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| Kinzua Bridge after It Fell photo by Amy K. Radford |
My mother grew up in the small town of Smethport, the hub of
McKean County, PA. Every so often, we would make the four-hour drive in
our yellow Chevy wagon to visit her hometown and family. In the days before
technology, the drive was filled with music and games like counting pumpkins,
Christmas lights, cows or white houses. Once the Quaker State eternal flame came
into view, we knew were close.
A family tradition on those visits was to pack the family into
my grandparents’ red and white striped van and go to Kinzua Bridge in Mt.
Jewett, PA.
Kinzua Bridge is a part of a state park and was once known as
the longest and tallest railroad structure in America, at 2,053 feet long and
301 feet high. It was a touring structure that spread across a great chasm that
both excited and terrified us. We would walk all the way across the bridge,
trying not to look down through the wood ties into the valley below.
Other times we choose the exploration option. We hiked a trail
down to the valley that allowed you to go under the bridge. Looking up from the
ground caused us to realize how tall it really was.
In 2003, a tornado caused the bridge to be partially destroyed and many
of us who had enjoyed this beautiful bridge were devastated. It had been such a
special place to go with my family.
10 years later I was able to visit the bridge again and was amazed
at what they were able to do with the sight. The end of the bridge was repaired
and a glass platform provideed a view down into the valley. The walkway also
allows for amazing views of the Kinzua Valley.
There is also a trail along the side of the valley with a lookout that
allows visitors to enjoy a view of the bridge and the surrounding valley.
That is what I love about Pennsylvania. There are little jewels tucked
away off the beaten path. They are where
family memories are made and the beauty of the state can truly be enjoyed.
For more information on Kinzua Bridge visit:
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| Pieces of Bridge on the Ground photo by Amy K. Radford |
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| The Former Viewing Stand photo by Amy K. Radford |
Amy K. Radford
Take a look at Amy K.
Radford’s terrific blog, Paradoxical Pen. She is a wife, mom of
two, aspiring children’s author, and Adirondacks resident. In addition to her past and current visits to
Northwestern Pennsylvania, she’s also spent time in the Scranton area, going to
college and working for a few years. Amy enjoys the outdoors, nature and
spending time with her family.
This is a very informative article. Thank you for a peek into the past and hope for the future with restorations possible.
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