If you’re looking for directions to the abandoned Coburn railroad tunnel in Centre County, you’re in the right place!
The remains of this abandoned railroad tunnel are located along Tunnel Road, on a peninsula formed by a horseshoe bend in Penns Creek, a mile south of Coburn.
Originally constructed as part of the Lewisburg, Centre and Spruce Creek Railroad in the 1870s, the rail line and tunnel changed hands numerous times over the years, until it was officially abandoned by the Penn Central Railroad in 1970.
History of the Abandoned Coburn Railroad Tunnel
Both the Coburn Tunnel (AKA the Beaver Dam Tunnel) and the nearby Paddy Mountain Tunnel were built in the 1870s by the Lewisburg, Centre and Spruce Creek Railroad, and Coburn itself is named after Colonel J.P. Coburn, one of the railroad’s directors.
Unfortunately for Colonel Coburn and the initial investors, the railroad proved to be unprofitable – the LC&SC defaulted on it’s bonds, and it was purchased at a sherriff’s sale by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1879.
The Pennsylvania Railroad and its various successors maintained the rail line and tunnel until 1970.
Today, the Coburn Tunnel sits abandoned, but is still passable to foot traffic nearly 150 years after it was first dug.
The Paddy Mountain Tunnel, abandoned at the same time, is now known as the Poe Paddy Tunnel and has been refurbished and repurposed as part of the Penns Creek Rail Trail.
Directions to the Abandoned Coburn Railroad Tunnel
There are parking areas at either end of the Coburn railroad tunnel, both located along Tunnel Road.
To open a Google Map to the parking area near the western portal, CLICK HERE (map will open in a separate window).
To open a Google Map to the parking area near the eastern portal, CLICK HERE (map will open in a separate window).
Visiting the Abandoned Coburn Railroad Tunnel
Regardless of which entrance you use, you should know that this property is not maintained or monitored for safety conditions, and therefore this is strictly a VISIT AT YOUR OWN RISK DESTINATION!
The tunnel is roughly 260 feet long, and other than the eastern portal, is completely unlined.
While you can easily see from one end of the tunnel to the other, bring a flashlight to avoid tripping/slipping hazards such as fallen rocks, puddles of water, or ice.
Penns Creek Pedestrian Bridge
Opposite the eastern portal of the Coburn Tunnel, you’ll see a bridge spanning Penns Creek.
This was also once part of the Lewisburg, Centre and Spruce Creek Railroad line.
Now it is part of the Penns Creek Trail, which continues 2.5 miles across the bridge before dead-ending at a washed out bridge.
Looking south from the bridge, you can see Penns View scenic overlook high above in the Bald Eagle State Forest.
And from Penns View you have a nice view of the Penns Creek pedestrian bridge!
This steel girder bridge was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad in the early 1900s to replace the original LC&SC bridge.
In conclusion, if you love abandoned places and/or railroading history, the abandoned Coburn railroad tunnel and the pedestrian bridge over Penns Creek are must-see destinations in Centre County!
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