Staple Bend Tunnel Trail
Explore America's first railroad tunnel on a scenic, flat trail perfect for walking and biking. A historical gem in the Laurel Highlands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Colorful leaves, fewer crowds
Staple Bend Tunnel Trail
Best Time
Colorful leaves, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore America's first railroad tunnel on a scenic, flat trail perfect for walking and biking. A historical gem in the Laurel Highlands.
"An easy walk filled with interesting facts and comfortable benches."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited! Get there early, especially on weekends, to snag a spot. :car:
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
The trail is flat gravel, perfect for walking or biking. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Staple Bend Tunnel
End of the trail
America's first railroad tunnel, hand-dug and steeped in history. A truly unique and impressive sight.
Path of the Flood Trail
Connects to the tunnel trail
Pennsylvania's 2025 Trail of the Year, offering miles of scenic hiking and biking through the Laurel Highlands.
Historic Railroad Ambiance
Along the trail
Experience the rumble of passing trains on adjacent tracks, adding an authentic historical soundtrack to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Tunnel Trail
Trail Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited! Get there early, especially on weekends, to snag a spot. :car:
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
The trail is flat gravel, perfect for walking or biking. :athletic_shoe:
🚂 Train Spotting Fun
Be prepared for loud trains passing by on adjacent tracks – it's part of the experience! :train2:
🍂 Fall Foliage Spectacle
Autumn brings stunning colors to the trail, making it a prime time for a visit. :fallen_leaf:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited! Get there early, especially on weekends, to snag a spot. :car:
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
The trail is flat gravel, perfect for walking or biking. :athletic_shoe:
🚂 Train Spotting Fun
Be prepared for loud trains passing by on adjacent tracks – it's part of the experience! :train2:
🍂 Fall Foliage Spectacle
Autumn brings stunning colors to the trail, making it a prime time for a visit. :fallen_leaf:
🚶♀️ Extend Your Hike
For a longer adventure, connect to the Path of the Flood Trail. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Staple Bend Tunnel Trail for its historical significance and pleasant, accessible path. The flat, shady trail is ideal for walking and biking, with convenient amenities like restrooms. Some note the frequent and loud train activity as a notable aspect of the experience.
"The park itself is really just a parking lot, public restrooms and three tables, but it’s a great pathway to the trail that leads to the tunnel. An easy 2 miles walk to the tunnel (and 2 miles back) on a well maintained road close to the river and to the train rail. 4 (pretty loud) trains passed by during my two hours on the trail. An easy walk filled with interesting facts and comfortable benches. The tunnel itself is wide and relatively short (.2 miles or so)"
Jenn Gray
"If u want a very peaceful brisk flat and wide walk then come here. Especially now that it's fall, the colorful leaves make the path even more beautiful. Great thing is not a lot of people walk here so if u come especially in the morning it will be just you. It's two miles walk to get to the tunnel and if u fancy a longer walk then proceed to the path of the flood which is 5 miles. Parking is free but limited so the earlier u come, the better the chance u'll find a spot. Recommend definitely 😊"
Jasmine
"The Staple Bend Unit of Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS is a bit of a distance from the visitor center, but I recommend it if you have the time. The tunnel is about a 40–45 minute walk from the parking area. There is a bathroom, ample parking, and a bike repair station. The path is small gravel."
Sam L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is located in Mineral Point, PA. Access is via a parking area at the trailhead. It's a bit of a distance from the main Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS visitor center, but worth the trip for its unique history.
Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead. However, it is limited, so arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak seasons like fall, is highly recommended to secure a spot.
Absolutely! The Staple Bend Tunnel Trail is a well-maintained, flat gravel path that is perfect for biking. Many visitors enjoy cycling to the tunnel and back.
The trail is near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, which offers various amenities and is a good base for exploring the region. 
