Natural and man-made wonders are found all over the world. We have, of course, the original Seven Wonders of the World — from The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt to the Statue of Zeus in Greece. The 21st century brought with it a new set of Seven Wonders of the World that includes the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal in India. Did you know that a Pennsylvania landmark was once considered the eighth wonder of the world?

Kinzua Bridge, in Mount Jewett, once held the title of Eighth Wonder of the World. While the bridge might not be the same as it was when it earned that title, it’s still definitely worth a visit.

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

The title of Eighth Wonder of the World fit perfectly when Kinzua Bridge opened in 1882. Kinzua Bridge made it possible for trains to transport coal in the area.

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

However, its impressive stats are what earned the bridge the title of a natural wonder. Kinzua Bridge measured 301 feet in height and 2,130 feet in length, making it the world’s longest and highest bridge.

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Originally built with wrought iron, the bridge was later rebuilt at the turn of the 20th century. This time, crews used steel, making it possible for trains with heavier loads to drive on it.

Flickr/Adam Moss

Kinzua Bridge temporarily closed when a tornado ripped through the area, destroying part of the bridge in 2003.

Flickr/Sean-Franc Strang

That, however, isn’t the end of the story. By 2011, the historic bridge had been reimagined, opening as a skywalk. All that remained of the original 2,130 feet was 600 feet.

Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Today, you can stroll down what remains of the bridge. At the end of the skywalk, stand on the glass floor that offers stunning views of the forest floor below.

Flickr/Andy Arthur

After you’ve visited the skywalk, explore some more of the cozy 339-acre Kinzua Bridge State Park. You can go hiking, have a picnic, watch for wildlife, and stop by the Visitors Center.

Flickr/Sumner Caughey

Click here for the official website of Kinzua Bridge State Park.

Flickr/daveynin

Have you ever been to the eighth wonder of the world in Pennsylvania? Were you at Kinzua Bridge before or after the tornado? Join the conversation in the comments! If you’re fascinated by Pennsylvania’s natural wonders, hit the road on this natural wonders road trip through the state.

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Flickr/Adam Moss

Flickr/Sean-Franc Strang

Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Flickr/Andy Arthur

Flickr/Sumner Caughey

Flickr/daveynin

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Address: Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA