I walked across this bridge when younger and still remember the swaying in the wind. Can't believe trains went across this lol The new viewing and learning center are awesome!
Would have been amazing to see the bridge while it was still standing or even have the chance to ride across. And yes the visitor center is one of the best imo!
I first saw the bridge from the bottom of the valley while four wheeling up the trail beneath it with my grandfather at the wheel of his Willys pickup truck. It was 1963, and I was just 5 years old. It was an experience that I would never forget, and would lead me back to the bridge countless times throughout my life. It really did hurt when it came down. So many fantastic memories. ✌🏼😎🇺🇸
Another great story, thanks for sharing with all of us. Can't imagine riding under that bridge looking up while it was still standing, must've been a sight to see! Thanks for stopping by Randy!
My husband taught our daughters how to spit off that bridge years ago😂. My father used to fish the stream below it. My husband and I even rode the excursion train over the bridge in the 90's. I cried when I heard what happened when the tornado hit it.😢 The visitors center is an awesome testament to the bridge. It took me a long time to get the courage to walk on the glass on the Skywalk. Meanwhile my grandson was dancing over it.
These are the kind of stories I love reading! That's hilarious, and wow that's even more interesting how your father fished that creek, hard to imagine it being large enough to hold a population of fish...maybe native trout? Jealous that you were able to ride the train! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment Susan!
My brother lived half a mile away and we would always walk or run or bike across the bridge to make sure we beat the trains. The whole family did family reunions at my brother's house every year and made our own tent city, in July of 2003, we had to seek shelter as the tornado blew through and sent one of our tents flying. We got word that the bridge collapsed from the storm and could not believe the mangled steel and how the landscape changed with all the snapped-in-half trees as well.
Great story, love hearing everyone's tales from the bridge! Even crazier you'd outrun the train haha, glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for sharing that story with us all!
Brilliant video. I eally enjoyed my trip to visit the Kinzua. Hands down the nicest visitors center I have ever had the pleasure to visit. Thanks Bill and good job
Couldn't agree more, the Elk visitor center, Sinnemahoning and Ohiopyle are probably the top few in the state but yeah I think Kinzua is probably the best! Thanks for stopping by Barry!
I went on a train ride over that bridge I believe from marienville. Stopped at kane to pick up more people. We had a boxed lunch and went across the bridge. When we got to the end of the bridge, you could rent a caboose and stay there overnight. I always wanted to do that. This was probably in the late 80s. It was such a memorable experience. Thank you for sharing this video.
I was just at the old train station in Marienville a few months back, it is now a gift shop! That's amazing you were able to take a ride on it...if only I could go back in time! Thanks for checking it out Joann!
Absolutely one of the best introductions I’ve ever seen. Really set the tone of the video. Add in the amazing footage and you just produced a masterpiece..
Wow Teddy, that's quite the compliment with all the great creators out there. I really wanted to make this video stand out among all the other Kinzua videos out there and I hope I captured it with this one, I couldve explained so much more but feared I woulda bored everyone lol. Thanks for always being such a supportive mind.
A great video would be the various structures and entities over-the-years dubbed "the 8th Wonder of the World." There have been a handful of them, many of which, like this bridge, worthy of such a moniker. You can feel the sublime serenity of the silence and landscape as you were walking out onto the bridge. Would be a great spot to sit down and have a nice lunch. Great job my friend! Thanks for sharing!
Appreciate the comment and kind words Ed, the 8th Wonder of the World idea is certainly an interesting thought but a little out of my realm! And yeah I agree, there seems to be a feeling of calmness there nowadays. Thanks for stopping by!
Just one of the things I love to do, I strive to be the best! I love showcasing all of the hidden gems and not so hidden gems around the state (and country soon) and can't be more thrilled I have a great group of folks following along for the journey! Thank you!
I moved to PA from NJ in 1992. I love living here. Finding your channel and watching your PA State Park videos has inspired me to visit these fantastic state parks when I retire in June 2025.
Congrats on the retirement coming soon! I traveled the country in my early 20s hiking most of the National Parks and then returned home not knowing how great my home state was and the whole reason behind this channel is to show folks you don't need to travel out west to see amazing things. Thanks for stopping by!
As an archeologist i surveyed thousands of acres of wilderness lands in McKean, Warren and Forest counties for the Forest Service in the early 90s recording historic and prehistoric sites. It is beautiful country and i have many great memories of exploring there. This video is awesome, so well done. Much appreciated. Looking forward to more videos in the future
Very interesting, if you'd like to see anything in particular covered on this channel feel free to reach out to me, I am always trying to find things off of the beaten path. Thanks for the kind comment Eric and hope to hear back from you.
In the early nineties my scout troop camped not far from there. I have actually walked from one end to the other. It was really cool to look down through the rail ties and see the ground below.
The railroad tie thing is the only part of it that got my fear of heights going lol, amazing to see how many people commented on this video that walked the bridge before it collapsed.
Bill, the quality of videos, particularly the intros continue to impress me!!! You are an inspiration. No surprise you've surpassed 22K subs...and growing. "So yeah"...hats off to you Sir...👊😀!!!
As always Griz thank you so much for the kind comments, Ive been working my butt off over the past 5 years to stand out as one of the best content creators not only in PA but in the country. Seems like the work is slowly paying off, thank you so much for always stopping by!
Great job as always, Bill. I'm not fond of heights, but I really didn't mind that skywalk. (Though I feel like the train ride across would have been kinda terrifying.) It's definitely worth going down to the bottom, too, to see that wreckage up close. Definitely a cool place.
Crazy how quickly they built the original bridge, and I agree with you its not too bad walking across but going across it in a train would be a whole new beast lol, im sure that whole bridge swayed when one came across. Hoping to do some hiking with you in the spring man!
I loved the intro and the history. I was there in 2000 (before the destruction) and walked all the way across the bridge to the other side. Sooo High !! Thanks for taking us to the bottom, and looking up. The amount of twisted steel is amazing. Also, thanks for the info of it closing for 3 years. Now I know not to go there.
The intros are so fun to make for the parks, each one is so unique compared to the next....I visited back in 2005 im guessing for the first time before the visitor center was built and there were no trails. I can't imagine how cool it would have been to walk across the bridge in its entirety!
Loved it. I made it all the way to the other side once after the collapse. There's a booth like structure. I don't remember any no trespassing signs then. Wish there had been because the last part of the climb nearly killed me! I recall crawling at one point. Before the collapse I took the excursion train in the late 90s. There was a picnic ground on the other side. Lovely day. But before the train entered the bridge they stopped to let any nervous folks off. My brother got off and struck up a conversation with an older park ranger/worker. The ranger said my brother was smart and anyone who crossed the bridge was crazy. He talked about rusty bolts and such. "That bridge will collapse one of these days!" Thanks for the awesome video.
Thank you for checking the video out! I was gonna try and make it over there but decided against it since they had the private property signs but yeah it looked steep! I am jealous you were able to experience the train ride, and even crazier that the worker said that haha. Great story, thanks for sharing!
Loved learning about the bridge history. This is a spot I really want to visit one day, but it would be a far drive. Awesome footage from both on and below the bridge!
I am honestly surprised you haven't made it out this way yet after seeing all of the places you've visited! It honestly only takes a few hours to visit but Kinzua is a must see especially if you love PA like I know you do! Thanks for stopping by!
Ive been visiting here for years and it never gets old, for those that aren't from the state id imagine it would be even more interesting to see or hear about. Thanks for stopping by!
The opening was awesome. Just beautiful. I am surprised they let people amongst the debris but then there are no trespassing signs near the wreckage? The visitors center looked interesting. Lots of history . I liked your PA Wilds road trip.
@@cathyp4342 thanks for stopping by! The intro took me a few days to edit but it was a lot of fun to put together, the visitor center was amazing, thanks for coming along for the journey
I live in NE Ohio. Have visited the bridge several times starting in the late 60's with my husband and 2 sons. Was able to walk across the bridge and take the walk back on the trail down to the creek and back to the starting point. Awesome and exhausting! Have pictures of what had to be one of the last trains to cross the bridge. Visited this summer, now using a walker but still interesting. Beautiful video. Subscribed.
Ohio is on my list of places I really want to start to document here in the future beings its not too far away from me, I love hearing all of the stories from folks who visited this bridge while it was still standing, never thought this video would get so many comments! Thank you!
I think your videos are great! I always watch them before we head to the the PA state campgrounds, so helpful! We just love the PA wilds, would love to move out there next year. We were at the bridge this summer, it is SO HIGH! Glad we got to see it before it closes for a few years.
As always Debbie, thank you! The intros alone take me hours to do but I am really trying to take the channel to the next level and it seems to be paying off here lately, thank you! We visit Kane quite often!
Have not been there yet. On the list. Not sure how I will do. You know me and heights😮. Great job on this. Thanks for sharing. Keep on adventuring and see you soon hopefully 👍🙂🙏
My mother took all her grandkids 5 in total across on the train shortly before the tornado took it down, the kids were old enough to remember their ride, and my mother was so glad she had the opportunity, fond memories ❤
Sounds like some incredible memories were made, I am always in awe of the bridge and I never had the chance to see it standing intact so I can't imagine seeing it like that. Thanks for leaving me a comment Lisa
I used to visit there every year with my wife and her family in the 1980’s and 90’s. My brother in law and I would hike down through the valley and return back across the bridge. After the bridge was destroyed, I put off going there because, being the emotional soul and lover of historic structures that I am, wasn’t sure I could handle seeing the carnage. But on the way back from Letchworth with my family in 2017 we made the stop. Seeing the bridge in that condition was tough but seeing how they made the destruction part of the history made the bitter pill a little easier to swallow. I visited by myself in 2020 and went down into the valley to survey the downed remains. I got to a sign that read “Do Not Proceed Beyond This Point”. I was determined to get some “off the path” perspective shots, though. I went about 50 yards, got tripped up in some undergrowth and tore my pants on some of the twisted steel. I saw that as an omen to obey the signage and return to the trail. I also found that valley is a lot steeper than it was 20+ years ago. Nice video and - yes - that introduction was beyond spectacular.
