This Epic Train Ride Near Pittsburgh Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Pennsylvania lays claim to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the country. And, there’s no better way to see that scenery than aboard Kiski Junction Railroad. Sure, you’ll have to make the drive to Schenley, about an hour outside of downtown Pittsburgh, but the best train ride near Pittsburgh will certainly make it worth the effort.
A working freight railroad, Kiski Junction primarily hauls materials for the steel mill at Allegheny Ludlam in nearby Bagdad. But, it also provides scenic railroad tours for visitors from Pittsburgh and beyond.
Each tour, which requires advanced reservations for holiday and fall tours, lasts approximately an hour and a half and takes one of two round trip routes: From Schenley to Johnetta along the Allegheny River or from Schenley to Bagdad.
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Tours leave Schenley on Friday and Saturday from June 3 to September 30. The train leaves at 2 p.m. on Fridays and at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Reservations are not required and should only be made if you're going with a group.
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Arrive at least a half an hour ahead of your scheduled departure time as seating is available on a first come first served basis. The train does not have bathrooms, but you can use the portable bathroom facilities at the station prior to departure.
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Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the tables on the train during your tour. Or, you can purchase snacks and drinks at the station prior to departure.
Guests may have narration of their train ride and Kiski Junction Railroad encourages everyone – kids and kids at heart – to ask questions as they wind through the Pennsylvania landscape.
See Pennsylvania in all of its autumn glory aboard the Fall Foliage Tour, which runs on Fridays and Saturdays throughout October. (The train will not run, however, on Friday, October 7.)
Join Santa aboard the Christmas Express Train which boards November 12 and 19 this year at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Reserve your spot early as the tours generally fill up quickly.
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Tours may be canceled due to inclement weather or if the temperature reaches 95 degrees Fahrenheit and above. If the weather forecasts bad weather, call ahead to determine whether the tour will run that day.
Kiski Junction Railroad promises the best train ride near Pittsburgh and a unique way to see a part of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Another great way to spend a day near Pittsburgh is to visit this charming town.
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