General InformationHeritage Hikes are held on Sundays during the summer months. Please check back for 2022 Heritage Hike dates! Reservations are required for Heritage Hikes due to limited space. The hikes take place rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to wear good walking shoes and bring water. For more information, including meeting location for the different hikes and to make a reservation, please call the Visitor Center at 814-886-6150. Summit LevelJoin a Park Ranger for a three mile Summit Level hike from the head of Inclined Plane 6 to near where the Summit Hotel was in Summitville, near the head of Inclined Plane 5. The Summit Level was the highest point that the Allegheny Portage Railroad crossed the Allegheny Mountains. Participants will learn about the inclines and levels of the railroad, how the system functioned, the town of Summitville, and much more. 
NPS Staple Bend TunnelJoin a Park Ranger on a hike to the first railroad tunnel in America, the Staple Bend Tunnel. On this approximately 5-mile round trip hike, participants will learn about the history of the tunnel, how it was constructed, the Allegheny Portage Railroad, and much more! Several features from the days of the railroad, including stone sleepers and culverts, are visible. 
NPS Inclined Plane No. 8 HikeOf the 10 inclined planes on the Allegheny Portage Railroad, No. 8 was the longest and steepest. Participants will learn about the inclines and levels of the railroad, how the system functioned, and will be able to view a historic culvert.
NPS Johnstown Canal Basin WalkJohnstown was located on the western end of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. Participants will learn about why Johnstown was an important town along the Main Line Canal. A two mile, Ranger led tour will highlight locations in downtown that were part of the canal basin and even a few buildings that are still standing from the canal days. This tour is approximately two miles in length.
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Last updated: May 10, 2022