When it was built in 1882 the Kinzua Bridge was the longest and tallest railroad bridge in the world with a span of 2053’ over a 301’ deep valley. In 1900 the bridge was rebuilt using steel as a replacement for the original iron to make it strong enough for newer, heavier trains. The bridge was in daily use until 1959 when commercial train traffic started using another line and the bridge was sold as salvage to Nick Kovalchick, Nick couldn’t bear to tear the bridge down and petitioned the state to buy it for a park. In 1970 the park was officially opened to the public. From 1987 until 2002 a tourist train crossed the bridge as part of a 97 mile scenic excursion. Then on July 21, 2003 disaster struck. The bridge was closed (fortunately) for restoration when a tornado swept up the valley and ripped 11 of the 20 towers from their sandstone piers.
Trains will never again run across the valley but six of the original towers now support a pedestrian walkway. A viewing platform at the end looks over the valley and has a section of glass flooring panels that give a view straight down through the girders to the ground. A kiosk has informative signs and something we've never seen before at an outside exhibit – a flat screen with a video about the bridge construction.
The sidewalk leading to the bridge walkway has a slight downhill slope. The walkway is accessible but the view is blocked a little by the railings. A view of the walkway itself can be seen by following the General Kane Trail to the first deck. Bypass the handicapped parking spaces and park on the opposite side of the lot, close to the sidewalk, for an easier roll.
The parking lot is large enough for any RV. Park
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