Railfanning The Pennsylvania Railroad's West Slope

The Pennsylvania Railroad

Directions to the West Slope

Where is the West Slope and how do I get there?

From the PA. Turnpike. Bedford exit 11. Go through toll to stop light.Turn left. Go to first light and turn left.This is the entrance to Rt220. Take Rt.220 N to first exit.This will be Rt. 56. Take Rt. 56 W aprox.35 miles to Johnstown. Take the Rt. 271 N exit in Johnstown. Look for the incline plane.It will be on the hill in front of you.Follow Rt.271 N aprox. 5 miles to Franklin.Rt. 271 turns left and crosses the main line. You are now in East Conemaugh. This is the foot of the West Slope!

From Rt.80 take exit 23 Rt. 220 S. Follow Rt. 220 S aprox 50 miles to Altoona. From Altoona take Rt.22 W. Follow Rt. 22 W. 8 miles to Rt 53 exit Cresson. Look on the right side as you follow Rt. 22 W. The main line you see is the East Slope.Refer to the Railfan sites section of this page now for directions to railfan spots. however I recommend starting at the foot of the West Slope. continue W on Rt. 22 to Rt. 219. Take Rt. 219 S to Rt. 56. Take Rt. 56 W to Johnstown. From Johnstown take Rt 271 N aprox 5 miles to East Conemaugh. This is the foot of the West Slope!

Notes. The main line runs some 23 miles through Cambria CO. The area between"AO"and"SO"is remote but not inaccessible. The Main line from "SO"to "UN"&"AR" is very accessible. Rt.53 runs parallel to it and in some cases runs ontop of the old Main line. Those of you coming in from Rt. 80 should study the maps listed if you are going to start at Cresson.