RAILROAD SIGNALS of the U.S.

Railfan Guide to
the EAST BROAD TOP RR
Rockhill (Orbisonia) PA

The East Broad Top, or EBT, is one of the true gems of the east, being the only operating railroad that still exists almost in it's entirety from the way it was when it stopped revenue operation back in April of 1956.  It re-opened in 1960 as an excursion railroad.  Operations run from Rockhill and the wye just south of Shirleysburg, but the original tracks still go all the way from Mt. Union and Robertsdale.

It is located in Orbisonia, or more correctly, Rockhill PA, about an hour east of Altoona.  Co-located in the same spot is the Rockhill Trolley Museum.

The East Broad Top is open on Saturdays and Sundays between Memorial Day and October.

The hours are 10am to 4:20pm, with trains departing at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. 
Roundhouse and shop tours are at 12:30pm and 2:30pm.
M-3 rides are at 11:30am and 3:30pm.
Speeder rides are at 11am and 4:30pm.

The fare is $13 for adults for coach or open car seats.... $8 for kids 2-12.  More info at: http://www.ebtrr.com/operations.php

Their website is at: http://www.ebtrr.com/

I have pictures of the whole right-of-way from Mt Union to Robertsdale that someday I will get around to scanning.... interesting pictures!

Getting here

It is fairly easy to find the East Broad Top.  It's about an hour east of Altoona PA.

From the west or east, come in via the Pennsy Turnpike, take exit 180 (the Fort Littleton exit), and go about 25 miles north on US522, taking a left in the middle of Orbisonia at the traffic light.

From Altoona, take US22 east to Mt Union, then take US522 about 12 miles to the same traffic light in Orbisonia, taking a right to the museum.

From the south or Maryland, come up to the PA Turnpike via I-70 to Breezewood (PA Turnpike exit 161), and take it west one exit to exit 180.

From the north, it's a draw.... maybe take exit 161 off I-80, I-99/US220 down to State College, then US322 down to Lewistown, US22 west to Mt Union, and finally south on US522 to Orbisonia.... or follow your GPS :-)

These pictures are from 2004 Fall Spectacular, guess I need some newer ones :-) 

New 08/29/2008
Last Modified: 30-Sep-2011