Johnstown Inclined Plane
711 Edgehill Dr, Johnstown, PA 15905, USA
Seasonal: Check Website
$$
outdoor-adventures, fun-paid-activities
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A breathtaking experience awaits at Johnstown Incline Plane.
The Inclined Plane in Johnstown was constructed by the Cambria Iron Company following the Johnstown Flood of 1898 to help carry people, horses and wagons up a 70.9% grade to the safety of the newly built town of Westmont. Johnstown would eventually find more sustainable engineering solutions to its propensity for flooding, but the Inclined Plane remains today and serves the community and visiting tourists. Funiculars, or inclined elevators, are rare throughout the world and this one boasts the steepest vehicular incline among them. Unlike other inclines, this one can accommodate cars and motorcycles.
Needless to say, the view from the observation area at the top, not to mention the one you get when traversing the slope, is breathtaking. Be sure to visit the Johnstown Flood National Monument or one of a few museums dedicated to the history of Johnstown and its flood before you take the ride up the Incline so you can map out from above where the water traveled to cause such a tremendous catastrophe.
Check out the gift shop at the top of the hill for souvenir merchandise, candy, ice cream or to purchase tickets. There’s also a pretty neat view of the railway’s motor room through a picture window inside, as well as well-maintained restrooms. There’s metered parking at the bottom of the hill and street parking at the top. The nature of the Incline’s car makes it easily accessible by wheelchair or stroller.
There’s a mountain biking trail accessible from Edge Hill Drive. We could tell during our visit that pros make the ride to the top and brave the bike path down. There’s also Stackhouse Park, a beautiful park with a playground and some hiking trails at the top just across the street. Don’t panic when you see the steep staircase leading to the park, walk around the block and you’ll find an easier entrance at street level.
If you’re interested in making this stop a full-service event, make sure to visit the Inclined Plane Visitor Center for some site history and the attached Italian restaurant, Asiago’s Tuscan Italian.