The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced today that one of Pennsylvania’s iconic fall destinations in the Pennsylvania Wilds — the Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park — will temporarily reopen beginning August 8, giving visitors a chance to experience breathtaking views of the Kinzua Valley at peak leaf-peeping season.
The park’s world-class, interactive visitor center and PA Wilds Conservation Gift Shop remain open year-round, while the Skywalk and Kinzua Creek Trail have been closed for ongoing viaduct rehabilitation.
For fall leaf viewing season, the Skywalk and trail are scheduled to open from August 8 through October 31, 2025. After that, both areas will close again so contractors can resume work on the structure. A second temporary reopening is already planned for Fall 2026.
“Fall in the Pennsylvania Wilds is simply magical, and we’re thrilled to welcome visitors back to one of the most unforgettable viewpoints in the state,” said State Parks Director John Hallas. “We also want to remind those looking to visit the region that nearby Bendigo State Park, Elk State Park, and Elk State Forest lands are great places to experience the natural beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds and can be combined with a visit to the Kinzua Bridge visitor center as work to rehabilitate the Skywalk continues. We thank the public for its cooperation during the scheduled work.”
Kinzua Bridge State Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to walk out and peer down for stunning views of the Kinzua Valley on a viaduct that was reimagined as a skywalk after being partially toppled by a tornado.
Fall is the park’s busiest season, and parking fills quickly — especially on weekends. Visitors are encouraged to come midweek and arrive early. Once parking capacity is reached, no additional vehicles will be allowed in, and roadside parking is prohibited unless posted otherwise for safety.
“The Skywalk is a star attraction in the Pennsylvania Wilds, and it attracts tens of thousands of visitors a year to this rural place,” said Ta Enos, CEO of the nonprofit PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship. “Fall leaf peeping season is an especially busy time, and local small businesses count on that tourism revenue from travelers who come to see the spectacular view. DCNR understands how much communities and small businesses rely on the park’s foot traffic, and we appreciate them temporarily halting the maintenance during the vital fall foliage season.”
“Kinzua Bridge State Park is also the home of our flagship PA Wilds Conservation Shop, a mission-driven gift shop that helps improve market access for rural entrepreneurs by sourcing 90 percent of its inventory from rural small businesses in the 13-county PA Wilds region, while also accomplishing other mission points. These shops allow visitors to 'take home a piece of the wilds' while ensuring that shoppers can find unique, handcrafted items and that local entrepreneurs reach a larger customer base."
Through the Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway campaign and DCNR’s “Still Open. Still Awesome.” initiative, Pennsylvania is welcoming residents and visitors alike to explore its 124 state parks, 2.2 million acres of forestland, and more than 7,000 campsites — offering affordable, accessible, and unforgettable outdoor experiences for everyone. As DCNR marks its 30th anniversary in 2025, the Shapiro Administration remains focused on delivering safe, welcoming, and well-maintained public lands for all.
Since day one, Governor Josh Shapiro has made strategic investments to elevate outdoor recreation, transforming it into a cornerstone of Pennsylvania's economy and communities. These efforts are driving economic growth, fostering entrepreneurial opportunities, and creating jobs across the Commonwealth.
In 2023, Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation industry contributed $19 billion to the state’s economy — a 10 percent increase over the previous year — and now represents 2 percent of the Commonwealth’s gross domestic product. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the industry now supports more than 168,000 jobs that provide $9 billion in wages and salaries to Pennsylvanians.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks, and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.