If railroads are your thing or your just near Altoona Pennsylvania check out the Horseshoe Curve. Over 1000 feet above Altoona is the Allegheny ridge which was one of the major barries to travel in Pennsylvania until the 1854 building of the Horseshoe curve. The Horseshoe curve was designed by Pennsylvania railroad engineer J. Edgar Thompson, and built by over 400 Irish immigrants over 3 years.

xThe Horseshoe curve rises a foot every 100 feet and is consider a mecca for rail buffs around the world. This section of rail was so important during world war two that the Axis powers tried to sabotage it on many occasions. It is now a national historic landmark protected by the government. In-order to get the best view possible you must get to the observation area about 500 feet above the parking lot. There are two ways up. One, is by foot, its about a 3 minute walk but it is all up hill. Two, is by rail, about every 5 minutes a tran takes 12 visitors at a time up the steep incline to the top of the observation area. Once your at the top stay awhile and enjoy the view. It is one of the best picnic areas in Pennsylvania. For more information visit www.railroadcity.com or check out the Pennsylvania Railroad website.