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Rockhill Furnace, PA

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East Broad Top Railroad

4.8· 861 Google reviews

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Trip at a Glance

Source checked 2026-08-13
  • TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
  • LocationRockhill Furnace, PA
  • Rating4.8 ★861 Google reviews
  • UpcomingSat, Sep 26
  • Operating windowThe published 2026 regular season runs May 1 through October 31, with selected holiday trips continuing into December

About East Broad Top Railroad

East Broad Top Railroad is a preserved three-foot-gauge railroad whose public excursions leave from the historic Rockhill Furnace shop complex. The standard northbound trip covers about nine miles round trip with a Colgate Grove layover, while select southbound trains, guided shop tours, rail-bike experiences, and seasonal programs use different routes and schedules. The East Broad Top Foundation owns and operates the railroad; Friends of the East Broad Top is a separate preservation partner with its own museum in Robertsdale.

📍 421 Meadow Street, Rockhill Furnace, PA 17249📞 814-447-3285

Ways to Ride

Choose the visit that fits your group

First-time visitors and families

Northbound to Colgate Grove

The principal excursion follows 4.5 miles of narrow-gauge railroad each way and includes a layover at Colgate Grove.

Industrial history and preservation

Immersive guided shop tours

Guides take visitors into the unusually complete shop complex, where historic belt-driven machinery and original industrial buildings survive.

Repeat visitors and route collectors

Southbound Pogue excursion

A select-date trip runs south from Rockhill on a different segment of the main line for a shorter, roughly 30–45-minute ride.

Event-led trip planning

Seasonal and special programs

Published 2026 options include music and meal combinations, advanced tours, pumpkin trips, and Christmas in Coal Country.

Plan Your Visit

  • SeasonThe published 2026 regular season runs May 1 through October 31, with selected holiday trips continuing into December
  • Trip LengthThe regular northbound excursion is about 9 miles round trip and roughly 1 hour; select southbound Pogue trips are about 5 miles round trip and 30–45 minutes
  • ArriveReserve in advance when possible and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure; boarding closes shortly before the train leaves
  • AccessibilityMost regular excursions include a coach with two hydraulic lifts rated to 600 pounds. Select the wheelchair coach option when booking; not every experience or tour is accessible
  • WeatherTrains generally operate rain, snow, or shine. Sales are final; review the current product policy and contact the operator before trying to move a reservation
  • RestroomsThere are no onboard restrooms. Facilities are available at Orbisonia Station and Colgate Grove
  • Good ForNarrow-gauge and steam enthusiasts, industrial-history visitors, families, photographers, and travelers building a full rail day with the trolley museum
  • ScheduleRegular trains are generally published at 10:30 a.m., noon, and 1:30 p.m., with an occasional 3 p.m. trip; verify the exact date and product before traveling
  • Motive PowerThe operator generally schedules diesel Wednesday–Thursday and steam Friday–Sunday during the core season, but motive power can change for operating reasons
  • TerrainGuided shop tours cross gravel, grass, tracks, and other uneven industrial surfaces. Contact the railroad before booking when mobility access is essential
  • LayoverEligible early northbound departures allow passengers to remain at Colgate Grove for a picnic and return on a later train; this is not available on the final train, some special events, or in unsuitable weather
  • Service AnimalsOnly trained service animals are permitted under the current operator FAQ

Find the Depot

Address

421 Meadow Street, Rockhill Furnace, PA 17249

Get directions →

The Trains

All six of East Broad Top’s original Baldwin 2-8-2 steam locomotives survive, but survival does not mean each is operational. No. 16 was rehabilitated for the current preservation era; its availability remains subject to running repairs and the assignment on the exact trip. No. 15 is undergoing rehabilitation, while the other Mikados remain preserved or under longer-term work. The collection also includes the railroad’s 1927 Brill gas-electric car M-1 and historic narrow-gauge passenger and freight equipment.

History

1856

The East Broad Top Railroad was chartered to serve the Broad Top coal region.

1873

Construction reached Rockhill Furnace and passenger service began.

1874

The railroad reached Robertsdale and the coal fields.

1953

Regular passenger service ended.

1956

The original common-carrier coal-hauling era ended.

1982

Friends of the East Broad Top organized as an independent preservation partner.

2011

The prior preservation-era excursion operation closed after the season.

2020

The East Broad Top Foundation acquired the railroad for nonprofit preservation and public operation.

See full history

East Broad Top was chartered in 1856 to connect the Broad Top coal fields with the Pennsylvania Railroad. Construction began in 1872, passenger service reached Rockhill Furnace in 1873, and the line reached Robertsdale in 1874. Regular passenger service ended in 1953 and the original coal-hauling era closed in 1956. Preservation-era public excursions later operated from Rockhill until the railroad closed after the 2011 season. The nonprofit East Broad Top Foundation acquired the railroad in 2020 and led its return as a public heritage operation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where do East Broad Top trains depart?

Public excursions depart from 421 Meadow Street, Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania 17249. Robertsdale is a separate museum site, not a passenger departure point.

How early should I arrive?

The operator recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before departure. Advance reservations are encouraged because particular trains and tours can sell out.

How long is the regular train ride?

The standard northbound trip is about nine miles round trip and roughly one hour, including the Colgate Grove layover. Select southbound and special trips use different lengths.

Is East Broad Top wheelchair accessible?

Most regular excursions include a coach with two hydraulic lifts rated to 600 pounds. Choose the wheelchair coach option when booking and contact the railroad because tours and special experiences have different access conditions.

Are there restrooms on the train?

No. The operator says restrooms are available at Orbisonia Station and Colgate Grove, but not onboard.

Does every train use steam locomotive No. 16?

No. The operator generally advertises steam Friday through Sunday and diesel Wednesday and Thursday during the core season, but assignments can change. Confirm the exact product if motive power is essential.

Can I stay longer at Colgate Grove?

Some early northbound trips allow a picnic layover and return on a later train. The option is not available on the final northbound departure, some special events, or when conditions are unsuitable.

Is Rockhill Trolley Museum part of East Broad Top?

No. It is a separate museum directly beside the railroad and requires a separate ticket, even though the two organizations share the broader rail campus.

Is Friends of the East Broad Top the excursion operator?

No. Friends is a separate preservation nonprofit and partner. The East Broad Top Foundation owns and operates the public railroad.

Sources & Verification

Source-checked August 13, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.

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