Enjoyed the video! My husband and I were therre in the fall of 2020. I am afraid of heights, but i made it to the end of the bridge! I didn't like looking down though! We did not hike down to the bottom as my husband was having trouble with his knee at the time, so it was nice to see some footage from the wreckage at the bottom.
It’s great to hear you made it to the end of the bridge! I can't blame you for not wanting to look down, it’s a long way down haha. As for the bottom it is a steep trail so I can't blame him, but it gives a pretty unique perspective looking up
Been there twice. Very cool to walk out on what’s left of the bridge and the new overlooked that they made. And you can go down and walk underneath it and around the portions of the bridge that I’ve been left there on the ground and climb up the other side mind you you have to be in pretty good shape to do this.😂 it’s still fun and beautiful
I was there just before they closed it in November, and I was actually able to make it fully up the other side and sat on the first concrete base up there. I’m terrified of heights so it might not have been the best idea, but after a lot of convincing I ended up making it back down. Very steep climb and most of it towards the top is loose gravel so that’s never fun to walk on. Ended up sliding down the first part because of how steep it was, but I made it! Very awesome experience, would definitely recommend to go back when they reopen and hopefully you can make it up the other side!
I really debated going up the other side but after I saw the no trespassing signs I turned back around, I always wanted to go up there though, hopefully they add access to it in the future! Thanks for checking out the video Baileigh!
I visited here as a kid and you could still walk across it. My parents and I did just that. I ran into one of the workers there and he gave me an old skoal can he had hand painted a little mini kinzua bridge scene on. I’ll have to ask my dad if he still has that thing. Such a shame it came down like it did. Thing was insanely magnificent.
Great video, Bill! The tourist railroad that ran over the bridge was owned by Sloan Cornell, who originally had the Penn View Mountain Railroad near Blairsville.
Very interesting, after all the comments this video received I feel like I could go up and make another video on just the things I learned from folks on here haha. Thanks for stopping by!
Been there probably 40 yrs ago, crawled under and took pictures through the uprights and was amazed how close they all lined up. Sad it is gone. You could stop in the middle and if there was a breeze you could feel it swaying.
Spent countless hours at the bridge starting in 1989 thru till its collapse . Tons of memories . The structure was in advanced deterioration the last few years...
Visited Kinzua last month. Struggled up the other side of the valley over the loose gravel to the other end of the bridge. It's all secured, so no access unless you illegally crawl under the fence. I enjoyed your video as it captured the essence of the park. Have you thought about slipping over the state line to chart Allegany State Park in NY?
Glad I didn't head up that way then, there were a few no trespassing signs along the way up which is when I decided to turn around, thanks for stopping by and its so funny you ask about Allegany...I was planning a trip up there to do some hiking but couldn't find any trail that really jumped out at me so I ended up at Zoar Valley instead which was amazing. Any recommendations for Allegany?
i have been going to the bridge since i was small. we used to walk across it many times. we used to toss penny's over the bridge down to other family members down below to see if they could catch them or find them where they hit at. it was good time. this was before the visitors center was even there.
I never knew I had a fear of hights til a few years ago when me and my then boyfriend went there. Ad I got out to where the land ends,my legs just stopped and I couldn't move. Even with a death grip on his hand and the railing,I couldn't move. I made it back to the beginning and he continued to the end. We did go down to the field but there was no stone path. It was just a dirt path. I don't think that footbridge was there either. That place is awesome.
If you have fear of heights this would be the place to learn it! I can understand why your fear kicked in while visiting here especially knowing half of the bridge collapsed lol, I remember visiting before there was a trail as well, its crazy how many improvements have been made there. I remember visiting before the visitor center as well!
I have an aunt and uncle who still live in Kinzua! I have need there many times with my husband and I walked on the bridge partway but due to my fear of heights I went back to solid ground!!!
I used to wall over that bridge with my 2 brothers! We did have a cottage near the bridge ! We would sneak out on Saturday morning and come back before noon
Great video. I really enjoyed it. I was fortunate to visit the area in July of 1992. I am an amateur photographer and took a ton of images. Of course all on film back then. I posted some online and I was contacted by a company that makes displays. They wanted to buy a image that I took of the viaduct. It is actually a viaduct and not a bridge. What's the difference? I have no idea. But that is what I have seen. They ended up buying the one time rights to 3 of my images. They are supposed to be part of a video and one is supposed to be in print form I believe. I was hoping to spot it in your video but I didn't. My wife and I were able to take a train ride you mentioned and it actually went over the viaduct at that time. Then we walked it which was cool. Even though I have a fear of heights. I just kept telling myself. If it can hold a train, it can hold me. I am not that fat. Then we did the trail you took. We were able to go to the middle where it no longer is and looked up at it. Like you said. It gave you a different perspective. Thanks again for this great video. When I heard it was destroyed by the tornado I almost cried. It was such a special place and was really one of the wonders of the world. I'm sure it is still a special place. We were told when we were there that someone died there a number of days before we were there. He foolishly decided it would be a cool photo to have his girlfriend take his photo while he was standing on the railing. Sadly he slipped and fell to his death. So people. Don't do that. God bless.
