The Gregarious Railfan
Horseshoe Curve, Altoona, PA   16601             

GPS: N 40.4978, W 78.4841      map   

Scanner: NS:  160.800 [46], 160.980 [58], and 161.070 [64]  

Railroad:  Norfolk Southern Pittsburgh Division

Description:  Horseshoe Curve is located about 5 miles west of Altoona and much of this same information can be
seen on my Altoona page. Horseshoe Curve is a National Landmark operated by the U.S. Park Service, and a railfan you
better appreciate the work involved in building this engineering marvel. The Visitors’ Center also houses a gift shop you
of souvenirs for every railroad buff – from books to hats and sweatshirts. The “Funicular” is an incline plane elevator
designed to take you from the Visitors’ Center at Horseshoe Curve Historic Landmark up to the train tracks of
Horseshoe Curve. Or if you prefer a nature walk, you may take the beautifully scenic steps to the top.

Interesting facts: The Horseshoe Curve opened February 15, 1854 and was engineered by J. Edgar Thompson. It is
located at Kittaning Point, at the base of the Allegheny Mountains. The length of the curve is 2375 feet. Degree of
curvature is 9 degrees; 25 minutes; central angle is 220 degrees. Elevation of lower (east) end of the curve is 1594
feet, upper (west) end is 1716 feet - 122 feet total elevation climb. The grade is 1.8% or 1.8 foot rise per 100 feet.
The construction of the Curve was done by about 450 workers, many of them from Ireland. The work was done
entirely by hand, and workers were paid 25 cents per hour for a twelve hour day.

Approximate # trains per 24 hours: 35 including Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian.

Nearby RR stuff: Altoona,  Gallitzin, and Cresson   

Photo opportunities: Wide angle shots of The Curve
Map   
Map courtesy of Todd Sestero
RAILFAN GUIDES of the U.S.