The Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is not only a collection of industrial artifacts, it’s also got a great hiking trail, the 6 to 10 Trail System. The 6 to 10 Trail System is the only way you can see many of the attractions here. But for serious hikers, it’s also a great trail for just plain ol’ hiking. In fact, the NPS website encourages use of the trail, stating that not only is it good for your health, but also for the health of the national parks. The 6 to 10 Trail System is so named because it connects Engine House #6 and the site of Engine House #10. It’s not a circular trail, so it’s same-way-out/same-way-back walk. Mountain biking is allowed on east end of the trail only, from Muleshoe Bridge to Engine House #10. But before hiking, I warn you – there are some steep slopes along the way and you should have some experienced hikers in your group. In our foursome, the experienced hikers were the females(Susan and Cindy). Rick and Bob, not so much – but in all fairness to my guy, he’s quite the cyclist. Comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes are a must. The 6 to 10 Trail Systems follows the route of the old railroad, but it’s not really a rails-to-trails. Not all sections are on the roadbed of the old railway. The construction of a portion of «New» US #22 saw to that! We began our hike upon leaving the Lemon House. We proceeded eastward, coming up on the site of Incline #6, a portion of which has been reconstructed. From Incline #6, we go down the slope and pass under the westbound lanes of «Old» US22. The next site we encountered was the Skew Arch Bridge. With the construction of the highway, it is actually located between the eastbound and westbound lanes. The bridge can be reached via the trail or the mowed incline. After the bridge, the trail briefly curves to the west before heading east again. There aren’t many sites to see on this portion of the trail, but it is a beautiful hike in through here. The trail hugs the park boundary along here before curving to the north again. Ah, here begins the fun part of the trail. The slopes get really steep in through here and they’ll test your hiking abilities. But hey, Cindy and I are veterans and if we can tackle the Firelane Trail and the Lower Riverview Trails in Frick Park, we can handle this. «C’mon boys, ya gotta keep up with us! We’ve barely begun the hike!» I shouldn’t talk – I know I’m gonna have to test my sugars soon. We then pass an historic culvert and then come upon the ruins of Engine House #6 and Incline #6. The next site we saw was Muleshoe Bridge. This is a stone arch bridge over«Old» US22 and is presently closed to hikers and cyclists. This was also built on the Alegheny Portage Railroad right of way, but is much newer. The Pennsylvania Railroad built a freight train bypass line here in 1904 and it remained in use until 1981. The Pennsylvania called it the New Portage Line and a portion of «New» US22 was built on that too. There is a tunnel up in Gallitzin called New Portage Tunnel and it remains in use by freight and Amtrak trains today. New Portage Tunnel is the sole remaining railroad operating part of the New Portage Line. But back to the Muleshoe Bridge, here is where the bike trail begins. We then passed some more historic culverts and a shout out to my Unilocal friend Mike O – no these aren’t the«Culverts» where you can get yummy frozen custard. We also passed the Hollidaysburg Reservoir. The State Gamelands are located along here. During hunting season, it is recommended that you wear bright clothing, even though hunting is not allowed on the trail itself. Further east of here, the bike trail splits from the hiking trail. If you’re on foot, you will want to remain on the hiking trail. The trail passes the site of Incline #9, although nothing remains. It’s mostly a pleasant hike from here and about a mile from the trailhead, the hiking and biking trails rejoin. The Foot of Ten Trail veers off to the left just east of Historic Culvert #1692 and goes to the Engine House #10 ruins at Foot of Ten. The ruins was the end of the line for us too and we decided to take a snack and water break before heading back. Remember, there are no restroom facilities anywhere on the trail. There are no places anywhere on the trail or in the park to obtain food and beverage. Make sure you have an adequate supply before setting out. There are no trashcans along the trail. This is because the park doesn’t want furry little creatures scavenging through them. So whatever you bring in, make sure you take out. Finally this is an out-n-back trail. So hike to your abilites. Remember, if you make it to the end, you’re really only ½ way done because you have to hike back. Thanks to my husband Rick for help in writing this.
