Pennsylvania: Mount Jewett, Kinzua Sky Walk - Make Tracks Across the Sky. 
How cool is this? A pedestrian walkway, with an octagon-shaped overlook featuring a partial glass floor, has been built on six remaining towers of the historic Kinzua Viaduct within Kinzua Bridge State Park.
Here’s the scoop. Once called the 8th Wonder of the World, Kinzua Viaduct was constructed in 1882. It once soared 301 feet above the ground and spanned 2,053 feet across. In fact it was completed a year before the Brooklyn Bridge and stood 24 feet taller. Modifications throughout the decades did not diminish its attractiveness until it was almost totally demolished destroyed by a tornado in 2003. Now the historic brdge has a new life as a modern day sky walk.
Kinzua Bridge State Park also offers visitors a network of well-marked hiking trails, seasonal interpretive programs, and lovely spots to picnic. Bonus points: The Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway, a designated shared use hike/bike corridor, leads visitors to the park entrance from scenic Route 6 which transverses east to west across northern Pennsylvania.
The
, about 90 miles south of Buffalo, New York, includes 513,000 acres of forestland woven with trails and streams. The region offers oodles of festivals, outdoor activities and attractions that are fun and educational. It is an ideal place to share natural beauty and explore segments of America’s history in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Follow the all-season trails. Trail networks within McKean County include Tuna Valley, Potato Creek and Kinzua Valley. Trail options span all skill levels and the opportunities for wildlife viewing abound from squirrels and deer to grouse and turkey with bird species to abundant to mention.
Best bets for active families. Indian Pipe Trail - a 7.4 mile non-motorized trail - is ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as well as bicycling or hiking because it is mostly on forest access roads. Kinzua Valley Trail – a four-mile trail for hiking or biking that follows banks of the scenic Kinzua Creek - works well for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the snowy months.
Seasonal events define the areas roots. One of the best Crook Farm Fair and Old-Time Country Music Festival held on the grounds of the Crook family homestead nestled along the Tunungwant Creek. In addition to crafts, concerts, workshops, round and square dancing, and jam sessions, tour the original family farmhouse, a one-room school house, and a 1800s Bank Building. Make sure to follow the Crook Farm Trail, a one-mile nature trail that traverses along the Tunungwant Creek, provides birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. (www.bradfordlandmark.org)
Celebrate Italy or Sweden or both. Each August enjoy ethnic food, music, and entertainment with an Italian or Swedish flavor. The annual Festa Italiana includes authentic Italian food, games, rides for youngsters, and entertainment for all ages. Highlights include musical acts, a cannoli eating contest and fireworks.
The Mount Jewett Swedish Festival celebrates the Swedish heritage of Mount Jewett with a traditional Swedish Smorgasbord. Highlights include rides for children and adults, a maypole dance, Scandinavian folk band with Swedish dancers, a Norwegian storyteller, parade and fireworks.
Bonus points: Anytime of the year the Swedish connection is obvious. Checkout the Swedish motif at Jewett’s Kaffe Sol on West Main Street; make a photo stop in front of the Mount Jewett Heritage Mural and checkout the traditional octagonal-shaped Swedish architecture of Nebo Lutheran Chapel was built in 1887.
Location on the planet. The new Kinzua Sky Walk is part of Kinzua Bridge State Park located four miles from Pennsylvania Route 6 at 1721 Lindholm Drive, Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania. Bonus points: There is no fee to visit the park or the Sky Walk.
Make it happen. For more information on the Kinzua Sky Walk at the Kinzua Bridge State Park, as well as other tourist attractions in the Allegheny National Forest Region, visit
www.visitANF.com or call toll-free 1- 800-473-9370.
Content researched and created by FTF. Images provided by Allegheny National Forest Region. Copyright 2011.
