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.
Attend an Evening on the Summit program select Tuesday evenings during the summer months.
Allegheny Portage Railroad Van Tours are July 21 and August 9. Reservations open on May 1, 2025, and are required due to limited space!
Heritage Hikes are led by a park ranger during the summer months. The distance varies by hike. Reservations are required.
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.
The Lemon House tavern, built by Sam and Jean Lemon in the early 1830s, was a stop along the Allegheny Portage Railroad for travelers to rest and eat.
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 Allegheny Mountains.