Rockhill Trolley Museum Visitors Guide

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Meadow Street Platform

There are four locations (see the Aerial Map) where trolleys receive or discharge passengers. On regular operating days, scheduled trolleys depart from the Meadow Street Platform. Upon boarding, visitors will occasionally hear the pleasant chuga-chuga-chuga sound of the air compressor as it replenishes the air for the brakes. The conductor will sound two bells to depart and the motorman will sound two gongs. Riders will hear the rush of air as the brakes release and hear the characteristic hum of the electric motors.

Brick Platform

Instead of waiting at Meadow Street, ticketed visitors may arrange with the dispatcher to board at the Brick Platform so that they may visit the Museum Store or other areas of the grounds until trolley departure. Trolleys will stop at the Brick Platform if waved down. Passengers can also arrange to disembark anywhere along the trolley line to take photographs and be picked up later by another car.

Carbarn 1

As the trolley departs the brick platform, it traverses the former Shade Gap Branch of the East Broad Top Railroad on standard (4 ft 8.5 in.) gauge. Visitors will get a short view of cars inside or in front of Carbarn 1 before entering a short section of dual gauge track, which is shared with the steam and other trains of the East Broad Top Railroad (EBT). The EBT is narrow (3 ft.) gauge, and their trains use this short section of dual guage rail to wye (turn) their trains*. Next, the car passes a ball park and Carbarn 2. From this point on, the journey takes visitors through the nineteenth century realm of the Rockhill Iron Company that once operated here 24/7 with 700 employees. Shortly after passing Carbarn 2, the trolley will cross Cummins Road. Trolleys equipped with an air whistle will sound two longs, a short, and another long for the crossing; cars without a whistle will sound their gong.

Altoff Siding

As the car proceeds proceeds toward Altoff Siding, a trained eye will be able to spot the slag piles, but the average visitor will only see pleasant woodlands, meadows, and a small stream beside the track. Just as in the trolley era when the trolley industry was the 5th largest in the US and carried 15 billion passengers a year, there may be one or more trolleys waiting at the siding for our car to pass before they can enter the single track to return to Meadow Street. At Polar Bear Express, this will be the end of the ride and passengers will get off to enjoy a campfire and some goodies before returning.

Blacklog Narrows

After the siding, the car enters the narrows, where the woods are thicker and the mountain side steeper. There is a brief evidence of mine tailings where water pours out of one of the iron company’s now flooded mines but visitors are more likely to enjoy the view of the Blacklog Creek as it flows serenely to the left of the trolley track. As the car rounds the final curve, the Blacklog Narrows Platform appears ahead at the end of the track. There is a track on each side of the platform. Visitors may notice that the turnout from the switch to the siding is quite sharp; only a trolley can negotiate such a sharp turn (which was, in fact, designed and fabricated in our own shops). When the car comes to a stop, the motorman will give a brief history of the car and its significance in the trolley era.

Pole Change

Outside, the conductor will raise the front pole and then lower the rear pole. That is so the trolley can troll along on the overhead wire behind the car to pick up the 550 volt DC power on which the motors operate. Yes, the "trolley" is really the brass harp with the carbon insert at the end of the pole. Trolley cars got their name because they had a "Trolley". Today many cities run buses with round ends and the word, "trolley", painted on the side. None of them has a trolley nor does any of them feel remotely like a real trolley; now you know the difference. The motorman will reverse the direction of the seats (in some cars) and take the operating handles to the other end of the car. Most trolley cars operate from either end; the motorman determines which end is the front.

About the History

After the car crosses Cummins Road on the return trip, the motorman may give a brief talk on the history of the Rockhill Iron Company as the car pauses next to the most visible of its remains. (Talks, pauses and tours may not occur during Special Events.) Shortly after, the motorman will stop to throw a switch so we can depart from the dual gauge track. The switch has a spring -- it was not necessary to throw it when the car passed it on the outbound trip.

Carbarn 2

The trip usually ends at the Brick Platform but may instead end at the Carbarn 1 Lead steps or the Food Pavilion crosswalk. From here visitors may visit the Museum Store or gather for a tour of Carbarn 1 (except on Special Events days). If the group shows an interest, a guide may also show them through the restoration shop, which may also have cars from our collection parked outside. Carbarn 2 may also be toured, if we can find a volunteer guide. Passengers may also return on the car to Meadow Street.

*EBT HAS SUSPENDED REGULARLY-SCHEDULED TOURIST EXCURSION OPERATIONS INDEFINITELY.

THE ROCKHILL TROLLEY MUSEUM CONTINUES TO OPERATE A FULL-SEASON SCHEDULE.

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Below are Google Maps of our location. Click the Directions links in any map to use Google Maps' Directions function. Your destination is 430 Meadow Street, Rockhill Furnace, PA 17249.

