Guided Hikes

General Information

 
 
Reservations are required for Heritage Hikes. The hikes take place rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to wear good walking shoes and bring water. Hike information and dates are listed below. For more information including the meeting location details for the different hikes and to make a reservation, please call the Visitor Center at 814-886-6150.
 
 
A stone railroad culvert.
A stone culvert along the Inclines 6 to 10 Trail.

NPS

Inclines 6 to 10


The hike is roughly 9-10 miles in length and follows the Allegheny Portage Railroad down the eastern side of the Allegheny Mountains. The trail is extremely steep and rugged in places!
 
Railroad trace
The Summit Level

NPS

Summit Level


The Summit Level hike is approximately 3 miles in length 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.
 
A railroad tunnel entrance
The western portal of the Staple Bend Tunnel.

NPS

Staple Bend Tunnel

This hike takes participants 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.
 
Bridge
Former location of the Johnstown Aqueduct

NPS

Johnstown Canal Basin Walk

Johnstown 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.

Last updated: November 1, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

110 Federal Park Road
Gallitzin, PA 16641

Phone:

814 886-6150

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