First off William thanks for the great comment (and great name) you had me laughing about not being that fat haha, very interesting to hear they purchased your photos, they do have a video they play every few minutes in the visitor center, perhaps that's where they show them? They have a ton of photos around the center as well but it would take forever to film them all haha. Love hearing about the past when it was still a functional railway, even cooler that these comments will be around for everyone to read over the years. Thanks for the comment William!
I have been there in my younger days took pictures walked across to the other side then down the sidehill to the bottom of the bridge I remember there was a valley trail along the bottom of the mountain. They were working on the bridge at the bottom and had mounting bolts out to replace some and the part they were working on came down because it lost support in that area
In the early 90s I was on a canoe trip on the Clarion and found out the bridge was an hour away . We decided to walk across it and my son and I made it. My buddy had a fear of heights and wouldn't cross it. He had more brains than I did. At that time, they had a train ride that crossed it.
Would they close down the bridge to pedestrians when trains were coming or was it just a "at your own risk" kind of thing? Im guessing there was enough room for both but that would be pretty terrifying lol...thanks for checking out the video!
Walked across the bridge with my grandparents i think I was about 10 at the time told my grandfather i would race them back but i went down in the valley underneath got lost thankfully a kind couple help me get to the otherside i was scared and lost 😢 lol
@@jacobpoucher No, we have only hiked out near his side of the state. I have a video with him coming out here “soonish” from a vista we hiked to. I’ll have to add the Clarion Trestle to the list, what makes it better?
My stepfather worked at the bridge as a state employee and he is the one that told me about the golden rivet. A metal detector on the ground at every rivet.
@ I think the originals were built by humans with a much more connected consciousness. I’ve been researching since 2008, and it seems to be a multifaceted theory If you are interested in talking more about it, I am open
It didn't help that construction crews had plywood fastened to the bridge to keep the wind off of the workers. All that needed to happen next was a strong wind to push the plywood to topple the bridge.
I walked across this bridge when younger and still remember the swaying in the wind. Can't believe trains went across this lol The new viewing and learning center are awesome!
Would have been amazing to see the bridge while it was still standing or even have the chance to ride across. And yes the visitor center is one of the best imo!
I first saw the bridge from the bottom of the valley while four wheeling up the trail beneath it with my grandfather at the wheel of his Willys pickup truck. It was 1963, and I was just 5 years old. It was an experience that I would never forget, and would lead me back to the bridge countless times throughout my life. It really did hurt when it came down. So many fantastic memories.
✌🏼😎🇺🇸
Another great story, thanks for sharing with all of us. Can't imagine riding under that bridge looking up while it was still standing, must've been a sight to see! Thanks for stopping by Randy!
My husband taught our daughters how to spit off that bridge years ago😂. My father used to fish the stream below it. My husband and I even rode the excursion train over the bridge in the 90's. I cried when I heard what happened when the tornado hit it.😢 The visitors center is an awesome testament to the bridge. It took me a long time to get the courage to walk on the glass on the Skywalk. Meanwhile my grandson was dancing over it.
These are the kind of stories I love reading! That's hilarious, and wow that's even more interesting how your father fished that creek, hard to imagine it being large enough to hold a population of fish...maybe native trout? Jealous that you were able to ride the train! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment Susan!
My brother lived half a mile away and we would always walk or run or bike across the bridge to make sure we beat the trains. The whole family did family reunions at my brother's house every year and made our own tent city, in July of 2003, we had to seek shelter as the tornado blew through and sent one of our tents flying. We got word that the bridge collapsed from the storm and could not believe the mangled steel and how the landscape changed with all the snapped-in-half trees as well.
Great story, love hearing everyone's tales from the bridge! Even crazier you'd outrun the train haha, glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for sharing that story with us all!
Brilliant video. I eally enjoyed my trip to visit the Kinzua. Hands down the nicest visitors center I have ever had the pleasure to visit. Thanks Bill and good job
Couldn't agree more, the Elk visitor center, Sinnemahoning and Ohiopyle are probably the top few in the state but yeah I think Kinzua is probably the best! Thanks for stopping by Barry!
Outstanding editing, thanks for the hard work..
Thanks for taking the time to check it out Steve
I went on a train ride over that bridge I believe from marienville. Stopped at kane to pick up more people. We had a boxed lunch and went across the bridge. When we got to the end of the bridge, you could rent a caboose and stay there overnight. I always wanted to do that. This was probably in the late 80s. It was such a memorable experience. Thank you for sharing this video.
