There is a lot of fascinating history within the Buchanan State Forest!
Just along Oregon Road in Waterfall, PA, you’ll find an old camp that was used as a POW camp during WWII, an abandoned section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (including a tunnel!), and an old aqueduct built for the South Penn Railroad, but never utilized.
The Railroad Arch Trail leads to the old aqueduct (sometimes referred to as a viaduct). It’s a short trail, about 3/4 miles out and back, and is easy enough for almost anyone to handle, though some rocky areas are along the trail.
If you’re already in the area to explore the old turnpike and tunnel, this trail is an easy and worthwhile addition. The guide below contains everything you need to know about the trail. So, let’s go!
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The South Pennsylvania Railroad Arch Aqueduct Trail
The South Penn Railroad never came to fruition. It was a project started by William H. Vanderbilt that eventually was shut down due to costs. However, the Buchanan State Forest has some remnants of the project, including an old aqueduct and the abandoned PA Turnpike road and tunnels.
What is called the South Penn Railroad Arch is an old aqueduct built without mortar from native stone. It’s located along the Railroad Arch Trail within Buchanan State Forest and is still in great shape! I’m not entirely sure what its purpose was, but it’s still fun to hike to and explore it.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Parking for the Railroad Arch Trail
The railroad arch trail to the old South Penn Railroad aqueduct is right off Oregon Road in Buchanan State Forest.
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, just past the overpass of the abandoned turnpike. It holds about six cars and is located about 1.3 miles from PA 915/ N. Valley Road on Oregon Road.
Amenities
There are no bathrooms near the Railroad Arch Trail trailhead. Latrines are available at the Sideling Hill Picnic Area, about 5 miles away. You can also stop at one of the gas stations on US-30 (Lincoln Hwy) in Breezewood, including the TA Travel Center or Sheetz.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on trails in Buchanan State Forest but must be controlled and attended to at all times. Animal waste must be disposed of properly.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this park, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Hike to the South Penn Railroad Arch
- Trail Location: Approximately 1.3 miles from PA 915/N. Valley Road on Oregon Road in Waterfall, PA (40.046968636540974, -78.15325140469331)
- Trail Length: .75-mile, out-and-back)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy but with rocks and roots to navigate along the trail
- Elevation Gain: 40 feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Trailhead
The Railroad Arch Trail is about 1.3 miles from PA 915/N. Valley Road on Oregon Road. From the parking area, walk away from the overpass for about 100 feet. The trailhead will be on your left and signed “RR Arch Trail.”
The trail is pretty obvious, but there are red blazes on the trees marking the way.
Along the Trail
Although this is an easy trail, it is not accessible. You’ll have to navigate plenty of rocks and roots along the trail.
At the start of the trail, you’ll see an old dynamite shed.
The trail continues and follows a tributary of Oregon Creek. There is even a cute footbridge that crosses the run.
The old aqueduct will be in view about 3/10 of a mile into the trail.
At the Aqueduct
The aqueduct is 15 feet high and almost 200 feet long. If you have a partner, it’s fun to stand on either end and yell messages at each other through the tunnel—at least, my husband and kids thought so!
According to the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the aqueduct was built by Sicilian masons out of native stone without using any mortar! And it still looks brand new today. That is some impressive craftsmanship.
Other Things to Do Nearby
If you only want to see the viaduct, you can treat this trail as an out-and-back.
However, if you continue to follow the trail, you can complete a 2-mile loop that also includes the abandoned PA Turnpike and Sideling Hill Tunnel, as well as the Civilian Conservation Corps camp. I didn’t know about the loop before visiting, or else we would have done that! (Keep in mind, the last 1/2-mile of the loop has you walking along Oregon Road).
Railroad Arch Trail Wrap-Up
The Railroad Arch Trail in Buchanan State Forest is a short and easy trail to an interesting piece of history. It was fun to explore this area of the forest, including the abandoned PA Turnpike, Sideling Hill Tunnel, and the Civilian Conservation Corps camp.
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