Exploring the Best Swinging Bridges in Pennsylvania

Exploring some of the best swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.
Exploring some of the best swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.

If you’re looking for the best swinging bridges in Pennsylvania, you’re in the right place!

Where to find the best swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.
Swinging bridges span a number of rivers and streams across Pennsylvania.

Popularized in films like the Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, swinging bridges (officially known as suspension bridges) solve a simple problem – how to span a river, stream, or gorge without requiring a lot of expensive and complicated infrastructure.

The Indiana Jones series of films helped popularize swinging bridges to the general ppublic.
Indiana Jones crossing a swinging bridge.

Swinging bridges have become so popular that adventurous folks (myself included) now go out of their way to visit and cross them.

The author at the Blue Rock Swinging Bridge in February of 2023.
The author at the Blue Rock Swinging Bridge in February of 2023.

So if you fall into that category, what follows is a guide to some of my favorite swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.

MYO Park swinging bridge along the banks of the Susquehanna River in Millerstown.
MYO Park swinging bridge along the banks of the Susquehanna River in Millersburg.

Simply click on the blue text links to view more details about each PA swinging bridge mentioned below.

The Cedar Creek Gorge Trail features two beautiful suspension bridges over Cedar Creek.
The Cedar Creek Gorge Trail in Westmoreland County features two beautiful suspension bridges over Cedar Creek.

Where to Find the Best Swinging Bridges in PA


1. Hyde Park Walking Bridge

At 630 feet in length, the Hyde Park Walking Bridge spanning the Kiski River between Westmoreland and Armstrong counties is the longest pedestrian swinging bridge in Pennsylvania.

Hyde Park Swinging Bridge between Westmoreland and Armstrong counties is one of the best swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.
Hyde Park Walking Bridge between Westmoreland and Armstrong counties.

The Hyde Park Walking Bridge (also known as the Hyde Park Foot Bridge) can be most easily accessed by parking along Railroad Street in Hyde ParkCLICK HERE to read a more in-depth article about the bridge.

A map to Hyde Park Walking Bridge between Westmoreland and Armstrong counties.
A map to Hyde Park Walking Bridge between Westmoreland and Armstrong counties.

2. Butler Swinging Bridge

The Butler Swinging Bridge spans Sullivan Run near downtown Butler, between historic Pullman Park (home to a baseball stadium) and Rotary Park.

The Butler Swinging Bridge in Butler County is one of the best swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.
The Butler Swinging Bridge.

The Butler Swinging Bridge is most easily accessed by parking directly behind the center field fence at Pullman ParkCLICK HERE to open a Google Map to the parking area.

A map to the Butler Swinging Bridge between Pullman Park and Rotary Park in Butler, Pennsylvania.
A map to the Butler Swinging Bridge between Pullman Park and Rotary Park.

3. Cook Forest Swinging Bridge

Cook Forest Swinging Bridge is one of the prettiest suspension bridges in Pennsylvania, spanning Tom’s Run at Cook Forest State Park.

The Cook Forest Swinging Bridge is one of the best swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.
Cook Forest Swinging Bridge at Cook Forest State Park.

You’ll find easy directions to Cook Forest Swinging Bridge in my guide to exploring Cook Forest State Park.

Approaching the swinging bridge at Cook Forest State Park from the Birch Trail.
Approaching the swinging bridge over Tom’s Run at Cook Forest State Park.

4. Blue Rock Swinging Bridge

The Blue Rock Swinging Bridge is a 40 foot-long suspension bridge spanning Little Toby Creek in Elk County.

The Blue Rock Swinging Bridge in Elk County is one of the best swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.
The Blue Rock Swinging Bridge in Elk County.

The Blue Rock Swinging Bridge is a popular attraction alongside the 18 mile-long Clarion-Little Toby Trail, a rail trail that extends from Ridgway in Elk County to Brockway in Jefferson County.

The Clarion-Little Toby Trailhead in Brockway Pennsylvania.
The Clarion-Little Toby Trailhead in Brockway.

You’ll find easy directions to the Blue Rock Swinging Bridge in my detailed write-up about it HERE.

The Blue Rock Swinging Bridge is sometimes referred to as the Little Toby Swinging Bridge.
The Blue Rock Swinging Bridge is sometimes referred to as the Little Toby Swinging Bridge.

5. The Cedar Creek Swinging Bridges

The Cedar Creek Gorge Trail is a beautiful 1.5 mile loop hike featuring two suspension bridges over Cedar Creek in Westmoreland County.

The Cedar Creek Gorge Swinging Bridges in Westmoreland County are some of the best swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.
The Cedar Creek Gorge Swinging Bridges in Westmoreland County.

The trail is located in Cedar Creek Park, a 479 acre county park located on the banks of the Youghiogheny River.

The Cedar Creek Gorge Trail features two beautiful suspension bridges over Cedar Creek.
The Cedar Creek Gorge Trail features two beautiful suspension bridges over Cedar Creek.

You’ll find easy directions to both of the Cedar Creek swinging bridges in my detailed write-up about the hike HERE.

The Cedar Creek Gorge Trail in Westmoreland County is a 1.5 mile loop hike that features two suspension bridges.
The Cedar Creek Gorge Trail in Westmoreland County is a 1.5 mile loop hike that features two suspension bridges.