The trailhead is generally well-marked, leading to the path that guides you to the tunnel. Follow signs for the Staple Bend Unit of Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Staple Bend Tunnel Trail and the tunnel itself is free. It's a public park managed by the PA Park Service.
As an outdoor trail and park, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific posted closing times, but it's best to visit during safe daylight hours.
There is no entrance fee to access the Staple Bend Tunnel or the trail leading to it.
While the trail is outdoors and technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. It's best enjoyed during daylight hours.
No passes or permits are required to use the Staple Bend Tunnel Trail. It's open to the public for free.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk to the tunnel is approximately 2 miles each way on a flat, well-maintained gravel path, making it a 4-mile round trip.
The trail is a flat, wide, and well-maintained gravel surface, making it easy for walking and biking. It runs alongside the river and train tracks. +1
Yes, there are clean public restrooms available at the trailhead, which is a convenient amenity for visitors. +1
Yes, you can walk through the Staple Bend Tunnel. It's about 0.2 miles long and offers a unique historical experience.
The trail is very shady thanks to the tree cover along the path, making it a comfortable walk even on warmer days.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the imposing entrance of the Staple Bend Tunnel, the scenic river views along the trail, and the adjacent active train tracks for a historical feel.
Yes, trains frequently pass by on tracks adjacent to the trail, offering great opportunities for train photography. Be mindful of safety and distance.
Morning light can be beautiful for illuminating the tunnel entrance and the surrounding landscape. Golden hour in the late afternoon also offers lovely light.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's advisable to check with the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site or local park authorities before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the tunnel's scale. A telephoto lens can be useful for train photography. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions inside the tunnel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With restrooms and picnic tables at the trailhead, it's easy to pack a lunch and make a day of it. The straightforward out-and-back nature of the trail means you can easily turn around whenever needed, making it flexible for families with varying energy levels. It’s a great way to introduce children to local history in an engaging, outdoor setting.
🚴♀️ Cyclists
There's even a bike repair station at the trailhead, adding convenience for cyclists. The trail's connection to the larger Path of the Flood Trail also means you can extend your ride for a longer adventure through the scenic Laurel Highlands. It's a popular choice for those looking to combine exercise with historical exploration.
🚶♀️ History Buffs
Exploring the tunnel and walking the adjacent trail provides a tangible connection to the past. The surrounding Path of the Flood Trail also offers context to the region's historical development. It's a chance to walk in the footsteps of those who built and utilized this groundbreaking infrastructure.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Staple Bend Tunnel
Walking through the tunnel today offers a tangible connection to this past. While relatively short, its dark, cool interior evokes the challenges faced by its builders. The tunnel's significance extends beyond its construction; it represents a pivotal moment in the development of American railroads and the nation's westward expansion. It's a testament to the ambition that drove infrastructure projects in the early days of the country, laying the groundwork for the vast railway networks that would later define the American landscape.
Today, the Staple Bend Tunnel is part of the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, preserving this important historical landmark. The surrounding Path of the Flood Trail not only provides access but also allows visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the Laurel Highlands, a landscape that has witnessed centuries of history unfold. The trail's gentle grade and scenic surroundings make it an accessible way to explore this significant historical site.
+1Exploring the Path of the Flood Trail
+1As you traverse the trail, you'll find yourself immersed in the natural beauty of the Laurel Highlands. The path is notably shady, thanks to the dense tree cover, which provides a welcome respite on warmer days. This makes it an enjoyable experience throughout much of the year, though fall is particularly spectacular with the changing foliage. The trail is also dotted with comfortable benches, offering opportunities to rest and soak in the surroundings.
For those looking for a more extensive adventure, the Path of the Flood Trail extends beyond the Staple Bend Tunnel, offering up to 5 miles of exploration. This allows visitors to tailor their experience, whether they prefer a short, historical excursion to the tunnel or a longer, more immersive hike or bike ride through the scenic countryside. The trail's accessibility and natural charm make it a beloved local treasure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit