PA Hiking/Biking Trails

Exploring the Salisbury Viaduct in Somerset County

Rusty Glessner taking in the sunrise over the Salisbury Viaduct.

The Salisbury Viaduct is a towering railroad bridge along the 150 mile-long Great Allegheny Passage, the longest multi-use rail trail in Pennsylvania.

Love locks on the Salisbury Viaduct near Meyersdale. — “Love locks” on the Salisbury Viaduct near Meyersdale.

Abandoned as a rail through-route in 1975, it is now visited by thousands of hikers, bikers, sightseers, and photographers every year, nearly 110 years after it was first built.

Hikers taking in the sunset from the Salisbury Viaduct along the Great Allegheny Passage. — Hikers taking in the sunset from the viaduct.

Salisbury Viaduct FAQs

Where exactly is the Salisbury Viaduct?

The Salisbury Viaduct is located just off of the Mason-Dixon Highway (or old 219 to locals) near Meyersdale, PA.
How to find the Salisbury Viaduct in Somerset County.

Can I park close to the Salisbury Viaduct?

Yes! There is a large, unpaved lot located along Johnnypopper Road, approximately 150 yards from the southern end of the viaduct. Johnnypopper Road sign near the parking area for the Salisbury Viaduct.

Can I navigate to the Salisbury Viaduct parking area by GPS?

Yes – use GPS coordinates 39.83133, -79.03996.
Aerial view of the Salisbury Viaduct.

When was the Salisbury Viaduct built?

The first train crossed the Salisbury Viaduct in 1912.

Informational sign at the Salisbury Viaduct.

How tall is the Salisbury Viaduct?

101 feet tall.
The steel trestles supporting the Salisbury Viaduct in Somerset County PA

How long is the Salisbury Viaduct?

1,908 feet long!
The Salisbury Viaduct disappears into the Pennsylvania foothills near Meyersdale.

Was anyone killed during the construction of the Salisbury Viaduct?

At least 7 men died during the construction of this massive steel railroad bridge.
History of accidents during the construction of the Salisbury Viaduct.

When was the Salisbury Viaduct last used for rail traffic?

It was abandoned as a rail through-route in 1975.
History of the Salisbury Viaduct.

What river does the Salisbury Viaduct cross over?

The Casselman River.
The Casselman River flowing beneath the Salisbury Viaduct.

Is the railway beneath the Salisbury Viaduct still active?

Yes! CSX Transportation still operates freight cars on the tracks below the Salisbury Viaduct, making it a popular destination for “trainspotters”.
The view to the east from on top of the Salisbury Viaduct in the PA Laurel Highlands.

Is it true there is a graveyard near the Salisbury Viaduct?

Yes – there is a small cemetery near the northern end of the Salisbury Viaduct.

Are there places to stop and rest near the Salisbury Viaduct?

Yes – there are benches at either end of the viaduct. Rest area near the southern end of the Salisbury Viaduct.

Is the Salisbury Viaduct wheelchair-accessible?

The path from the parking area to the viaduct is gravel and/or crushed stone. The walking/biking surface of the viaduct itself is smooth concrete.
Sunrise over the Salisbury Viaduct near Meyersdale Pennsylvania

Is the Salisbury Viaduct a good place to watch the sunrise?

Yes indeed!
Summer sunrise over the Casselman River and the Salisbury Viaduct

Is the Salisbury Viaduct a good place to watch the sunset?

Again – yes!
An epic sunset over the Salisbury Viaduct along the Great Allegheny Passage.

Where is the Salisbury Viaduct in relation to the Big Savage Tunnel?

The viaduct is approximately 10 miles northwest of the Big Savage Tunnel, as the crow flies.
. The well-lit and refurbished Big Savage Tunnel along the Great Allegheny Passage in Somerset County PA.

Where is the Salisbury Viaduct in relation to Ohiopyle State Park?

The viaduct is approximately 24 miles southeast of Ohiopyle State Park, as the crow flies.
The Youghiogheny River as it passes under the Low Bridge along the Great Allegheny Passage at Ohiopyle State Park.

Who maintains the Salisbury Viaduct?

As with most of the Great Allegheny Passage, the viaduct is maintained by local volunteers. You can read more about the Allegheny Trail Alliance on their official website.

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Nearby Attractions

25 Must-See Attractions in Somerset County showcases more remarkable sights and experiences near the Salisbury Viaduct.

A collage of four images showcasing attractions in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The top left image features a fisherman by a creek in front of a picturesque red covered bridge surrounded by autumn foliage. The top right photo shows a person standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking a vast landscape of colorful fall trees under a clear sky. The bottom left picture captures a well-lit tunnel with multiple lights creating a starburst effect. The bottom right image is a tranquil scene of a park with a bicyclist on a path next to a lake reflecting the vibrant autumn trees and blue sky.

A Smarter Way to Explore Pennsylvania

Explore Pennsylvania like a pro with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map, showcasing over 1,000 memorable destinations I’ve personally visited across the Keystone State.

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