Narrow-gauge train ride

East Broad Top Railroad

About 25 min northeast

A National Historic Landmark narrow-gauge railroad directly across Meadow Street from Rockhill Trolley Museum, offering public train rides, historic-shop tours, rail bikes, and seasonal programs on a separate ticket.

The place

About East Broad Top Railroad

East Broad Top Railroad preserves a three-foot-gauge coal railroad and unusually complete industrial shop complex at Rockhill Furnace. The standard visitor experience is a roughly nine-mile round trip north to Colgate Grove, while selected southbound trains, guided shop tours, rail-bike products, and special events use different routes and durations.

For a Rockhill Trolley Museum visitor, the essential planning fact is organizational separation. East Broad Top and the trolley museum share the larger rail campus and cooperate, but each controls its own admissions, departures, accessibility, and policies. A ticket from one is not valid at the other.

The operator generally publishes diesel trips Wednesday and Thursday and steam Friday through Sunday during its core season, but motive power can change. Visitors who want both rides should compare the exact booking inventory rather than relying only on a weekly pattern.

What stands out

Narrow-gauge train ride

The regular public excursion runs north from Rockhill Furnace through the railroad’s rural historic corridor.

Complete shop complex

Guided tours interpret original industrial buildings and belt-driven machinery that survived together on site.

Steam-and-electric pairing

The adjacent trolley museum makes it possible to compare narrow-gauge railroad and streetcar technology in one campus day.

Preservation-era revival

The nonprofit East Broad Top Foundation acquired the railroad in 2020 and returned it to public heritage operation.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Friends of the East Broad Top trip

This is the closest possible companion to Rockhill Trolley Museum—directly across Meadow Street. It can create a full steam-and-electric rail day, but leave at least 30 minutes for East Broad Top check-in and avoid booking overlapping departures.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • 2026 seasonThe published regular season runs May 1–October 31, with selected Christmas trains continuing through December.
  • Regular rideThe standard northbound excursion is about nine miles round trip and roughly one hour, including the Colgate Grove stop.
  • ArrivalThe operator recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before departure. Advance reservations are encouraged.
  • Separate ticketsEast Broad Top and Rockhill Trolley Museum sell separate tickets. Compare both live schedules before purchasing a two-ride day.
  • Motive powerThe general core-season pattern is diesel Wednesday–Thursday and steam Friday–Sunday, but assignments can change for operating reasons.
  • Wheelchair accessMost regular excursions include a coach with two hydraulic lifts rated to 600 pounds. Select the wheelchair coach when booking and contact the railroad because tours and special products differ.
  • RestroomsThere are no onboard restrooms. Facilities are available at Orbisonia Station and Colgate Grove.
  • Tour terrainShop tours cross gravel, grass, tracks, and uneven industrial surfaces. Ask before booking when mobility access is essential.

Add historic electric rail

Add Rockhill Trolley Museum

Cross Meadow Street for a separate all-day trolley ticket, changing historic-car assignments, and operating-day carbarn access.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is East Broad Top included with a Rockhill Trolley Museum ticket?

No. They are separate organizations with separate tickets and schedules even though their visitor areas share the Rockhill Furnace rail campus.

How long is the regular East Broad Top ride?

The standard northbound excursion is about nine miles round trip and roughly one hour. Special and southbound products differ.

How early should I arrive?

The operator recommends at least 30 minutes before departure. Leave additional margin if you are coming directly from a trolley trip.

Does every train use steam locomotive No. 16?

No. The operator publishes a general steam/diesel pattern, but motive power can change for maintenance and operating reasons.

Can a wheelchair user ride?

Most regular trains include a lift-equipped coach rated to 600 pounds. Select the wheelchair coach when booking and contact the railroad because tours and special products have different access limits.

Are there restrooms on the train?

No. Restrooms are available at Orbisonia Station and Colgate Grove.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-13. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.