AM to sunset, picnic area closes at dusk)
• 3 - Skywalk walkway (open 8 AM to sunset)
• 4 - Kinzua Creek Trail - a steep and difficult 0.8 mile/1 hour, out & back trail to the debris field. Requires sturdy hiking shoes, bottled water, and high stamina!
• 5 - There's also an easy 1.6 mile/45 min to 1 hour, hardwood forest loop trail (General Kane Trail) that you can optionally do.
• 6 - I might stay nearby overnight and go back at sunset, and see other nearby things Sunday morning.
• Pack a lunch and use the picnic tables, eat at Little Sisters Big Rig food truck in the parking lot, and/or head out to a nearby restaurant afterwards like Barrel House or Tack's Inn.
• Park Map
• Park Info
• Renovation Info and Weather Cam

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Attend at your own risk, you are responsible for yourself and for your own travel arrangements!
• Parking will be limited due to construction equipment. On busy days, traffic might be backed up or slow-moving going into the park, and you may have to wait to enter. Parking is not allowed on the side of the road leading into the park. If parking lots become full, incoming vehicles will be turned away. (We'll just come back an hour or so later if that ends up happening)
• Carpool with a friend to make getting in and out easier due to limited parking!
• The railroad tracks on the Skywalk have been temporarily removed for the renovation, and the view looking through the glass panel at the end of the Skywalk is currently obstructed.
• The Skywalk and Kinzua Creek Trail may be closed to visitor access during periods of inclement weather including snow, ice, thunderstorms, and high winds.