Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)

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The Allegheny Portage Railroad

The Allegheny Portage Railroad is a story of ingenuity, persistence, and the fleeting power of success. This engineering marvel, which includes the first railroad tunnel in America, opened a valuable trade route within a developing nation. The celebration of its success was enjoyed worldwide; it was a must see for prominent travelers of the 1840s.

GPS coordinates 40.4583206, -78.5497341

What To See

The Allegheny Portage Railroad has many interesting things to see. Visit the Lemon House- a historic tavern built to accommodate travelers. Discover the Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter- a replica of the many buildings that made up the Portage Railroad. Watch the movie in the Summit Level Visitor Center and browse the many exhibits and models. Drive out to the Staple Bend Tunnel unit to hike and explore the nine hundred foot tunnel (remember you need to walk 2 miles each direction when visiting the tunnel).

		Trails The Allegheny Portage Railroad has many trails and places to explore. Bring your bike and ride the 2.5-mile trail back and through the historic Staple Bend Tunnel. Hike the old trace of the level sections of incline planes 10 through 6. Take a stroll down to the Skew Arch Bridge or relax and walk the Nature Trail.

Park Ranger Doug Bosley at the Staple Bend Tunnel

Special Events

The Allegheny Portage Railroad offers many special events and tours. Come join us on a Ghost Tour of Staple Bend Tunnel. Sit down under the evening sky and take part in our Evening on the Summit Series. Watch park rangers cut stone and hew logs just as they did in the early 1800’s. Look under the schedule of events for special programs and tours. Ask at the Visitor Center for summer daily programs.

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For Kids

Boys and girls of all ages are welcome at the Allegheny Portage Railroad. Whether you are with a school group or with family and friends there are things for you to do: Junior Ranger programs, Girl Scout Try It and Badge workshops, ranger led field trips, classroom visits and much more!

My National Parks

The national parks belong to you. We need your help to keep them in great shape. See how citizens are caring for the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site and the other parks in western Pennsylvania. My National Parks (.wmv)

The year 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. As such, The NPS has introduced, A Call to Action, to prepare to recommit America's national parks to the goals of stewardship and community involvement. Check out the website and read the action plan by clicking on the above links.

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is experimenting with new ways to bring the park experience to visitors. We are currently using Twitter and Facebook. This is an attempt to help you connect with Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site and to meet you "where you are at", and "where you expect us to be."

Write to

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
110 Federal Park Road
Gallitzin, PA 16641

Phone

Visitor Information
(814) 886-6150

Fax

(814) 884-0206

Climate

In summer it is generally warm and often humid. In winter it is often cold with snow possible from November through May. Wind can be a problem. Layered clothing is recommended. Mountaintop conditions quite often differ from surrounding valley weather, please be prepared.

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