By Kate Bartlett
Fall is the busiest season in the Enchanted Mountain Region, with hundreds upon thousands of visitors from around the country visiting the area to experience the beauty of fall foliage. There is something for everyone, with a plethora of activities to enjoy, including hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, exploring giant rock formations, water sports, cultural experiences, events and festivals.
The Enchanted Mountain Region in located in Cattaraugus County and encompasses a diverse array of thriving communities, including rolling farmlands, Allegheny State Park, Kinzua Bridge State Park, Rock City Park, the four-seasons resort town of Ellicottville and The Amish Trail, all amongst wooded hilltops overlooking valleys that were sculpted by glaciers of the Ice Age.
Kinzua Bridge State Park is situated between Bradford, Kane and Smethport, PA, just a short drive from many other state parks including Elk State Forest, the Allegheny National Forest, Kinzua Dam, and a short drive away in Salamanca, NY is the Seneca – Iroquois National Museum. Kinzua Park offers interesting historical exhibits, a unique view of the gorge below from the Skywalk and hiking opportunities on the General Kane Trail and along the Kinzua Creek Trail (difficult).
During the fall, visitors flock to the park hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous fall foliage that appears for a limited time annually. Fall is the park’s busiest season, especially on weekend. Visitors are encouraged to visit midweek and arrive early if possible. “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.”
Fall Festival on September 20 and 21 from 10am-5pm at
Kinzua Bridge State Park. The festival includes arts, crafts,
and food vendors, free music demos and tours. The Skywalk
will be open for viewing, and free bus and trolly transportation
in and out of the festival is available, as on-site
parking is limited.
Having grown up in the area Alan Johnson, Kinzua Bridge State Park Manager appreciates the great outdoors. “I have always been drawn to the ample public lands available for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits,” says Alan. “We invite visitors to come experience this region in any season, but make time to see it at least once in the fall months.
The Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park has been undergoing major renovations, but will be open temporarily (until October 31) for visitors to experience the 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. After October 31, both areas will close again so contractors can resume work on the structure. A second temporary reopening is also planned for Fall 2026.
The multi-year Skywalk project was announced in April 2024 to rehabilitate areas of the structure that have been impacted due to exposure to the elements. The project includes removing the decking and railroad ties to access the towers, adding and replacing steel in sections where thinning has occurred, reinstalling railroad ties and decking, installing new plexiglass for the viewing area, replacing the handrails and blast cleaning and painting of all of the steel portions of the skywalk.
The Kinzua Bridge Foundation will be hosting the 26th annual Fall Festival on September 20 and 21 from 10am-5pm at Kinzua Bridge State Park. The festival includes arts, crafts, and food vendors, free music demos and tours. The Skywalk will be open for viewing, and free bus and trolly transportation in and out of the festival is available, as on-site parking is limited.
For more information visit enchantedmountains.com and pa.gov/agencies (Kinzua). For Kinzua Bridge, plan to arrive early, and visit during weekdays is possible. Once parking capacity is reached, no additional vehicles ware allowed, and roadside parking is prohibited unless posted otherwise for safety. For Fall Festival information visit kinzuabridgefoundation.com.