6. Trough Creek Swinging Bridge

The Trough Creek Swinging Bridge spans the Great Trough Creek at Trough Creek State Park in Huntingdon County.

Trough Creek Swinging Bridge in Huntingdon County is one of the best swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.
Trough Creek Swinging Bridge in Huntingdon County.

One of the “bounciest” suspension bridges on this list, you’ll find easy directions to the Trough Creek Swinging Bridge in my guide to exploring Trough Creek State Park.

The suspension bridge at Trough Creek State Park has been called one of the most beautiful swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.
The suspension bridge at Trough Creek State Park has been called one of the most beautiful swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.

7. Clear Shade Creek Swinging Bridge

The Clear Shade Creek Swinging Bridge serves as a connector between the 2 loops that make up the John P. Saylor Trail in the Gallitzin State Forest.

The Clear Shade Creek Swinging Bridge in Somerset County is one of the best swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.
The Clear Shade Creek Swinging Bridge in Somerset County.

One of the most remote bridges on this list, you’ll find easy directions to the Clear Shade Creek Swinging Bridge in my detailed write-up on the hike to it HERE.

Directions to the Clear Shade Creek Swinging Bridge, using the Fishermans Path and the John P Saylor Trail.
Directions to the Clear Shade Creek Swinging Bridge, using the Fisherman’s Path and the John P Saylor Trail.

8. Talleyrand Park Suspension Bridge

The Talleyrand Park Suspension Bridge is one of the most-recognizable landmarks in this beautiful public space in the heart of Bellefonte, Centre County.

Talleyrand Park Swinging Bridge in Centre County is one of the best swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.
Talleyrand Park Suspension Bridge in Centre County.

Built in 1986 and spanning Spring Creek, you’ll find easy directions to the bridge in my detailed guide to exploring Talleyrand Park.

Exploring Talleyrand Park in Bellefonte Pennsylvania.
Sunset over Spring Creek and the Talleyrand Park Suspension Bridge in Centre County.

9. MYO Park Swinging Bridge

The MYO Park Swinging Bridge in Dauphin County spans Wiconsico Creek and connects MYO Park (an acronym for the long-defunct Millersburg Youth Organization) with Riverfront Park.

MYO Park Swinging Bridge in Dauphin County is one of the best swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.
MYO Park Swinging Bridge in Dauphin County.

The MYO Park Swinging Bridge can be most easily accessed by parking at MYO ParkCLICK HERE to open a Google Map to the parking area.

Map to MYO Park Swinging Bridge in Dauphin County Pennsylvania.
Map to MYO Park Swinging Bridge.

10 . Chapman State Park Swinging Bridge

The Lowlands Trail at Chapman State Park in Warren County features a recently-reopened swinging bridge across the mouth of the West Branch Tionesta Creek.

A side view of a wooden swinging bridge at Chapman State Park in Warren County, PA. The bridge, supported by cables and wooden beams, spans a small stream surrounded by trees showing vibrant autumn colors. The wooden pathway, with stairs leading up to the bridge, invites visitors to cross and explore the natural beauty on the other side. The blue sky and scattered clouds above enhance the scenic backdrop, while the surrounding foliage creates a peaceful and picturesque setting for an outdoor adventure.

The wooden suspension bridge provides stunning views of the surrounding forest and creek, especially during the fall season.

A view from the top of a wooden swinging bridge along the Lowlands Trail at Chapman State Park in Warren County, PA. The bridge, framed by wooden railings, spans a tranquil stream surrounded by thick vegetation and autumn trees displaying bright shades of green, orange, and yellow. The reflection of the sky and clouds in the water adds to the serene atmosphere. The blue sky with billowing clouds provides a striking backdrop to the scenic trail, inviting visitors to continue exploring the peaceful natural landscape on the other side.

This restored feature enhances the park’s hiking experience, connecting trails on the north and south sides of Chapman Lake and adding a unique point of interest for those exploring the area.

A view of a wooden suspension bridge at Chapman State Park in Warren County, PA, crossing over a calm stream. The bridge, supported by cables, leads into a forest of trees displaying vibrant autumn colors. The golden leaves and green pine trees create a picturesque backdrop, inviting hikers to explore the trail on the other side. The reflection of the trees in the water below adds to the serene beauty of the scene, while the bright sky overhead completes this peaceful outdoor setting.

If you like bridges, be sure to check out The 10 Longest Covered Bridges in PA Road Trip, which provides driving directions to the 10 lengthiest covered bridges in Pennsylvania.

The 10 longest covered bridges in PA road trip.
The 10 Longest Covered Bridges in PA Road Trip.

Exploring Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County is your guide to what was once the longest and tallest railway bridge in the entire worldThe Kinzua Viaduct.

The Kinzua Bridge skywalk, surrounded by fall foliage.
The Kinzua Bridge skywalk, surrounded by fall foliage.

The Salisbury Viaduct is just one of the many engineering marvels along the 150 mile-long Great Allegheny Passage, the longest multi-use rail trail in Pennsylvania.

Rusty Glessner taking in the sunrise over the Salisbury Viaduct.
The author at the Salisbury Viaduct in Somerset County.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.