Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
The first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the final piece of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal.
Photo: NPS / NPS
About Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
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.
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Driving times from Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
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Activities
Getting there
The park is located in Cambria County, PA, and is at the summit of the Allegheny Mountains. Therefore, the park often takes on winter extremes. If planning on traveling from a long distance, please contact the park beforehand to ensure that the facilities are open. Please consult weather forecasts to ensure conditions are safe to travel in. Spring, summer, and fall are generally uneventful, but severe thunderstorms can occur.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site?
- Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Bookstore and Park Store, Cultural Demonstrations, First Person Interpretation, Guided Tours, Hiking.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Johnstown Flood National Memorial (30 min), Flight 93 National Memorial (1 h 4 min), Fort Necessity National Battlefield (2 h 4 min), Antietam National Battlefield (2 h 16 min), Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument (2 h 18 min), Friendship Hill National Historic Site (2 h 25 min).