Explore McKean County, PA: Skywalk Reopens, Wake Zone Festival, and Forest Adventures Await
Explore McKean County, PA: Skywalk Reopens, Wake Zone Festival, and Forest Adventures Await
Just an Hour from Ellicottville, McKean County Offers Epic Views, Watersports Action, and Unforgettable Adventures in the Allegheny National Forest
Sky-High Views, Wake Zone Vibes & Forest Fun: A Road Trip Worth Making to McKean County, PA
Looking for your next late-summer getaway? Set your sights just south of the border, into the wild, scenic, and adventure-packed Allegheny National Forest region of Pennsylvania. Just over an hour from Ellicottville, NY, McKean County is rolling out the red carpet for travelers with breathtaking views, outdoor thrills, and a show-stopping holiday weekend festival you won’t want to miss.
THE SKYWALK REOPENS AUGUST 8: TAKE THE WALK OF A LIFETIME
Perched 225 feet above the Kinzua Creek Valley, the Kinzua Skywalk is a modern engineering marvel built atop the ruins of a historic railroad bridge once known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” On August 8th, the Skywalk temporally reopens for the 2025 season - offering panoramic vistas, crisp mountain air, and an unforgettable peek through the glass floor at the end.
The Skywalk is part of Kinzua Bridge State Park, a top-ranked destination for leaf peepers, photographers, hikers, and history lovers alike. The on-site Visitor Center is open daily and features interactive exhibits that explore the area’s railroad heritage and the powerful tornado that partially toppled the bridge in 2003. What remains now is a one-of-a-kind viewing platform that blends natural beauty with awe-inspiring history.
Whether you’re chasing peak foliage or simply need a screen-free recharge, the Skywalk promises a fresh perspective - literally and figuratively.
LABOR DAY WEEKEND: KINZUA ROCKS THE WAKE AUG. 30 -SEPT. 1
Just a stone’s throw from the Skywalk, the Kinzua Rocks the Wake event at the Kinzua Beach in Warren, PA is where the action really heats up.
This three-day celebration of live music, watersports, and regional culture is quickly becoming the must-attend event of the season. Held over Labor Day Weekend - Saturday, August 30th through Monday, September 1st - Kinzua Rocks the Wake is free to attend and packed with entertainment for all ages.
Featuring professional waterskiing and jet ski and flyboard demonstrations by the talented Chippewa Lake Water Ski Team of Ohio and Ski Extreme from Wisconsin, who’ll show off gravity-defying tricks on the Allegheny Reservoir. Onshore, enjoy a full lineup of regional musicians, craft beer and wine vendors, and a fleet of local food trucks ready to satisfy every craving.
The music lineup brings serious star power: Saturday night ends with The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute at 8:30pm, while Sunday night closes out with The Classic Rock Experience, also at 8:30pm. Want more variety? Local musicians will keep the energy up and viewers entertained between water shows. Catch daily comedy magic shows at noon to tickle your funny bone and bring out the kid inside all of us.
Add in a stunning lakeside setting, and this festival is the perfect send-off to summer. Pro tip: Bring a chair, bring your friends, and bring your sense of fun. You’re going to want to stay awhile. More info at KinzuaRocksTheWake.com
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN EVERY DIRECTION
When you're not rocking the wake or strolling the Skywalk, the Allegheny National Forest region is your playground. Known as “Trail Central,” this vast landscape offers 513,000 acres of explorable forest that includes hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, off-roading routes, paddling waters, and wildlife habitats.
Looking to stretch your legs? Try the Marilla Bridges Trail, a scenic 1-mile loop with footbridges, peaceful woodland, and water views just outside Bradford. For something more adventurous, head to the Morrison Trail, a favorite among seasoned hikers that winds along hillsides and streams near the Allegheny Reservoir.
Paddlers can launch into the Allegheny Reservoir and explore the quieter reaches of Willow Bay, Sugar Bay and Red Bridge. Fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are all popular ways to unwind while staying active.
Biking enthusiasts will love the Knox & Kane Rail Trail, a growing multi-use path that currently stretches from the Kinzua Bridge State Park to Lantz Corners (7+ miles) and Kane to Russel City (20 miles) - with plans for future connections. Kinzua Valley Trail features 20 miles from Red Bridge campground through Westline to the Talley Ho trailhead. In the near future will connect to the Knox and Kane Rail Trail. These trails are perfect for cyclists of all skill levels and offers a relaxing, car-free way to enjoy forest scenery.
Looking for a bit more adrenaline? Off-roaders can find ATV trails and mountain bike trails to get excited about. Campers can find rustic and full-service campgrounds scattered throughout the forest region. It’s not just about roughing it, though - cozy cabins, boutique inns, and welcoming lodges provide creature comforts after a day in the wild. Check out VisitANF.com/Lodging.
FESTIVAL SEASON ROLLS ON
While Labor Day weekend is a highlight, it’s just one stop on a festival-filled calendar in McKean County and the surrounding region. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Italian Festival (Bradford) – August 7–9
A lively street festival celebrating Italian heritage with food, music, and community spirit.Mount Jewett Swedish Festival – August 8–10
Rooted in the region’s Scandinavian history, this small-town celebration includes a parade, Viking Ship, live music, vendors and traditional food - and pairs perfectly with a visit to the Skywalk.McKean County Fair – August 10–16
Enjoy rides, livestock shows, tractor pulls, and everything you love about a classic county fair.Crook Farm Old-Time Music Festival – August 21–24
This beloved event brings together folk musicians and dancers for a weekend of heritage music and Appalachian charm.Wilds Sonshine Sunflower Festival – August 22–24
Fields of blooms meet small-batch spirits at this unique festival blending agritourism and craft distilling.Arts on the Island & Car Show – September 6–7
Held in Smethport, PA this event features visual arts, live music, and an impressive collection of classic cars.Kinzua Bridge Fall Festival – September 20–21
Celebrate fall’s arrival with handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and spectacular foliage views at Kinzua Bridge State Park.
No matter when you visit, the welcome is warm and the pace is yours to set.
PLAN YOUR GETAWAY
From towering trestles to lakeside concerts and forest escapes, McKean County is the kind of place where unforgettable memories are made, especially when you venture off the beaten path.
Request a free Adventure Guide or explore more travel ideas at PATrailCentral.com. You’re closer than you think to your next favorite weekend.