I was just at the old train station in Marienville a few months back, it is now a gift shop! That's amazing you were able to take a ride on it...if only I could go back in time! Thanks for checking it out Joann!
Absolutely one of the best introductions I’ve ever seen. Really set the tone of the video. Add in the amazing footage and you just produced a masterpiece..
Wow Teddy, that's quite the compliment with all the great creators out there. I really wanted to make this video stand out among all the other Kinzua videos out there and I hope I captured it with this one, I couldve explained so much more but feared I woulda bored everyone lol. Thanks for always being such a supportive mind.
A great video would be the various structures and entities over-the-years dubbed "the 8th Wonder of the World." There have been a handful of them, many of which, like this bridge, worthy of such a moniker. You can feel the sublime serenity of the silence and landscape as you were walking out onto the bridge. Would be a great spot to sit down and have a nice lunch. Great job my friend! Thanks for sharing!
Appreciate the comment and kind words Ed, the 8th Wonder of the World idea is certainly an interesting thought but a little out of my realm! And yeah I agree, there seems to be a feeling of calmness there nowadays. Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve been to this bridge many times since a child 70 years ago. Thank you for this awesome video. Well done.
It is a timeless landmark, glad it brought back some good memories for you!
I love how you incorporate history into your videos. It’s a beautifully filmed video. Your shots from under the bridge looking up were incredible.
Just one of the things I love to do, I strive to be the best! I love showcasing all of the hidden gems and not so hidden gems around the state (and country soon) and can't be more thrilled I have a great group of folks following along for the journey! Thank you!
I moved to PA from NJ in 1992. I love living here. Finding your channel and watching your PA State Park videos has inspired me to visit these fantastic state parks when I retire in June 2025.
Congrats on the retirement coming soon! I traveled the country in my early 20s hiking most of the National Parks and then returned home not knowing how great my home state was and the whole reason behind this channel is to show folks you don't need to travel out west to see amazing things. Thanks for stopping by!
As an archeologist i surveyed thousands of acres of wilderness lands in McKean, Warren and Forest counties for the Forest Service in the early 90s recording historic and prehistoric sites. It is beautiful country and i have many great memories of exploring there. This video is awesome, so well done. Much appreciated. Looking forward to more videos in the future
Very interesting, if you'd like to see anything in particular covered on this channel feel free to reach out to me, I am always trying to find things off of the beaten path. Thanks for the kind comment Eric and hope to hear back from you.
@@MaksimOutdoors absolutely, I'll be in touch. Keep up the great work 👍
@ sounds good I look forward to it!
My wife,sister and brother in law camp. We always try to find memorable and historical places. This is one of our favorites.
Mine as well, such a great area. Thank you for leaving a comment!
@MaksimOutdoors always glad to share
In the early nineties my scout troop camped not far from there. I have actually walked from one end to the other. It was really cool to look down through the rail ties and see the ground below.
The railroad tie thing is the only part of it that got my fear of heights going lol, amazing to see how many people commented on this video that walked the bridge before it collapsed.
Bill, the quality of videos, particularly the intros continue to impress me!!! You are an inspiration. No surprise you've surpassed 22K subs...and growing. "So yeah"...hats off to you Sir...👊😀!!!
As always Griz thank you so much for the kind comments, Ive been working my butt off over the past 5 years to stand out as one of the best content creators not only in PA but in the country. Seems like the work is slowly paying off, thank you so much for always stopping by!
Great job as always, Bill. I'm not fond of heights, but I really didn't mind that skywalk. (Though I feel like the train ride across would have been kinda terrifying.) It's definitely worth going down to the bottom, too, to see that wreckage up close. Definitely a cool place.
Crazy how quickly they built the original bridge, and I agree with you its not too bad walking across but going across it in a train would be a whole new beast lol, im sure that whole bridge swayed when one came across. Hoping to do some hiking with you in the spring man!
I loved the intro and the history. I was there in 2000 (before the destruction) and walked all the way across the bridge to the other side. Sooo High !!
Thanks for taking us to the bottom, and looking up. The amount of twisted steel is amazing. Also, thanks for the info of it closing for 3 years. Now I know not to go there.
The intros are so fun to make for the parks, each one is so unique compared to the next....I visited back in 2005 im guessing for the first time before the visitor center was built and there were no trails. I can't imagine how cool it would have been to walk across the bridge in its entirety!
Loved it. I made it all the way to the other side once after the collapse. There's a booth like structure. I don't remember any no trespassing signs then. Wish there had been because the last part of the climb nearly killed me! I recall crawling at one point. Before the collapse I took the excursion train in the late 90s. There was a picnic ground on the other side. Lovely day. But before the train entered the bridge they stopped to let any nervous folks off. My brother got off and struck up a conversation with an older park ranger/worker. The ranger said my brother was smart and anyone who crossed the bridge was crazy. He talked about rusty bolts and such. "That bridge will collapse one of these days!" Thanks for the awesome video.