Regional Map:

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Local Maps:

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From the exit, turn left onto PA 75. At the blinking light in Spring Run, turn left onto PA 641. Follow PA 641 to its end at Shade Gap. Turn right on US 522 to the only traffic light in Orbisonia. (In Orbisonia, 522 is Ridgely Street. Pizza Star is on the near-right corner and Community State Bank is on the far-left corner.) Turn left on PA 994. (In Orbisonia 994 is Elliot Street.) Cross the bridge over the Blacklog Creek and into Rockhill Furnace. (You are now on Meadow Street.) Pass Cummins Road on the left at the end of the bridge. (Cummins road provides automobile access for photographers for about a third of the trolley line.) Pass the Church of the Bretheren, the Rockhill Elementary School, and the Rockhill Furnace Post Office, all on your left. You will see the East Broad Top Railroad station ahead on your right but don’t go that far. Just beyond the post office cross one track only and turn left onto the gravel road just before the other tracks. You are here. The Meadow Street Trolley Platform and ticket booth are on your left.

From the East travel time is exactly the same as if you were to take Exit 201 (Blue Mountain), but instead of crossing the first mountain, you will tunnel under it, drive a bit faster but further, and pay a higher toll.

If you happen to find yourself continuing past Exit 189 (Willow Hill), you can take Exit 180 (Fort Littleton), but this adds about 20 minutes to your trip. See "From the West - Pennsylvania Turnpike - Exit 180" for directions to the museum from Exit 180.

Or use Google Maps.

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Follow I-81 South (or I-78 West to the end and continue on I-81 South) to Exit 52. Turn right on US 11 to Pennsylvania Turnpike, westbound. Exit at Blue Mountain (Exit 201). (Your remaining drive time is about 35 minutes.) Turn right on PA 997 to Roxbury. Turn right on PA 641 to the end at Shade Gap. (641 takes you across two mountains. Both crossings are scenic, the first especially so.) Turn right on US 522 to the only traffic light in Orbisonia. (In Orbisonia, 522 is Ridgely Street. Pizza Star is on the near-right corner and Community State Bank is on the far-left corner.) Turn left on PA 994. (In Orbisonia 994 is Elliot Street.) Cross the bridge over the Blacklog Creek and into Rockhill Furnace. (You are now on Meadow Street.) Pass Cummins Road on the left at the end of the bridge. (Cummins road provides automobile access for photographers for about a third of the trolley line.) Pass the Church of the Bretheren, the Rockhill Elementary School, and the Rockhill Furnace Post Office, all on your left. You will see the East Broad Top Railroad station ahead on your right but don’t go that far. Just beyond the post office cross one track only and turn left onto the gravel road just before the other tracks. You are here. The Meadow Street Trolley Platform and ticket booth are on your left.

Or use Google Maps.

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Take PA 26 Southbound to US 22 at Huntingdon. Follow US 22 Eastbound to Mount Union. Turn right onto US 522 Southbound. Follow US 522 South to the only traffic light in Orbisonia. (Community State Bank is on the near-right corner. Pizza Star is on the far-left corner.) Turn right on PA 994. (In Orbisonia 994 is Elliot Street.) Cross the bridge over the Blacklog Creek and into Rockhill Furnace. (You are now on Meadow Street.) Pass Cummins Road on the left at the end of the bridge. (Cummins road provides automobile access for photographers for about a third of the trolley line.) Pass the Church of the Bretheren, the Rockhill Elementary School, and the Rockhill Furnace Post Office, all on your left. You will see the East Broad Top Railroad station ahead on your right but don’t go that far. Just beyond the post office cross one track only and turn left onto the gravel road just before the other tracks. You are here. The Meadow Street Trolley Platform and ticket booth are on your left.

Or use Google Maps.

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Take US 22 West /522 South. At Mount Union, turn left to continue to follow US 522 South to the only traffic light in Orbisonia. (Community State Bank is on the near-right corner. Pizza Star is on the far-left corner.) Turn right on PA 994. (In Orbisonia 994 is Elliot Street.) Cross the bridge over the Blacklog Creek and into Rockhill Furnace. (You are now on Meadow Street.) Pass Cummins Road on the left at the end of the bridge. (Cummins road provides automobile access for photographers for about a third of the trolley line.) Pass the Church of the Bretheren, the Rockhill Elementary School, and the Rockhill Furnace Post Office, all on your left. You will see the East Broad Top Railroad station ahead on your right but don’t go that far. Just beyond the post office cross one track only and turn left onto the gravel road just before the other tracks. You are here. The Meadow Street Trolley Platform and ticket booth are on your left.

