Date of Latest Visit: July 27, 2024
It’s called the World Famous Horseshoe Curve, and while “world famous” may be a bit of an exaggeration, the National Historic Landmark is certainly one of the most important in American industrial history.
Located about 10 minutes west of downtown Altoona, the Horseshoe Curve was, and still is, a vital piece of railroad infrastructure. The unique topography of the mountains made it impossible to build a bridge between the higher ridge in the west and the lower ridge to the east.
Instead, eastbound trains heading uphill make a right hand turn then a long, sweeping left. It continues to climb the whole time before eventually making another right turn en route to Pittsburgh.
When it was built in 1854, it was purely an architectural necessity. Today, it’s a tourist attraction thanks to the unique perspective provided by the panoramic setting for photos and videos of trains both coming and going along Kittanning Point.
Julie and I brought the boys on a summer Saturday morning. We had been to the curve in 2021 (when we were still just a family of three) so we knew what to expect. That didn’t make the 194 steps from the parking area to the top any easier. (The funicular, which would otherwise carry guests to the top has been out of order).
On our last visit, we saw just one train, but it was while we were still at the bottom of the hill. This time, we came prepared with blankets, a cooler of snacks and drinks, and a bag of games to pass the time in between trains.
This time we had much better luck, and it started with a real treat. The dedicated railfans at the top of the hill told us that the morning Amtrak train was running late and would be arriving any minute.
I have to say, it was really cool to see the passenger train rolling through the curve. All those at the viewing area waved and everyone on board waved back. It was a genuine moment of excitement for both sides.
Over the course of the next 90 minutes or so, we saw four freight trains, two of them rolling downhill toward Altoona, two heading westbound up the mountain.
The larger westbound train moved at a slower pace – a marvel of engineering itself with two locomotives at the front, a helper engine in the middle of the train, and two more engines trailing behind.
The whole train had to be more than a mile long and the engineers at both ends were more than happy to blow the horns for all those gathered to watch.
As we sat there, I also couldn’t help but admire the graffiti-tagged freight cars. I said to Julie that it was like a mobile street art display. Is it illegal? Yes. Does it add to the charm of the otherwise monotonous parade of hopper cars and box cars? Absolutely.
There are two lessons we learned from our previous visit – first, you never really know when the next train will arrive, though Saturday morning seemed like prime viewing time.
Second, you’re kind of stuck – especially without the funicular. There are no amenities at the viewing area. And there is little shade to speak of. Trees have been removed in order to allow for better sightlines, but that leaves only two places to escape the sun – a small pavilion on the west side and in the shadow of locomotive #739.
Pennsylvania Railroad #739 is a diesel engine that once drove the main line between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, crossing the same tracks that it rests next to. It’s been on static display at Horseshoe Curve since the 1980s, and is an impressive sight.
Along with an old watchman’s tower, it’s one of only two things to view at the top of the hill in between trains. This is where those games and toys we brought came in handy. We sat and enjoyed the morning until our youngest started to get tired and we made the trek back down the steps.
There is a small museum at the base of the hill which helps tell the story of Horseshoe Curve and its construction. The exhibits include scale models of the rail lines through the region and of the topography of Kittanning Point.
There is also a seven-minute video telling the story of the building of the landmark.
The same organization that runs the visitor center also runs the much more impressive Railroaders Museum in Altoona and offers discounted passes to visit both attractions. If you have time, I highly recommend a visit to the Railroader’s Museum. It’s much larger with interactive exhibits and a yard full of old locomotives and train cars.
In all, we spent about two hours at the attraction, though there were plenty of railfans who were there before we arrived that were planning to stay much longer.
For those looking for a longer day, you can pack a picnic lunch or purchase sandwiches and snacks at the Gift Shop. Here you’ll also find a limited selection of books, t-shirts, knickknacks and kid’s toys.
We had a good time, especially our six-year-old who perked up every time we heard the unmistakable rumble of the engines in the distance. Plan ahead for your visit, and I’m sure you’ll have a good time, too, at this “world famous” attraction.
When You Go
- The viewing area and museum are open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- There is no “schedule” of when freight trains will arrive. Amtrak does follow a schedule that you can view on their website. The nearest stations on the Pennsylvanian line are Altoona in the east and Johnstown in the west.
- There are no amenities at the viewing area. Restrooms are located at the base of the hill next to the gift shop. You can also purchase sandwiches, snacks and baked goods in the gift shop to take to the top. Picnic lunches are also welcome.
- There is very little shade at the top – trees have been removed for better viewing. Be sure to bring sunscreen.
- There are no train rides at the Horseshoe Curve, only viewing. The only passenger trains that travel through the Curve are the daily Amtraks.
More PA Trains
Reading Society of Model Engineers
West Chester Railroad
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
