Parks

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 stone railroad tunnel with a horse led railroad car.

Heritage Hike: Staple Bend Tunnel, July 12, 2025

2025-07-07

Hike with a park ranger to the Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel in America on Saturday, July 12 at 2 p.m. Reservations are required for this free hike that is approximately five miles in length. Please call the Visitor Center at 814-886-6150 to sign up and for meeting location details. The hike is rain or shine.

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

2025-07-01

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.

Allegheny Portage Railroad Van Tour, June 21, 2025

2025-06-17

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.

Evening on the Summit: Dr. Christy

2025-06-03

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

2025-04-21

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.