Watkins Glen State Park features a deep and narrow mile-long gorge along a creek with 19 waterfalls. From 1935 through 1941, the Civilian Conservation Corps built the Gorge Trail through the glen to provide greater access. The intricate stone walls and bridges of the trail actually add to the beauty of the landscape rather than detracting from it. It's a popular park, but it wasn't too busy on this Monday morning during the shoulder season.
Most visited state park in the U.S.
We began our hike at the main entrance, at the lower end of the gorge, so we'd be facing the waterfalls as we made our way along the trail. There's some major construction going on at the entrance, so the hike began with a detour up to the north rim and back down into the gorge, which involved HUNDREDS of stairs.
Stair-intensive detour
Tom in Watkins Glen
Suspension bridge
The stair-ridden start to the Gorge Trail was strenuous, but the rest was a leisurely stroll. This area of the country is in a drought, so the waterfalls weren't roaring, but the park is worth a visit for the gorge alone, and there was just enough water to make the falls enjoyable. The round-trip hike was around 2 miles.
Elegant erosion
One of many waterfalls
Gorgeous gorge
Rainbow Falls
Behind the waterfall
When it was completed in 1882, the Kinzua Viaduct, outside Mt. Jewett, Pennsylvania, was the tallest and longest railroad viaduct in the world, at 301 feet high and 2,053 feet long. Freight traffic was eventually discontinued in 1959, and five years later, Pennsylvania designated the area a state park. Eventually, the railway reopened with excursion trains.
In July 2003, a tornado struck the viaduct, and eleven of the massive steel towers supporting the structure were destroyed. Today, a pedestrian skywalk leads to a 225-foot-high observation deck with breathtaking views of the Kinzua Creek Valley and the twisted metal towers littering the valley below.
Kinzua Bridge State Park
225-foot-high skywalk
Twisted steel
Kinzua Viaduct
Beneath the structure
Driving through the winding, forested Pennsylvania countryside to our next far-flung destination, I suddenly had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting a BEAR running across the road. Tom looked into the woods and spotted a second bear, a small cub, but I was too busy not crashing into mama bear to also spot her baby. Yikes!
Our last diversion for the day was an abandoned, partially collapsed train tunnel leading to an equally abandoned, very decrepit train trestle extending high above a river valley in Clarion, PA. This was a lucky find on Google Maps that we just had to check out.
We followed Google's directions, and after a final mile and a half down bumpy gravel, pulled over and parked in a wide spot on the side of the road. We then set out on foot past a graffiti-covered wall to an overgrown path leading uphill into the woods. Soon, we came to a tunnel with a partially collapsed entrance. To gain access, one simply climbs over the debris.
Path into the woods lies just beyond this wall
Abandoned train tunnel
Partially collapsed
Somewhat spooky
Turning on our headlamps, we proceeded into the dark, damp tunnel. Luckily, it hadn't rained lately, but still the tunnel was pretty wet. After about 2,000 feet, we popped out on the other side of the hill at an old, dilapidated train trestle leading out into space.
The Clarion Trestle is a nice spot for photos if you don't mind walking on rotten wood 180 feet in the air with no rails. I'm shocked the railroad and/or the State of Pennsylvania hasn't blocked access to this fun activity. There wasn't even a “no trespassing” or “be stupid at your own risk” sign.
Clarion Trestle
Jana defies good judgment
Tom resists common sense
Looking through a hole in the bridge
Clarion River Valley
Jana selfie after Tom retreats
Lodging: Quality Inn, Austintown-Youngstown West, Youngstown, Ohio. The most comfortable bed and bedding of the trip and only $80. Deal!
We had dinner at La Terraza Mexican Bar & Grill near our hotel. Delicious!