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The East Broad Top Railroad is one of the few places left in North America where you still can see an authentic, steam-powered narrow-gauge railroad -- virtually intact, operating on its original right-of-way with its own equipment. With a mainline 33 miles long and (at its height) over 70 total miles of track, the EBT ran for over 80 years, hauling coal, iron ore, ganister rock, and lumber from the mountains of south-central Pennsylvania. It survived to become the last narrow-gauge railroad operating east of the Rocky Mountains.
Passenger service ended on the EBT in 1954 with the closing of the last Rockhill Coal Company underground mine south of Robertsdale. All other operations ceased on April 14, 1956. But the EBT was not scrapped. Instead, the railroad property was purchased and saved by the Kovalchick family. Thanks to them, the EBT still survives!
Today the EBT remains authentic, down to its last detail. It provides a faithful portrait of railroading from the first half of this century, complete with original EBT locomotives, rolling stock, depots, shops, and round-house. During the Summer and early Fall, tourist train service is provided by the railroad on a restored five-mile segment of the original mainline. Trains depart Orbisonia Station, Saturdays and Sundays, June through October, at 11:00 A.M., 1:00 P.M., and 3:00 P.M. Trains run weekends June 3 and continuing through October 29.
Fares are $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for children two to twelve. Rides in special cars such as cabooses or the luxurious Orbisonia cost $1.00 extra. Group fares are avilable for groups of 20 or more. Credit cards are not accepted at the EBT.
(Please note the FEBT is NOT affiliated with the East Broad Top Railroad.)
For more information contact the East Broad Top Railroad:
PO Box 158
Rockhill Furnace, PA 17249
Phone: (814)-447-3011
Fax: (814)-447-3256
http://www.ebtrr.com/
ebtrr@innernet.net
The East Broad Top Railroad is located west of US 522 in Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania, 18 miles north of Fort Littleton (exit 13) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76). Driving time to the EBT from Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington DC is approximately three to four hours.
Each season Friends of the EBT has a limited number of tickets to give to people who have not visited the East Broad Top Railroad to encourage them to make their first visit. To receive a ticket, you must be planning to make your first ever visit to the railroad (honor system). Only one ticket is available per requesting party, and the number of tickets available is limited.Each ticket comes with a touring packet that includes a driving guide originating in one of six metropolitan areas closest to your point of origin -- Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, South-Central PA (Harrisburg area), Washington, or Wilmington. The packets include a system map of the EBT with instructions for exploring dormant parts of the line, a lodgings list, and ample material on the region.
To request a New Rider Ticket Packet, e-mail your postal address to: DenEBTNUT@aol.com. Packets are sent First Class mail so you MUST send your postal address.
