PA Hiking/Biking Trails

Biking the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County

If you’re looking for information about biking the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, you’re in the right place!

A stunning autumn scene along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bicycle parked on the paved trail. The path winds through a vibrant forest with trees showcasing brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red, while a sunlit hillside covered in colorful foliage rises in the background. The clear blue sky and lush green grass add to the picturesque beauty of this peaceful trail.

Riding the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail offers a scenic and historical adventure through south-central Pennsylvania’s countryside.

Two cyclists enjoying a ride along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, on a beautiful autumn day. The gravel trail gently curves through a valley surrounded by rolling hills blanketed with vibrant fall foliage in shades of gold, orange, and green. A clear blue sky and lush grass complete the serene and picturesque setting for outdoor recreation.

Stretching 12.6 miles, this picturesque trail follows the path of the now-abandoned Huntingdon and Broad Top Railroad, linking the small communities of Tatesville in the south and Riddlesburg in the north.

A scenic autumn view along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bicycle parked beside a stone mile marker labeled "9." The trail, covered in fallen leaves, winds gently through a forest with vibrant yellow, orange, and green foliage. A wooden fence lines the path, and the sunlit hillside adds warmth to the tranquil landscape under a clear blue sky.

With consistent views of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, the trail immerses riders in nature, history, and quiet solitude, making it an ideal escape for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

A picturesque view along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bicycle parked on a bridge overlooking the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. The scene is framed by vibrant autumn foliage in golden hues, with rolling hills and trees reflecting in the calm river below. The clear blue sky and dappled sunlight enhance the beauty of this serene and scenic trail setting.

About the Huntingdon and Broad Top Railroad

The Huntingdon and Broad Top Mountain Railroad (H&BT), established in 1852, was originally built to transport coal from Broad Top Mountain to markets in the east.

Huntingdon and Broad Top Mountain Railroad stock certificate.

At its peak during World War I, the railroad was a lifeline for the area’s coal mining operations.

An exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, showcases a historical photo of the former Huntingdon & Broad Top (H&BT) Railroad No. 38 steam locomotive in operation on the Knox & Kane Railroad at Kinzua State Park, near Kane, PA, during the mid-1980s. The locomotive is pictured emitting steam while people stand nearby, observing its operation. Below this photo is an image of a vintage H&BT passenger car with "Huntingdon & Broad Top Railroad" written on the side, offering a glimpse into the railroad's past passenger service. This display highlights the continued preservation of H&BT Railroad history beyond its original operational years.

However, as the demand for coal declined, so did the railroad’s importance, ultimately leading to bankruptcy in 1953.

A historic photograph displayed at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, captures the last fan trip of the Huntingdon & Broad Top (H&BT) Railroad on June 7, 1953. The image shows a large group of rail enthusiasts and passengers standing beside a passenger car, while others are seen in open freight cars adorned with a sign that reads "WELCOME." Some individuals are taking photographs to document the event, marking the end of an era for the H&BT Railroad. The photo highlights the significance of this farewell journey in the history of steam railroading in the Broad Top Region.

By early 1954, operations ceased, leaving behind the route that has since been transformed into today’s rail trail.

A restored red caboose from the Huntingdon and Broad Top Railroad (H. & B.T.) is displayed outside the Train Station Museum in Everett, Pennsylvania. The caboose sits on a short section of railroad track, protected by a wooden shelter with a metal roof. The caboose has stairs leading up to the door and yellow handrails, with windows on the side offering a glimpse of the interior. Surrounded by green grass and trees, this historic piece adds to the museum's collection, showcasing Everett's rich railroading past.

Directions to the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail

There are 5 trailheads along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail, each one plotted on the map below.

A detailed map of the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, highlighting the 12.6-mile trail route. The map marks key locations, including trailheads at Riddlesburg, Hopewell, Cooper’s Recreational Area, Cypher, and Tatesville, along with distances between points. Symbols for parking areas, picnic spots, and trailheads are included. The map also features GPS coordinates for each trailhead and depicts the path as a dotted line weaving through scenic areas and state game lands. — Image credit: Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail.

I biked the trail starting at the southern terminus at Tatesvile and riding north, so I’ll describe the trail in that fashion in the paragraphs below.

What You’ll See Along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail

Starting at the Tatesville trailhead, riders are quickly enveloped by a lush forest canopy that provides ample shade during warmer months.

A peaceful scene along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bicycle parked on a crushed stone path. The trail stretches straight into the distance, surrounded by vibrant fall foliage with trees displaying shades of gold, orange, and red. The forested corridor is bathed in dappled sunlight, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for cyclists and hikers alike.

The crushed-stone pathway is well-maintained and leads riders northward through the scenic landscape.

A peaceful autumn scene along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bicycle parked beside a stone mile marker labeled "2." The grassy trail runs parallel to a narrow crushed-stone path, surrounded by trees displaying shades of yellow, orange, and brown. The clear blue sky and dappled sunlight create a tranquil setting perfect for cycling or hiking through the wooded landscape.

Just over four miles into the ride, cyclists encounter one of the most striking landmarks: a 1930s-era bridge spanning the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River.

A peaceful scene along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bicycle resting on a modern bridge with metal railings. The bridge spans the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage under a clear blue sky. The shadow of the bicycle stretches across the smooth concrete surface, adding depth to the tranquil setting.

