Pennsylvania businesspeople had a huge problem in the early 1800s. With the Erie Canal construction, many people stopped trading in the area because it took too long to get Pennsylvanian products to market. While some wanted to build a canal system, the Allegheny Mountains stood in the way. Early steam locomotives did not have the power to pull a loaded train over the mountain, and building a tunnel through it was considered too risky. The solution was to build incline train tracks that relied on cables to pull trains up and over the mountains, and you can see this major accomplishment today when you visit Allegheny Portage National Historic Site.
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is a beautiful location to explore. You will want to soak in the peacefulness of the Allegheny Mountains, so bring your RV. If you do not have one, you can easily rent one from RVshare.
There are several historical buildings you will want to see when visiting Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. Reproduction furniture is used in the Lemon House to showcase what this homestead might have looked like in 1840. Workers used stone from the original railroad to construct the Skew Arch Bridge. The Staple Bend Tunnel is the third tunnel built in the United States and the first one built for trains. There are many hiking trails you will want to explore and great places to ride your bike.
Hiking TrailsThis trail starts across from the Pennsylvania Game Commission parking lot near Patton. The beginning of this trail runs through a hardwood forest. Then, it becomes a mixed-use grassland trail.
966 Marina Road, Patton, Pennsylvania 16668
2 Miles
Moderate
Point Trail is a figure-eight-shape trail within Prince Gallitzin State Park. Enjoy stunning lake views along the bottom circle while hiking under tall shade trees. The upper loop follows a branch of Cooked Run River, so you may want to bring your fishing pole along.
Prince Gallitzin State Park 966 Marina Rd, Patton, Pennsylvania 16668
2.8 Miles
Moderate
You can access this historic Lower Trail from six different trailheads so that everyone can follow a gravel path according to their hiking abilities and available time. This trail follows the former Allegheny railway tracks. There are only three road crossings, so this mostly flat trail can be a good option for families.
Near Williamsburg, Pennsylvania 16693
16 Miles
Moderate
SightseeingWorkers constructed the Horseshoe Curve in 1854 to replace the Allegheny Portage Railway. You can view the curve measuring 2,375 feet long and 1,300 feet wide. The nearby exhibition hall contains fascinating train memorabilia with many hands-on exhibits.
2400 Veterans Memorial Highway, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601
Visit the restored country estate of Albert Gallatin, who served as United States secretary of the treasury under presidents Jefferson and Madison. Take a self-guided tour of his home furnished as it was when he lived on the property. Learn about how officials are returning the land surrounding the house to its natural state so that it looks like how it looked when Gallatin lived here.
223 New Geneva Road, Point Marion, Pennsylvania 15474
MuseumsThis museum tells the story of the people behind the railroad through photographs and artifacts. Displays at the museum emphasize the contributions made by families living in or near Altoona, Pennsylvania. This museum often hosts special events, which can be a great way to enjoy the area’s music.
1200 9th Avenue, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602
The inside of this Victorian mansion contains over 35,000 Halloween-related items. Items include art, decor, costumes, advertisements, toys, games, and collectible items. Some of the items in the collection are over 250 years old. You may need to call ahead so that they are expecting your visit.
2028 Broad Ave, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601
Nearby Shops and RestaurantsPrince Gallitzin Camp Store, located inside Prince Gallitzin State Park, offers various delicious ice cream flavors. They also offer basic camping and fishing supplies. You can also find fun hats and clothing at this store at reasonable prices.
287 Crooked Run Campground Road, Patton, Pennsylvania 16668
For more than 115 years, Gardners Candies has been making candy. They may have invented the peanut butter meltaway, which is hard to beat. This store also sells delicious fudge made on the premises.
30 West 10th St Tyrone, Pennsylvania 16686
Our Sons’ Family Restaurant has been delighting customers with quality food. Their chef has over 20 years of professional experience. The chicken is particularly great, and you will want to try a slice of their delicious pie.
800 Broad Street, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15906
Select your favorite Italian entrees, like cheese ravioli or chicken parmesan, at this restaurant. They also offer delicious chicken tenders, shrimp, subs, and pizza. The chef’s many years of experience mean that each dish is delicious and beautifully presented.
709 Front Street, Cresson, Pennsylvania 16630
You can easily reach Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Take US 22 to the Gallitzin. Follow the road towards Gallitzin until you get to Tunnelhill Street. Turn right, and the site will be on your left In about 0.5 miles.
110 Federal Park Road, Gallitzin, Pennsylvania 16641
Fee: Entry Fee (Per Person)
There is no entry fee.
The creative solution that businesspeople came up with to get their products up over the Allegheny Mountains in the 1800s is still visible today. Using a system of ropes and chains, they pulled steam locomotives and their loads over the mountain. Later, people living nearby embraced the same creative spirit and constructed the first railroad tunnel and the huge Horseshoe Curve. Learn more about the grit and determination exhibited by these early settlers by visiting Central Pennsylvania. Bring your RV so that you can explore all the area, which also includes excellent fishing, hiking, and sightseeing opportunities. If you do not have an RV, you can rent one on RVshare.com, where wonderful people share their travel trailers and RVs with you. You will love camping in the spacious campgrounds in this area.
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