Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Trail Definitions

    Difficulty Ratings

    Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles. 
    More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface. 
    Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe. 

    Trail Route Type

    Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
    Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route. 
    Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle. 
    Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead. 

    General Kane Trail

    1.15 miles  |  Easiest hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Blue blazes
    Recreations permitted: hiking, snowshoeing recommended
    Trailhead amenities: picnic tables 

    This loop trail is named in honor of the visionary behind the Kinzua Bridge -- General Thomas Leiper Kane. It begins and ends in the overflow parking lot and wanders through hardwood forests of black cherry and maple trees, which have been ravaged and renewed by nature since the 2003 tornado. 

    Kinzua Creek Trail

    0.8 mile  |  More difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Blue blazes
    Recreations permitted: hiking
    Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, benches  

    This challenging trail to the bottom of the Kinzua Gorge is short, but very steep with stone steps used in the steeper areas.  Views at different angles gives hikers another perspective of the structures. To return to the trailhead, hikers must climb up out of the steep gorge by retracing their steps.

    CAUTION: Hikers on the Kinzua Creek Trail should be in good physical condition, wear sturdy boots, and use caution due to steep trail sections.

    Hiking Safety Guidelines

    • Always wear sturdy boots. Wearing sneakers, sandals, “water shoes,” and “street shoes” can lead to serious accidents.
    • Give yourself plenty of time for your hike. Plan to be off the trails well before dark.
    • Let someone know where you are hiking and when you should return.
    • Stay on the trails. Leaving the trail causes damage to unique natural resources, promotes erosion, and can be dangerous.
    • Don’t take shortcuts from one trail section to another. Taking shortcuts down switchbacks is dangerous and causes trail damage.