Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

Lemon House, one of the historic structures in the park.
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.
Map showing location of park.
A man looks out of a train window into a valley with trees and water.
Evening on the Summit: Charles Dickens' 1842 Trip to America
Our summer speaker series, Evening on the Summit, continues on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Visitor Center theater. Supervisory Park Ranger Doug Bosley will present a free program on Charles Dickens' 1842 trip to America.
A bridge with an arch
Allegheny Portage Railroad Van Tour, June 21, 2025
Travel the route of the Allegheny Portage Railroad with a park ranger on a four-hour van tour. This free tour is Saturday, June 21 at 1:00 p.m. and leaves from the Visitor Center. To make a required reservation, please call 814-886-6150.
A gravestone
Evening on the Summit: Dr. Christy
Please join us for an Evening on the Summit Program about Dr. James Christy. This free program takes place in the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site Visitor Center theater on Tuesday, June 10 at 7 p.m. The program is presented by park volunteer Jim Effinger.
A white structure sits along railroad tracks.
Summit Level Hike for Celebrate Trails Day
Hike with a park ranger along the Summit Level for Celebrate Trails Day on Saturday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. The hike is 3-miles in length along the Summit Level of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. The hike goes from the head of Inclined Plane No. 6 to the location of where the Summit Hotel was in Summitville, near the head of Inclined Plane 5. Reservations are required for this free hike. Please call the Visitor Center at 814-886-6150 to sign up.
Engine House and tavern
Photo by NPS
Engine house
Photo by NPS
Lemon House
Photo by NPS Photo
Stone building
Photo by NPS
Boardwalk
Photo by NPS
Tunnel
Photo by NPS
Bridge
Photo by NPS
Bookstore
Photo by NPS
Theater
Photo by NPS
Barrel
Photo by NPS