Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

National Park Service, Pennsylvania.

The first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the final piece of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. "The Portage" opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.

Nearby Activities

  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Historic & Cultural Site

Directions

The park is located just off U.S. Route 22 approximately 12 miles west of Altoona and 10 miles east of Ebensburg. Take the Gallitzin Exit and turn right, following the signs. Visitors prior to 1992 accessed the park in other ways, but the Gallitzin Exit of US Route 22 is the way to access the visitor center and historic area.

Additional Information

  • Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site Official Website
  • Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site Map

Photo Gallery

  • Barrels and crates in the Visitor Center show items that traveled on the Main Line Canal.
  • The theater features a 20 minute park movie.
  • The Visitor Center bookstore offers a variety of items for sale.
  • The Visitor Center bookstore offers a variety of items for sale.
  • The Visitor Center theater shows a 20 minute park movie.
  • The Visitor Center theater shows a 20 minute park movie.
  • Visitor Center theaterA 20 minute park movie is shown in the Visitor Center theater.
  • Visitor Center theaterA 20 minute park movie is shown in the Visitor Center theater.
  • Skew Arch Bridge
  • Skew Arch BridgeThe Skew Arch Bridge carried turnpike traffic over the Allegheny Portage Railroad. The bridge can be accessed by vehicle or the Skew Arch Bridge trail within the park that parallels Inclined Plane 6.
  • Skew Arch BridgeThe Skew Arch Bridge carried turnpike traffic over the Allegheny Portage Railroad. The bridge can be accessed by vehicle or the Skew Arch Bridge trail within the park that parallels Inclined Plane 6.
  • Staple Bend TunnelThe Staple Bend Tunnel sat at the top of inclined plane 1, just a few miles from Johnstown. The Staple Bend Tunnel can be accessed by hiking or biking approximately 2 miles from the trailhead
  • Boardwalk to the historic areaThe boardwalk takes you to the historic area at the park
  • Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter
  • Summit Level Visitor CenterThe Summit Level Visitor Center contains exhibits, restrooms, park movie and bookstore.
  • Lemon House tavernThe Lemon House tavern was a stop for travelers riding on the Allegheny Portage Railroad at the summit of the mountains.
  • Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Lemon HouseEngine House 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Lemon House at the Summit Level of the Allegheny Portage Railroad.
  • Lemon House tavernThe Lemon House was a stop for Allegheny Portage Railroad travelers on the summit.

Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors

Login

Sign Up

Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Recreation.gov!

Get to Know Us

  • About Us
  • Rules & Reservation Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Media Center
  • Site Map

Plan with Us

  • Find Trip Inspiration
  • Build a Trip
  • Buy a Pass
  • Enter a Lottery
  • Checkout our Mobile App
  • Rent Gear

Join Us

  • Get Involved
  • Use Our Data
  • Add Your Facility

Let Us Help You

  • Contact Us
  • Help Center
  • Submit Feedback
  • Responsible Disclosure
Español
Powered by Localize
English