Grand billows of hissing steam. The rhythmic clanging of bells. The rumbling of a century-old engine. The East Broad Top Railroad in Rockhill Furnace announces its arrival in dramatic fashion—and, in an instant, transports visitors to a bygone era, when Pennsylvania was a global powerhouse of steel, iron, coal, timber, glass, and textile industries, and railroads transported these essential commodities throughout the nation.
Voted the #3 Best Scenic Train Ride by USA Today in 2024 and described by Smithsonian Institution as an "incomparable national treasure,” the EBT Railroad is widely regarded as America’s most authentic industrial heritage site. Narrow-gauge railroads (with rails only 36” apart rather than the standard 56.5”) were common in the country’s mountainous regions during the late 1800s, and the EBT was built between 1872 and 1874 to serve the iron and coal industry of southern Huntingdon County. Today, it functions solely as a historic attraction for sightseeing and has been kept alive through extensive preservation efforts by dedicated employees and volunteers.
Hop aboard the country’s oldest-operating narrow-gauge railroad for a scenic train ride, then explore the station and grounds of this National Historic Landmark. Behind-the-scenes tours offer even more ways to experience the golden age of railroading.
Scenic Train Rides & Guided Tours
Book your ticket behind a century-old steam for a one-hour round-trip scenic train ride through nine miles of rolling hills, farms, and forests. Then go on a guided walking tour to explore the preserved machine shop, blacksmith shop, foundry, and brick roundhouse. Both these experiences are included in a general admission ticket, and you can choose between a variety of seating options, from the historic caboose to an open-air car. Wheelchair-accessible options are also available.
The EBT Railroad also partners with neighboring Rockhill Trolley Museum to offer train and trolley combo tickets for a unique experience and insight into historic transportation.
Holiday Train Rides & Special Events
Throughout the year, experience EBT’s special events and themed train rides. These include summer concerts at the railroad’s exclusive picnic grove (only accessible by rail), war reenactment weekends, and an annual ragtime festival. The EBT is also offers fun-filled family events including Easter on the Rails, Christmas in Coal Country, and fall weekends with Snoopy and Charlie Brown aboard PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express.
Behind-the-Scenes History Tours
Get even closer to railroad history with one of the specialty guided tours. On the Hostling Tour, start on the platform of the historic Orbisonia Station and follow the engine crew while they inspect the locomotive, oil around, and prepare Locomotive No. 16 for a day of service. The Master Mechanic’s Tour grants rare access into the roundhouse to see the railroad’s one-of-a-kind fleet of narrow-gauge steam locomotives, motorcars, and rolling stock. On the Archivist’s Tour, explore a private vault of historic maps, drawings, and records that detail the history and preservation efforts.
Learn more about experiencing the East Broad Top Railroad Heritage Park.