altoona horseshoe curve rail fanning places

[PA Belt]

doeas anybody have any good places to go raillfaning around altoona and horseshoe curve?

[pamountainman]

Start downtown at the museum, go next door to the mainline where you can go up on either bridge to watch the trains from above.  This also gives you a good view of the signals to the west.  Next stop would be the curve itself.  From there go through the tunnel underneath the curve, go to the top of the hill and turn left at the stop sign.  Go a few miles, follow the signs to the Gallitzen tunnels - this is the top of the mountain.  Here is an excellent B&B run by Mike called the Tunnel Inn ( http://www.thetunnelinn.com/  This website has a list of other sites to see in the area ).  Be prepared for trains all night long.  It is an excellent place.  Mike knows how to do it right. You should make a reservation.  There are also some excellent small town restaurants here.  Don't be afraid to try any or all.  Follow the mainline out to Cresson.  Many excellent places to watch trains.....just remember to stay on public property.  At Cresson, there is a track side park (look for the caboose).  Across and down the street is the Station Inn ( http://www.stationinnpa.com  again, good info on this site ).  Another good B&B.  A reservation is a good idea.  Tom is well versed in the railroading in this area.  Again head west along the tracks.  Carney Crossing, Cassandra, Lilly, etc.  All good places for train watching.  Make sure you respect the railroad's property.  Many other side trips for further railfanning, it depends on what you want.

[Railfan1]

The book "Hot Spots" published by "TRAINS" covers a lot of good places in that area.

[chatanuga]

I've made three trips to that area.  You can view pics and descriptions of the trips at http://chatanuga.org/RailPage.html .  That area is probably my favorite railfanning location outside of Ohio.  Between the history, the scenery, and the parade of trains over the hill, you can't go wrong.