The original bridge constructed in 1882 was the highest and longest railway bridge in the world. The bridge was replaced in 1900 by the current viaduct, spanning 2052 ft. across the gorge, 301ft above Kinzua Creek. Commercial service over the bridge was ended in 1959 and it was sold to Kovalchick Salvage Company to be dismantled, but after laying eyes on the bridge for the first time Nick Kovalchick said “there will never be another bridge like this.” and could not bring himself to demolish it. The bridge was purchased by the state of Pennsylvania in 1963 and subsequently became a state park. The Knox and Kane Railroad took passengers on sightseeing trips through the Allegheny Forest and over the Kinzua Bridge from 1987 to 2002, when the bridge was closed due to concerns of the trestle collapsing in high winds. Less than a year later, the soaring steel structure was torn to the floor of the ravine by a F1 tornado. The ruins were left as they fell as a display of the power of mother nature. In 2011 a boardwalk and observation platform were built around the remaining railroad tracks, offering enormous views of the gorge below. A steep and strenuous hike down to the base of the bridge leads from the visitors center.