Thank you for checking the video out! I was gonna try and make it over there but decided against it since they had the private property signs but yeah it looked steep! I am jealous you were able to experience the train ride, and even crazier that the worker said that haha. Great story, thanks for sharing!
Great video, keep’em coming!! I’m hoping to get out there soon and check out some of these places with my fly rod. 👍👍
That sounds like a great time, I hope you catch some great fish!
Never heard of this piece of history! Will have to visit😊 Well done video.
It's closed for a few years so just make sure you do your research before going there! Thanks for checking out the video!
Visited and it is a special experience.
Couldn't agree more!
Living in Pennsylvania I’ve never visited PA wilds good videos made me wanna go. Got my first camping reservation this spring cherry springs.
That is awesome! If you need any help planning the trip feel free to reach out Chris
Loved learning about the bridge history. This is a spot I really want to visit one day, but it would be a far drive. Awesome footage from both on and below the bridge!
I am honestly surprised you haven't made it out this way yet after seeing all of the places you've visited! It honestly only takes a few hours to visit but Kinzua is a must see especially if you love PA like I know you do! Thanks for stopping by!
This was really interesting, and I love the footage from the wreckage below the bridge .... really gives you a sense of the scope.
Ive been visiting here for years and it never gets old, for those that aren't from the state id imagine it would be even more interesting to see or hear about. Thanks for stopping by!
Great video. Sad to hear it's closing for 3 years. Something to look forward to in 3 years.
I forget if I mentioned it but they are opening it for fall foliage every year for a month or so, so don’t let that hold ya back from visiting!
@MaksimOutdoors I did hear you say it on the video, lol. Can't wait to see it in person.
The opening was awesome. Just beautiful. I am surprised they let people amongst the debris but then there are no trespassing signs near the wreckage? The visitors center looked interesting. Lots of history . I liked your PA Wilds road trip.
@@cathyp4342 thanks for stopping by! The intro took me a few days to edit but it was a lot of fun to put together, the visitor center was amazing, thanks for coming along for the journey
I live in NE Ohio. Have visited the bridge several times starting in the late 60's with my husband and 2 sons. Was able to walk across the bridge and take the walk back on the trail down to the creek and back to the starting point. Awesome and exhausting! Have pictures of what had to be one of the last trains to cross the bridge. Visited this summer, now using a walker but still interesting. Beautiful video. Subscribed.
Ohio is on my list of places I really want to start to document here in the future beings its not too far away from me, I love hearing all of the stories from folks who visited this bridge while it was still standing, never thought this video would get so many comments! Thank you!
I think your videos are great! I always watch them before we head to the the PA state campgrounds, so helpful! We just love the PA wilds, would love to move out there next year. We were at the bridge this summer, it is SO HIGH! Glad we got to see it before it closes for a few years.
Thanks, glad the videos are helpful! I highly recommend making the move, you'll love it out here!
❤what an intro. Bill. You are so talented!!
My best friend from college lives in kane and i went with her many times to visit the dam!!!😊❤❤
As always Debbie, thank you! The intros alone take me hours to do but I am really trying to take the channel to the next level and it seems to be paying off here lately, thank you! We visit Kane quite often!
Awesome video, well done
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it!
I’m from Buffalo and didn’t know this existed, great video!
Thanks for checking it out, I’ll be in Buffalo next week!
@ oh nice, where about?
Have not been there yet. On the list. Not sure how I will do. You know me and heights😮. Great job on this. Thanks for sharing. Keep on adventuring and see you soon hopefully 👍🙂🙏
I think a PA wilds trip is in store for us one of these weekends! Thanks for checking it out Dave cya soon!
@@MaksimOutdoors😁👍
What a view, awesome share
I agree, one of the most beautiful places in the state for sure!
@ take care
My mother took all her grandkids 5 in total across on the train shortly before the tornado took it down, the kids were old enough to remember their ride, and my mother was so glad she had the opportunity, fond memories ❤
Sounds like some incredible memories were made, I am always in awe of the bridge and I never had the chance to see it standing intact so I can't imagine seeing it like that. Thanks for leaving me a comment Lisa
I used to visit there every year with my wife and her family in the 1980’s and 90’s. My brother in law and I would hike down through the valley and return back across the bridge. After the bridge was destroyed, I put off going there because, being the emotional soul and lover of historic structures that I am, wasn’t sure I could handle seeing the carnage. But on the way back from Letchworth with my family in 2017 we made the stop. Seeing the bridge in that condition was tough but seeing how they made the destruction part of the history made the bitter pill a little easier to swallow. I visited by myself in 2020 and went down into the valley to survey the downed remains. I got to a sign that read “Do Not Proceed Beyond This Point”. I was determined to get some “off the path” perspective shots, though. I went about 50 yards, got tripped up in some undergrowth and tore my pants on some of the twisted steel. I saw that as an omen to obey the signage and return to the trail. I also found that valley is a lot steeper than it was 20+ years ago. Nice video and - yes - that introduction was beyond spectacular.
Thanks for showing an in depth video of the bridge. I can get there but can't do the walking.
I am glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for joining me along the trail!
