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Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark – Amtrak "Pennsylvanian" on Horseshoe Curve (8991394046)📷 David Brossard, CC BY-SA 2.0

Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark

Altoona, PA

History

An 1854 railroad curve that carries the main line up the Allegheny Front and is still busy with freight trains. A funicular or 194 steps lead from the visitor center to trackside; admission charged; open in the warmer months only.

Nearest town
Altoona, PA
Category
History & culture
GPS
40.4974, -78.4843

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Featured in these trip guides

Laurel Highlands: Fort Necessity, Ohiopyle and Horseshoe Curve – Stop 3 - Washington Arrives - Defenses (d28de9de-b4a0-4e96-b1f7-7e8225d27d71)© NPS Photo · Public domain
40
Things to do in…

Laurel Highlands: Fort Necessity, Ohiopyle and Horseshoe Curve

160 mi8 stops3 days

Nearby

Johnstown Flood National Memorial – Location of man-made lake that caused Johnstown Flood© Cory Hartman · CC BY-SA 3.0
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Johnstown Flood National Memorial

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Flight 93 National Memorial - 20211226 - 17 - Visitor Center© Andre Carrotflower · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Flight 93 National Memorial

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1570-1572 - Berkeley Springs - Fairfax St at Wilkes St© Andrew Bossi · CC BY-SA 2.5
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Berkeley Springs

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Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal – C&O Canal NHP Paw Paw Tunnel Hill Trail Ribbon Cutting (6286325904)© C&O Canal NHP · CC BY-SA 2.0
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Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal

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Campsites nearby

  • Wright's Orchard Station CampgroundCampsite
    5 mi from Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark
    TentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Glendale Valley CampgroundCampsite
    11 mi from Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark
    CaravansElectricityShowersToilets
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Raystown Ridge CampMotorhome stopover
    20 mi from Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark · 60 pitches
    MotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Pleasant Hills CampgroundCampsite
    22 mi from Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark
    TentsCaravansShowersToilets
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Raystown Lake / Saxton KOACampsite
    23 mi from Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark
    TentsCaravansElectricityShowersToilets
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Lake Raystown Family CampingCampsite
    23 mi from Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark
    TentsCaravans
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip

All campsites in Pennsylvania · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark?

Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark is in Altoona, PA, at GPS 40.4974, -78.4843. It is about 57 mi from Benezette.

Can you camp near Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wright's Orchard Station Campground, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 24 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark?

Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Laurel Highlands: Fort Necessity, Ohiopyle and Horseshoe Curve.

What is there to see near Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark?

Places worth a stop nearby: Johnstown Flood National Memorial (18 mi), Flight 93 National Memorial (38 mi), Berkeley Springs (62 mi) and Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal (66 mi).

When is the best time to visit Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark?

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)