Kinzua Bridge State Park is located in Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania, off of US Route 6. The park is just north of Mount Jewett, and it consists of 329 acres of land that surround the Kinzua Valley and the remnants of Kinzua Bridge. Originally built in 1882, Kinzua Bridge was billed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World'' and actually held the record for the tallest railroad bridge in the world for two years. Kinzua Bridge remained in commercial service until 1959. In 1963, the state government of Pennsylvania purchased Kinzua Bridge and made it the centerpiece for a state park. In 2003, the bridge was hit by a tornado that caused a large portion of the bridge to collapse.
Kinzua Bridge is the main attraction at Kinzua State Park. Prior to its collapse, the Kinzua Bridge was the United States' fourth tallest railway bridge. In 1977, the bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it was also listed as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1982. The original bridge, which was built with iron, was 2,053 feet long and 301 feet high. By 1900, the bridge's entire structure needed to be rebuilt using steel in order to accommodate heavier trains. It was rebuilt with the same dimensions in May of 1900.
Due to the bridge's collapse, construction and stabilization of portions of the bridge are ongoing. Visitors are not permitted to walk under or on the bridge due to the ongoing repairs and clean up efforts. Prior to the collapse, visitors were permitted to walk on and under the bridge and hike through the valley around the bridge.
The bridge overlook offers visitors scenic views of viaduct and the Kinzua Creek Valley. This is an ideal vantage point for viewing the fall foliage. October's first two weeks are considered to be the peak viewing time for fall foliage in this area. Visitors to Kinzua Bridge State Park have picnicking opportunities. The picnic area provides visitors with shaded picnic tables and water. There is also a modern restroom located in the picnic area.
Kinzua Bridge State Park is a considered to be a carry-in/carry-out facility. This means that anything brought in by visitors must be taken back out with them when they leave the park. The park does not have any trash collection or recycling facilities.
Hunting and trapping is permitted in the park during established seasons. The park has roughly 100 acres that allow trapping, hunting, and dog training. Dog training is only permitted in designated hunting areas. Dog training is only allowed from the day after Labor Day through March 31. Deer, turkey, and bear are some of the common game species found in the area. Hunting groundhogs, which are also known as woodchucks, is prohibited. ADA accessible hunting information is available at the park office. State Game Land 62 is adjacent to the park and is also open for hunting and general recreation.
Additional information about Kinzua Bridge State Park can be obtained by calling 814-965-2646 or 888-727-2757.
Review, comment, or add new information about this topic: