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.

Canal boat on water. A mule is on the side with a driver.

Evening on the Summit: The Main Line Canal and Underground Railroad

2025-09-08

Our final Evening on the Summit program for the season is on Tuesday, September 16, at 7:00 p.m. Barbara Zaborowski, Dean of Library Services and Special Projects at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, will speak on the use of the Main Line Canal in supporting Underground Railroad activities. The event will be held in the Visitor Center auditorium. It is free and open to the public.

A large white structure with railroad tracks in front.

Heritage Hike: Summit Level, August 23, 2025

2025-08-18

The 2025 Summit Level hike is Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. This hike, led by a park ranger, 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.

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site