east broad top railroad

I had read about this attraction before my visit and conflicting reports were unclear about is availability, but my visit to the adjacent Rockhill Trolley answered the question. IT IS CLOSED but being maintained by volunteers in the hope of re-opening sometime in the future. You can see the Depot and Roundhouse from the outside but nothing more

Nice train ride although a little short. Nice little gift shop. Concession stand not too great. Very limited. Great place to vist for the first time.

Great historic site! Unfortunately, the hisorical society and RR owners could not work out terms...maybe it will open again in 2013???

Planned to stop by again when I arrived in the area to attend other events. They were CLOSED! For years EBT has been a highlight of my trip whenever I was in the area.

As a cautionary note to anyone planning travel to EBT country to see "live" steam trains, the steam railroad has announced it will not operate during the 2012 season. This quote from their website (www.ebtrr.com) indicates current plans:"To all our friends, fellow railroaders, and loyal patrons: It is with great remorse that the East Broad Top Railroad officially announces that we will not be operating steam powered excursions for the 2012 season. On April 1st, 2012, the East Broad Top Preservation Association's 3-year lease to operate the East Broad Top Railroad with an option to buy has ended. After painstaking talks and options were evaluated and discussed, no arrangement could be made between the East Broad Top Railroad and Coal Company and the East Broad Top Preservation Association. At this time there are no certainties beyond 2012. We can't say this is the end of the line, nor can we say this is just temporary. Should any type of operations or events be planned in the future, we will announce them here. Until then there are no further details. The decision to close this season was a difficult one. The employees of the East Broad Top Railroad would like to say "Thank You" to all of our patrons, fans, and supporters for allowing us to serve you with the enchanting and historical experience on America's oldest operating narrow gauge steam railroad. Rest assured it is difficult for us to accept that we are unable to provide a memorable visit on our railroad, much the same as it is for you to read this announcement. If it were not for the kind support of our visitors over the past 51 years we would have never made it this far. Again, we thank you for the greatest experience we could ever imagine. The East Broad Top Railroad and Coal Company" The Rockhill Furnace Trolley Museum (http://www.rockhilltrolley.org/) will operate a normal schedule at their facility in Orbisonia. In addition, I highly recommend you take a look at the work the Friends of the East Broadtop (http://www.febt.org/) are undertaking in stabilizing/restoring the EBT shop facilities in Orbisonia. Plenty to see in EBT land, just a shortage of narrow-guage steam this year.

At East Broadtop Railroad, you are able to ride on a narrow guage steampowered train. It is exciting. Also, there is a trolley museum and rides are available on restored trolleys. We were excited to ride on one from Johnstown, PA.

We took the trip over the mountain from Chambersburg last 4th of July weekend to see Thomas the Tank Engine at the East Broad Top. The whole experience was delightful: plenty of things for the kids to do, a lot of old narrow-gauge equipment for the railfan in the group and the delight of riding in an open air behind a narrow gauge diesel switcher. We will definitely return in the future!

A real steam RR, a trolley museum (both provide rides) and a world-class ragtime piano festival. A great place to take the kids for an unforgetable day. Google "PA ragtime" for details or see my Forum article

I did the Engineer for and hour. Rode in a 1914 steam locomotive. Roy the engineer showed me how everything worked and then I got to run the train on the return tripexcellent dayI would also recommend the Iron Rail Bed and Breakfast located next to the station

You can choose an enclosed or open car on this historic steam train then go for a short, but fun ride. The train makes a stop at a picnic grove and passengers may get off for a quick look around and maybe a photograph posed with the train or can stay awhile and take the next train back to the station. The former railroad station also has some interesting memorabilia and you can look around at the roundhouse and shop area. The Rockhill Trolley Museum is within walking distance so you can make a stop there as well and take a historic trolley ride.

This railroad is a great thing to do, and fun for all ages. We went on August 15, 2009 and the railroad was celebrating the 49th birthday. It had craft vendors and discounted fairs all day. You can ride coach, first class, or in the caboose. The train station is very well kept up and looks very period, although the gift shop inside is way overpriced. Even the steam train is period, it was built in 1914! The railroad takes you 5 miles up the track and stops at a picnic area for 10 minutes. The scenery of the mountains will take your breath away. A fun experience for all ages.