"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.
Photo: NPS
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.
- LocationGallitzin, PA
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
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Weather now60°F Overcast
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- Abolition Movement
- African American Heritage
- Architecture and Building
- Astronomy
- Canals
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Industry
16 more topics
- Infantry and Militia
- Laborer and Worker
- Logging and Timber Cutting
- Mexican War
- Military
- Mountains
- Night Sky
- River and Riparian
- Social Movements
- Trade
- Trails
- Trains and Railroads
- Transportation
- Tunnels
- Wars and Conflicts
- Westward Expansion
Alerts (1)
Park ClosureStaple Bend Tunnel Closure Due to a rockfall, the interior of the Staple Bend Tunnel is closed. The trail is still open. From the Mineral Point Tra… Read more
Due to a rockfall, the interior of the Staple Bend Tunnel is closed. The trail is still open. From the Mineral Point Trailhead, visitors can bypass the tunnel, via a path around the right side of the tunnel structure.
Things to Do
16 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Allegheny Portage Railroad Van Tours
Reservation required
Please check back for 2026 van tour dates!
Learn more about Allegheny Portage Railroad Van Tours on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter
Visitors to Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter can view full scale models of the mechanisms that would have originally been in all ten Engine House structures.
Learn more about Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Evening on the Summit
Attend an Evening on the Summit program select Tuesday evenings during the summer months.
Learn more about Evening on the Summit on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Explore the Summit Level Visitor Center
The Visitor Center has exhibits and a 20-minute park movie that is shown upon request. The Allegheny Portage Railroad, part of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, was the first railroad to cross the…
Learn more about Explore the Summit Level Visitor Center on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Guided Hikes
Reservation required
Heritage Hikes are led by a park ranger during the summer months. The distance varies by hike. Reservations are required.
Learn more about Guided Hikes on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike along the Summit Level
At the bottom of the boardwalk at Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter, visitors are walking along the Summit Level of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. This section is the highest point that the Allegheny…
Learn more about Hike along the Summit Level on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike or bike to the Staple Bend Tunnel
The Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel in America, can be accessed from the trailhead on Beech Hill Road in Mineral Point. Visitors can hike or bike approximately two miles each way to the…
Learn more about Hike or bike to the Staple Bend Tunnel on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike the Inclines 6 to 10 Trail
The Inclines 6 to 10 Trail follows the route of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. The hiking sections of the trail are located on or near the original route of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. The…
Learn more about Hike the Inclines 6 to 10 Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 8 of 16
Load moreAll 13 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Guided Tours
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum Exhibits
- Arts and Culture
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Cultural Demonstrations
- First Person Interpretation
- Historic Weapons Demonstration
- Living History
- Park Film
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Show 1 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Summit Level Visitor Center
Facility
Located immediately off of US Route 22 at the Gallitzin Exit, this is the best place to start your tour. The Visitor Center has a 20-minute orientation movie shown on…
Gallitzin, PA Directions
Details
Located immediately off of US Route 22 at the Gallitzin Exit, this is the best place to start your tour. The Visitor Center has a 20-minute orientation movie shown on demand, interactive exhibits, and a bookstore. The passport stamp station is also located in the Visitor Center.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, Sunrise to Sunset · Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
Hours details
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Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic SiteDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
The Visitor Center, Engine House No. 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Lemon House are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Buildings are open Fridays through Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Park grounds and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, weather permitting. Park buildings are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Times listed in "All Park Hours" reflect building operations.
Monday Sunrise to Sunset Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset Thursday Sunrise to Sunset Friday Sunrise to Sunset Saturday Sunrise to Sunset Sunday Sunrise to Sunset
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
110 Federal Park RoadGallitzin, PA 16641
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
60°F
Overcast · feels like 57°
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Today
62° 54°
Fog51% rain -
Tomorrow
77° 56°
Sunny9% rain -
Wednesday
74° 62°
Overcast69% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Photos
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The Lemon House was a stop for Allegheny Portage Railroad travelers on the summit. — NPS Photo -
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2 more photos
Getting There
Gallitzin, PA 16641
The park is located just off U.S. Route 22 approximately 12 miles west of Altoona and 10 miles east of Ebensburg.
Full directions
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.
Mailing address: 110 Federal Park Road, Gallitzin, PA 16641
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