There are many abandoned old railway lines across the United States, but perhaps one of the most significant is the mostly abandoned East Broad Top Railroad & Coal Company (EBT) in Pennsylvania.
If one is looking for a luxurious (and one of the world's most visually stunning rail trips), consider a journey on the famous Canadian Rockie Mountaineer. In the United States, there are many other historic train journeys and perhaps one of the best ways to explore the country is with a coast-to-coast train journey to see the USA inside out.
History And Story of The East Broad Top Railroad
The first proposal for a railroad for the east side of Broad Top Mountain to access semi-bituminous coal reserves came in 1848. The project was delayed due to the Civil War but it received new investment in late 1870. The East Broad Top Railroad & Coal Company was first chartered in 1856 and operated the railway between 1871 and 1956.
The purpose of the East Broad Top Railroad was to mine and ship coal from Broad Top Mountain.
The line was extended progressively and reached its fullest extent in 1916 as it was expanded to Alvan. Another extension to connect the South Pennsylvania Railroad from Neelyton south to Burnt Cabins was graded but never completed as the South Pennsylvania Railroad was never finished.
Eventually, the company succumbed to a perfect storm of rising labor costs, diminishing coal deposits, and employee strikes consequently, the railway was abandoned in April 1956.
- Narrow Gauge: When It Was Shut Down, The East Broad Top Railroad Was The Last Narrow Guage East of The Rockies.
East Broad Top Railroad is a narrow-gauge railroad and today is a protected landmark of American history. It was first designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. Since 1996 it has also been added to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of America’s Most Endangered Places.
Riding On The East Broad Top Today
The tracks were not removed and so they have remained in place. Even though it was abandoned, the tracks were restored in 1960 to celebrate the bicentennial of towns along the line. And the route was ridden once more between Mount Union and Rockhill.
Today a short segment of the East Broad Top Railroad remains service today near Orbisonia. It is now the main attraction of the East Broad Top tourist railroad. One can take a step back in time and ride on the historic railway. It is now the only surviving three-foot gauge common carrier railroad east of the Rocky Mountains.
- Oldest: America's Oldest Operating Narrow Gauge Rail Road
- Only Narrow-Gauge: It is The Only 3-Foot Gauge East of The Rockies
It is a great family activity that all can enjoy and East Broad Top offers three vintage experiences - train excursions, trolley rides, and shop tours.
Train Excursions
With a train excursion, one can take a leisurely ride through the heart of Central Pennsylvania. These tours are for a one-hour scenic roundtrip through picturesque farms, forests, and rolling hills.
- Duration: One Hour
- Miles: 9 miles
- Ages: All ages
While one can walk in and buy a ticket, they do recommend advance reservations online as space may be limited. If one does plan to purchase a ticket at the ticket window, it is recommended to arrive no later than 1/2 hour prior to the train’s departure. They offer three classes of service.
Enclosed Coach:
With this class, one can gaze out at the countryside through large viewing windows and enjoy comfortable padded seats.
- Adults: (13+) | Enclosed Coach - $20
- Child: (2-12) | Enclosed Coach - $15
Open Air Service:
With the open-air service, one can enjoy unobstructed views from bench-style seats, and experience the thrill of riding just behind the locomotive.
- Adult: (13+) | Open Air - $23
- Child: (2-12) | Open Air - $20
Caboose Service:
With the caboose option, one can ride the rails like a member of the train crew aboard one of their historic Cabooses.
- Adult: (13+) | Caboose - $25
- Child: (2-12) | Caboose - $23
Vintage Trolley Ride
Another attraction at the East Broad Top Railroad is the Vintage Trolley Ride. They partner with the Rockhill Trolley Museum so that guests can also enjoy a vintage trolley ride while exploring the historic East Broad Top Railroad.
These trolleys operate frequently throughout the day and their schedules are timed to work with the East Broad Top Railroad train arrivals and departures
- Duration: 45 Minutes
- Ages: All ages
- Adult: (13+) | Trolley Ride - $10
- Child: (2-12) | Trolley Ride - $8
Historic Shop Tours
Their third attraction is their historic shop tours. These tours tell the story of a railroad that extends beyond its locomotives and cars. One will learn about the machines, tools, people, facilities, and buildings that went into operating and maintaining these machines.
As the East Broad Top Railroad was a narrow-gauge, it required its own facilities and equipment separate from the other standard railroads of the region.
- Duration: 1 Hour
- Ages: Recommended ages 8 and up
- Adults: (13+) | Shop Tour - $20
- Child: (2-12) | Shop Tour - $18