Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS - Staple Bend Tunnel Unit

Friday, October 20, 2017

While out and about passporting off of three passports like crazy in one day, we learned of  park unit of one of the parks we visited. So we went and as it was a trail to tunnel and we were condensed for time as we had three more passport stops to make for the remainder of the day, we took two photos to say we were there and left. The stamp for this site was obtained prior within the main park unit, There was a air machine, waysides and a rustic comfort facility here.

Park Synopsis

The first railroad to circumvent the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the finishing piece of the Pennsylvania Mainline 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.

Since, 2001, the Staple Bend Tunnel has been open as a separate area of Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. It is not in the immediate area of the Summit Level Visitor Center. Rather, it is near the town of Mineral Point, 5 miles from Johnstown. Once you park your vehicle at the trail head, it is a two mile walk to the Staple Bend Tunnel (and, of course, a two mile return trip to your vehicle). You are welcome to bring bicycles, but no motorized transport for the limestone dust surfaced trail.

If You Go

The Staple Bend Tunnel unit is located approximately 4 miles east of Johnstown, PA.

Directions from the Summit Visitor Center: Take US Route 22 West approximately 17.5 miles to the Mundy's Corner/Nanty Glo exit. Keep right

at the fork in the ramp and merge onto PA Route 271 South. Continue on Route 271 South approximately 5 miles until a (marked) left turn onto Mineral Point Road (PA 3030). After approximately 2 miles make a (marked) right turn onto Beech Hill Road and proceed over the bridge. Go through the railroad underpass; the paved parking lot for Staple Bend Tunnel will be located on the right. Please used the paved parking lot and do not block the emergency access road. This same parking area is used for the Path of the Flood trail as well.

Accessibility

The Staple Bend Tunnel trail (4 mile round trip) of crushed limestone dust meets gradient standards for wheelchair users. At the trailhead, there is an accessible pit toilet.