Visiting the Steepest Incline in the World in Johnstown

Visiting the Steepest Incline in the World in Johnstown

If you’re looking for a unique Pennsylvania experience that combines history, engineering, and incredible views, the Johnstown Inclined Plane delivers. This iconic funicular climbs the steep side of Yoder Hill and offers a quick, memorable ride with panoramic scenery over the Conemaugh Valley.

Address: 711 Edgehill Dr, Johnstown, PA 15905

Category: Roadside Attraction/ Scenic Overlook

Duration: 1-2 hours

Directions, Hours, Admission

The Johnstown Inclined Plane upper station is located at 711 Edgehill Drive in Johnstown. Parking is available near both the lower and upper stations. The lower station connects via the Inclined Plane Bridge over the Stonycreek River.

Following an extensive multi-year rehabilitation project, the incline reopened to the public on September 10, 2026. During the initial reopening period, operating hours are:

  • Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Friday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

CamTran is offering free rides for the first 30 days starting September 10, 2026. Riders 65 and older always ride free with proof of age. Check the official website for any schedule updates, holiday hours, or when regular fares resume.

Inclined Plane fare signage

A Remarkable Piece of Engineering and History

The Johnstown Inclined Plane was built in the aftermath of the devastating 1889 Johnstown Flood. The Cambria Iron Company constructed it to provide safer access to the new hilltop community of Westmont and to serve as an escape route in case of future flooding.

Blueprint featuring the original incline plane car

Designed by Hungarian-American engineer Samuel Diescher (who also worked on several Pittsburgh inclines), it opened on June 1, 1891. The funicular rises 502.5 feet over a length of 896.5 feet on a continuous grade of approximately 71–72%, earning it the Guinness World Record as the steepest vehicular inclined plane in the world.

Looking up at the track along the incline

The design is elegantly simple: as one car goes up, the other comes down via counterbalance. The incline proved its value during later floods, carrying nearly 4,000 people to safety in 1936 and again aiding rescue efforts in 1977.

The incline car leaving the bottom station

Exploring the Gift Shop and Mechanical Room

At the upper station, make time for the gift shop. It offers a solid selection of Johnstown and incline-themed souvenirs. Products range from T-shirts, mugs, books, blankets, postcards, and other memorabilia that make great keepsakes or gifts. You’ll also find snacks available for purchase. The shop is a convenient stop both before and after exploring the rest of the top station, and it provides a nice indoor space if the weather turns.

Many T-Shirts, and other souvenirs on display

One of the most fascinating features at the top is the mechanical room, which is visible through large windows from both the gift shop and the visitor center lobby. Here you can watch the incline’s powerful hoisting mechanism in action. A massive 16-foot diameter driving drum winds and unwinds the thick steel cables that move the cars. The system is powered by a 400-horsepower electric motor. Diagrams and labels help explain the various gears, wheels, cables, and safety features.

The mechanical room featuring the 16-foot diameter driving drum

The Observation Deck and Overlook

On the opposite side of the upper station from the visitor center sits the main observation deck. This open platform delivers sweeping panoramic views of downtown Johnstown, the confluence of the Little Conemaugh and Stonycreek rivers, and the broader Conemaugh Valley.

The observation deck platform

From this vantage point you can clearly see the full length of the incline track stretching down the steep hillside. The views are especially striking in fall when the surrounding hills are covered in color, or on clear days when the valley stretches for miles.

Looking down at Johnstown with a double rainbow

On top of the hill flies one of the most visible landmarks in the area, a large 30-by-60-foot American flag. The flagpole stands high above the valley and is easily seen from downtown Johnstown and surrounding neighborhoods. It is one of the largest free-flying American flags in Pennsylvania.

Looking up at the large American flag atop the hill

Right at the upper station you’ll find Asiago’s Tuscan Italian Restaurant, which occupies space in the visitor center area. The restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine made with fresh ingredients and homemade sauces, offering appetizers, entrées, and desserts in a comfortable setting.

Final Thoughts

The Johnstown Inclined Plane is more than just a ride. There is plenty to enjoy once you reach the top of Yoder Hill. Whether you’re drawn by the engineering, the history, or simply the scenery, this reopened landmark is once again ready to welcome visitors. It’s a must-stop for anyone exploring Cambria County.

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