Enjoyed the video! My husband and I were therre in the fall of 2020. I am afraid of heights, but i made it to the end of the bridge! I didn't like looking down though! We did not hike down to the bottom as my husband was having trouble with his knee at the time, so it was nice to see some footage from the wreckage at the bottom.
It’s great to hear you made it to the end of the bridge! I can't blame you for not wanting to look down, it’s a long way down haha. As for the bottom it is a steep trail so I can't blame him, but it gives a pretty unique perspective looking up
Been there twice. Very cool to walk out on what’s left of the bridge and the new overlooked that they made. And you can go down and walk underneath it and around the portions of the bridge that I’ve been left there on the ground and climb up the other side mind you you have to be in pretty good shape to do this.😂 it’s still fun and beautiful
Gets better each time hah! And yeah can't agree more I love walking out overlooking the scenery especially in the fall.
I was there just before they closed it in November, and I was actually able to make it fully up the other side and sat on the first concrete base up there. I’m terrified of heights so it might not have been the best idea, but after a lot of convincing I ended up making it back down. Very steep climb and most of it towards the top is loose gravel so that’s never fun to walk on. Ended up sliding down the first part because of how steep it was, but I made it! Very awesome experience, would definitely recommend to go back when they reopen and hopefully you can make it up the other side!
I really debated going up the other side but after I saw the no trespassing signs I turned back around, I always wanted to go up there though, hopefully they add access to it in the future! Thanks for checking out the video Baileigh!
I visited here as a kid and you could still walk across it. My parents and I did just that. I ran into one of the workers there and he gave me an old skoal can he had hand painted a little mini kinzua bridge scene on. I’ll have to ask my dad if he still has that thing. Such a shame it came down like it did. Thing was insanely magnificent.
That's a really amazing story, thanks for sharing it with all of us. Thanks for stopping by!
Glad you got to see that pretty cool place
One of my favorites, I usually try and make it up there once every few years!
@MaksimOutdoors yeah I made that comment before you said that you were there a bunch of times and then I felt like an idiot oh well
@ haha no worries!
Great video, Bill! The tourist railroad that ran over the bridge was owned by Sloan Cornell, who originally had the Penn View Mountain Railroad near Blairsville.
Very interesting, after all the comments this video received I feel like I could go up and make another video on just the things I learned from folks on here haha. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow what a view
That's an understatement!
Been there probably 40 yrs ago, crawled under and took pictures through the uprights and was amazed how close they all lined up. Sad it is gone. You could stop in the middle and if there was a breeze you could feel it swaying.
Even crazier to think trains went out it lol, thanks for the story!
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great intro. I'm sure it took a lot of work. Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it! They take sometime but once they come together it’s worth the work!
Spent countless hours at the bridge starting in 1989 thru till its collapse . Tons of memories . The structure was in advanced deterioration the last few years...
It was a magical place for many, and even though it's gone it's still such a special park. Thanks for sharing!
Not just wind but the very low pressure from a tornado that provides incredible lift.
Very true, thanks for stopping by David
Visited Kinzua last month. Struggled up the other side of the valley over the loose gravel to the other end of the bridge. It's all secured, so no access unless you illegally crawl under the fence. I enjoyed your video as it captured the essence of the park. Have you thought about slipping over the state line to chart Allegany State Park in NY?
Glad I didn't head up that way then, there were a few no trespassing signs along the way up which is when I decided to turn around, thanks for stopping by and its so funny you ask about Allegany...I was planning a trip up there to do some hiking but couldn't find any trail that really jumped out at me so I ended up at Zoar Valley instead which was amazing. Any recommendations for Allegany?
I live in England, so only come over on vacation. I'll give Zoar Valley when I come over next Fall. Cheers.
i have been going to the bridge since i was small. we used to walk across it many times. we used to toss penny's over the bridge down to other family members down below to see if they could catch them or find them where they hit at. it was good time. this was before the visitors center was even there.
Great story, wonder how many of those pennies are still down there lol. Thanks for stopping by
@@MaksimOutdoors not sure. i dont think you can metal detect there. if you could i but you would find good many pennys. lol
Pine Creek Gorge... beautiful
It is one of the most beautiful places in PA!
I never knew I had a fear of hights til a few years ago when me and my then boyfriend went there. Ad I got out to where the land ends,my legs just stopped and I couldn't move. Even with a death grip on his hand and the railing,I couldn't move. I made it back to the beginning and he continued to the end. We did go down to the field but there was no stone path. It was just a dirt path. I don't think that footbridge was there either. That place is awesome.
If you have fear of heights this would be the place to learn it! I can understand why your fear kicked in while visiting here especially knowing half of the bridge collapsed lol, I remember visiting before there was a trail as well, its crazy how many improvements have been made there. I remember visiting before the visitor center as well!
@MaksimOutdoors me too,before the visitors center.
I have an aunt and uncle who still live in Kinzua! I have need there many times with my husband and I walked on the bridge partway but due to my fear of heights I went back to solid ground!!!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! I can only imagine how scary that must have been!
