The Laurel Highlands was voted one of the top 30 emerging travel destinations on the planet! It's an honor for our region and The National Parks of Western Pennsylvania!
Gallitzin Tunnels Park
Located in the town of Gallitzin, approximately 4 miles from the park visitor center.See a N5C Caboose, Museum, and overlook for the railroad tunnels on Norfolk Southern's Main Line.
The Railroaders Memorial Museum
Located in the city of Altoona just off of 9th Avenue. Take the 17th Street exit of I-99 and watch for 9th Avenue just past the Altoona Public Library. It is approximately 15 miles from the park visitor center to the museum.This museum is privately owned and operated. Please call 814-946-0834 for details.
Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark
Located approximately 8 miles from the park visitor center, this site along the currently used railroad line is operated by The Railroaders Memorial Museum.This landmark is privately owned and operated. Please call 814-946-0834 for details.
Cresson Area Heritage Park
Located on Front Street in the town of Cresson, approximately 4 miles from the park Visitor Center.See a N5C Caboose and enjoy a rail observation platform parallel to the tracks.
Portage Station Museum
Located at 400 Lee St., Portage, PA - Just off Route 53.Call 814-736-8589 for more information.
Ghost Town Trail
Blacklick to Ebensburg, 32 miles total trail.Open year round to hikers, bicyclists, cross country skiers and wheelchair users.For info: 412-463-8636, 814-948-4444.
Lower Trail
Canoe Creek State Park to Alfarata (Alexandria), 16.5 miles total trail.Open to the public, free of charge, for hiking, jogging, bicycling, horseback riding, bird-watching, cross-country skiing, and other non-motorized recreation. The trail also provides access to the Juniata River for fishing and boating.
West Penn Trail
Between Saltsburg and Blairsville, 17 miles total trail.Open to the public, free of charge, for bicycling, hiking, and jogging.
Local Partners & Information Resources:
Explore Altoona
Eastern Cambria County Chamber of Commerce
Johnstown Area Heritage Association
Nearby National Park Service unit:
Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area
The Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area reveals how one region, in a sustained and thunderous blast of innovation, ambition and fire, forever changed America and its place in the world. It is the story of the industrialists and the workers who pushed an infant industry to it ultimate limits and in doing so pushed the world into the Age of Steel.