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Take I-80 East to Exit 123. Turn right onto PA 970 and then left onto US 322. At Phillipsburg follow PA 53 South/PA 350 East through the town square. Continue east on PA350 to I-99. Follow I-99 South to Exit 48 at Tyrone. Turn left onto PA 453 South. Continue to US 22. Turn left and continue to US 522 at Mount Union. Follow US 522 South to the only traffic light in Orbisonia. (Community State Bank is on the near-right corner. Pizza Star is on the far-left corner.) Turn right on PA 994. (In Orbisonia 994 is Elliot Street.) Cross the bridge over the Blacklog Creek and into Rockhill Furnace. (You are now on Meadow Street.) Pass Cummins Road on the left at the end of the bridge. (Cummins road provides automobile access for photographers for about a third of the trolley line.) Pass the Church of the Bretheren, the Rockhill Elementary School, and the Rockhill Furnace Post Office, all on your left. You will see the East Broad Top Railroad station ahead on your right but don’t go that far. Just beyond the post office cross one track only and turn left onto the gravel road just before the other tracks. You are here. The Meadow Street Trolley Platform and ticket booth are on your left.

Or use Google Maps.

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When you get to the museum, you may park on the grass along the right side of the gravel road at right angles to the road. You can also turn left on the gravel road just beyond the ticket booth, cross the trolley track and park to the right at right angles to the trolley track. If you have questions about parking or special needs, you can stop briefly at the ticket booth. Visitors can also park in the East Broad Top lots*. One is just across Meadow Street from their station. To get to the other, turn right just beyond their station, pass the station, and turn right again.

*BECAUSE OF ITS SUSPENSION OF TOURIST OPERATIONS, THE EBT LOTS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN 2012.

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The map below shows the primary museum area and adjacent recognizable landmarks.

Map Legend

Green: All available parking.

Blue: Buildings – Ticket Booth, Museum Store, Carbarn 1, Restoration Shop, Restrooms

Orange: Food Pavillion – There is a handicapped restroom in the lower left corner of the food pavillion and a ramp in the lower right corner that leads to the museum store. A concrete walkway extends from the upper right corner across the tracks to a reserved handicapped parking space.

Loading Areas:

Yellow: Meadow Street Platform (Main loading area)

Orange: Food Pavillion Crosswalk

Lavender: Brick Platform (Main unloading area)

White: Loading Steps in Carbarn 1 Lead

Click here for a larger, one-page version of this map
(.jpg, 518 KB).
It will print on 8.5 x 11 paper using the Landscape option.

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Our normal operating season is Saturdays and Sundays, Memorial Day weekend through October.

On regular days, the ticket booth is open from 11:00 AM until 4:20 PM.

Trolleys depart at 11:15AM, 12:15PM, 1:15PM, 2:15PM, 3:15PM and 4:20PM, or as needed and generally meet each returning East Broad Top RR steam train*.

We hope to see you soon!

Special Events

In addition to our normal, weekend operating schedule, Special Events occur throughout the operating season, as well as on selected weekends in November and December.

There is often a different departure schedule on Special Event days, and tours are usually not offered.

Please note that, due to the historic nature of our collection, equipment and schedules may change.

Regular Fares

• Adult: $7.00
• Children (ages 3 to 12): $4.00
• Children 2 and under: FREE! (please ask for free ticket)
• On days that include a gift for each child (Pumpkin Patch Trolley, Santa's Trolley) tickets may be the same price for both adults and children

Discounts

• Discounts available with EBT ticket, AAA, AARP, or NRHS card
• Two-for-one admission with Public Broadcasting MemberCard
• On regular operating days we honor membership passes issued by other trolley museums; but please check-in with your member cards at the ticket office.

We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for museum admission.

Buy Tickets Online

New for 2012! You can now Buy Tickets Online for most operating days and Special Events.

Group Sales / Bus Tours / School Groups

Rockhill Trolley Museum cordially invites your bus tour, school, birthday party, or other group to visit our museum, learn about Pennsylvania's transportation history, and ride our historic trolleys over our demonstration railroad. We will work with you to make scheduling arrangements for weekday or out-of-season visits; however, weekday charters may require an advance deposit and/or minimum number of fares.

• Walk-up groups (Saturday/Sunday): Minimum of 15 persons, Adults $6.50 per person, children $3.50 per person
• Mid-week or off-season groups: By arrangement only, Minimum of 25 persons, Adults $6.50 per person, children $3.50 per person
• School groups: $4.00 per person
• Group leaders and bus drivers receive free passes

For Pre-arranged group tours (whether regular operating days or mid-week pre-arranged), please contact:

• Group Tours
  Railways to Yesterday, Inc.
  PO Box 1601
  Allentown PA 18105
  Or phone Al Mengel at (717) 242-1929
  Or use our website contact form, choosing "Bus Tours" as the Category

Our Departure Schedules and The East Broad Top Railroad

*The East Broad Top Railroad, is, in fact, our landlord but is completely separate from the trolley museum.

We do not honor each other’s tickets...

*PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EAST BROAD TOP RAILROAD (EBT) IS NOT OPERATING DURING THE 2012 SEASON.