I was there about three years ago and loved it. Still wondering how many cellphones fell from that observation deck.
I’d imagine a few!
I used to wall over that bridge with my 2 brothers! We did have a cottage near the bridge ! We would sneak out on Saturday morning and come back before noon
Ha great story, were you able to walk across the bridge while a train was coming across it?
@MaksimOutdoors no trains then
Nice video
Thank you for watching
Michelle Gibson has done a ton of research around these tracks, parks, ancient structures. I recommend her channel to all
I,m afraid of heights .But that was a nice view.
It's not for everyone that's for sure! Thanks for watching!
Great video. I really enjoyed it. I was fortunate to visit the area in July of 1992. I am an amateur photographer and took a ton of images. Of course all on film back then. I posted some online and I was contacted by a company that makes displays. They wanted to buy a image that I took of the viaduct. It is actually a viaduct and not a bridge. What's the difference? I have no idea. But that is what I have seen. They ended up buying the one time rights to 3 of my images. They are supposed to be part of a video and one is supposed to be in print form I believe. I was hoping to spot it in your video but I didn't. My wife and I were able to take a train ride you mentioned and it actually went over the viaduct at that time. Then we walked it which was cool. Even though I have a fear of heights. I just kept telling myself. If it can hold a train, it can hold me. I am not that fat. Then we did the trail you took. We were able to go to the middle where it no longer is and looked up at it. Like you said. It gave you a different perspective. Thanks again for this great video. When I heard it was destroyed by the tornado I almost cried. It was such a special place and was really one of the wonders of the world. I'm sure it is still a special place. We were told when we were there that someone died there a number of days before we were there. He foolishly decided it would be a cool photo to have his girlfriend take his photo while he was standing on the railing. Sadly he slipped and fell to his death. So people. Don't do that. God bless.
First off William thanks for the great comment (and great name) you had me laughing about not being that fat haha, very interesting to hear they purchased your photos, they do have a video they play every few minutes in the visitor center, perhaps that's where they show them? They have a ton of photos around the center as well but it would take forever to film them all haha. Love hearing about the past when it was still a functional railway, even cooler that these comments will be around for everyone to read over the years. Thanks for the comment William!
I have been there in my younger days took pictures walked across to the other side then down the sidehill to the bottom of the bridge I remember there was a valley trail along the bottom of the mountain. They were working on the bridge at the bottom and had mounting bolts out to replace some and the part they were working on came down because it lost support in that area
That is an interesting story and one I hadn't heard before, thanks for sharing!
I was there in 1979 , I was 19 I believe the train was still running at the time !
Must've been a site to see!
In the early 90s I was on a canoe trip on the Clarion and found out the bridge was an hour away . We decided to walk across it and my son and I made it. My buddy had a fear of heights and wouldn't cross it. He had more brains than I did. At that time, they had a train ride that crossed it.
Would they close down the bridge to pedestrians when trains were coming or was it just a "at your own risk" kind of thing? Im guessing there was enough room for both but that would be pretty terrifying lol...thanks for checking out the video!
@@MaksimOutdoors We made sure it wasn't coming.
Walked across the bridge with my grandparents i think I was about 10 at the time told my grandfather i would race them back but i went down in the valley underneath got lost thankfully a kind couple help me get to the otherside i was scared and lost 😢 lol
Oh jeez, glad Bigfoot didn't grab ya!
Nice vidio , but i would have a hard going out on it!
Yeah it is a bit intimidating for sure!
I remember walking across before it fell
Would've been amazing to see
Didnwandering woodsman make it out there with you? I saw this thing before it fell luckly. You should have checked out the clarion trestle way better
@@jacobpoucher No, we have only hiked out near his side of the state. I have a video with him coming out here “soonish” from a vista we hiked to. I’ll have to add the Clarion Trestle to the list, what makes it better?
Moral of the story: tornadoes are jerks
100%
Did you hear the story of one golden rivet being placed on the bridge?
Can't say that I have! But you remind me, I do remember reading about a stash of gold or money that is supposedly down in that valley.
My stepfather worked at the bridge as a state employee and he is the one that told me about the golden rivet. A metal detector on the ground at every rivet.
Guarantee this structure was founded, then “rebuilt”
Possibly.. Who built the original?
@ I think the originals were built by humans with a much more connected consciousness. I’ve been researching since 2008, and it seems to be a multifaceted theory
If you are interested in talking more about it, I am open
It didn't help that construction crews had plywood fastened to the bridge to keep the wind off of the workers. All that needed to happen next was a strong wind to push the plywood to topple the bridge.
Wow I wasn't aware of that, was that when they were trying to fix the bridge or during its initial construction?
if you talk to the cops about two motorcycles that road down to the bottom of the bridge it was my brother and me a few years ago
we came from the other side of the mountain.google maps done it to us it was real hard getting out of there
You”Well Yeah “ comment at the end of just about every sentence is driving me nuts and making it hard to watch.