The 250-foot-long bridge offers breathtaking views of the river below, framed by vibrant trees that explode with color in the fall.

A beautiful autumn view along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, featuring the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River framed by vibrant golden-yellow leaves in the foreground. The river winds through a valley with hills covered in colorful fall foliage, while sunlight glistens off the water’s surface. A clear blue sky completes the serene and picturesque landscape.

As the path continues, the trail nears the Cooper Sawmill ruins, a site that speaks to the area’s industrial past.

An open concrete clearing along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bicycle resting in the foreground. The surrounding hills are covered in vibrant autumn foliage, with shades of yellow, orange, and green contrasting against the clear blue sky. The expansive flat surface, possibly part of the Cooper Sawmill ruins, provides a unique, open view amid the forested trail.

Moving further north, the trail transitions briefly to a coarse stone surface as it crosses through the small town of Hopewell.

A charming scene at the Hopewell Trailhead along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, featuring a small, weathered white building with blue trim labeled "HOPEWELL." The structure sits against a backdrop of colorful autumn foliage on a forested hillside, with a green Hopewell Trailhead sign marking the location. The grassy foreground and rustic setting capture the trail’s historic and scenic charm.

The crushed-stone path resumes on the northern edge of Hopewell, winding through a mix of woodlands and river views.

One notable feature is the primitive restroom located near mile marker 7, the only restroom along the trail.

A small, rustic restroom facility located along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, near mile marker 7. The simple structure, with white corrugated metal walls and a brown shingled roof, stands at the edge of a grassy clearing surrounded by trees displaying vibrant autumn foliage. A sign encourages visitors to help keep the area clean, and the peaceful trail setting is bathed in soft sunlight under a clear blue sky.

Continuing onward, cyclists pass through a particularly unique landmark: a massive slag pile near Riddlesburg.

A large, rugged slag pile along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, showcasing the industrial remnants of the area’s coal and coke production history. The steep, rocky slope is composed of weathered slag material, with sparse vegetation growing across its surface. The jagged formations rise against a clear blue sky, reflecting the trail’s connection to the region’s mining and railroading past.

This towering mound of industrial waste was created during the burning of coal in coke ovens, to produce the fuel needed for nearby iron furnaces.

An informational sign along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, describing the history and function of coke ovens used to burn coal. The sign explains how impurities created slag, a byproduct later repurposed for brick-making, cement, and other uses. A photo of the historic coke ovens appears on the sign, with directions to view the ovens located a quarter mile from the trailhead. The surrounding area features grassy terrain and rocky remnants from the trail’s industrial past.

Nearby, the actual Riddlesburg Coke Ovens offer another fascinating glimpse into the region’s industrial past.

A historic view along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, featuring the Riddlesburg Coke Ovens. The long stone structure, lined with arched openings, sits beside a grassy path with an informational sign nearby. A bright orange bicycle is parked in front of the ovens, and the scene is framed by vibrant autumn foliage and rolling hills in the background under a clear blue sky. This site highlights the region’s industrial heritage.

Built in the early 1900s, these beehive-shaped ovens are where coke was produced from slowly-burned coal, which also produced slag as a byproduct.

An informational sign along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, detailing the history of the Riddlesburg Coke Ovens. The sign explains that the ovens, built in 1912-13, produced coke from Broad Top semi-bituminous coal for nearby iron furnaces and operated until the early 1950s. Two historic black-and-white photographs show the coke ovens and surrounding industrial site during their operation. The sign also includes a memorial for Charles Gracey, a key figure in restoring the ovens, honoring his dedication to the community and preservation efforts.

Visitors can walk among the ruins and imagine the once-bustling production that took place here.

The interior of one of the historic Riddlesburg coke ovens along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, showcasing the curved brickwork of the dome structure. Sunlight filters through a small opening at the top, illuminating the weathered bricks and remnants of slag and debris on the ground. This view highlights the industrial history of the region and the craftsmanship of the coke ovens used for burning coal.

The northernmost section of the trail leads to the Red Cut, a dramatic rock formation carved out during the railroad’s construction.

A dramatic scene along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bicycle parked in the middle of the Red Cut. The trail winds through towering rock walls covered with moss, ferns, and vibrant autumn foliage. Fallen leaves blanket the path, while sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the rugged and picturesque landscape.

Though it feels remote, the Red Cut is rich with history, having been the site of a tragic 1909 head-on train collision.

An informational sign along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, detailing the tragic Red Cut train collision of September 1, 1909. The sign includes two historic black-and-white photographs showing the aftermath of the wreck near Riddlesburg, Pennsylvania, with derailed trains and onlookers. The text explains how a dispatcher’s mistake caused a head-on collision between a southbound train and a northbound work train, resulting in the deaths of four H&BT Railroad employees. The location marks a somber piece of the trail’s history.

Just north of the Red Cut, you’ll reach a gate marking the northern terminus of the trail.

A bright orange bicycle parked in front of a yellow gate marking the northern terminus of the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail at Red Cut in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. A sign on the gate reads "Private Access - No Trespassing," and the trail beyond is lined with trees showcasing autumn foliage in shades of gold, green, and brown. Fallen leaves cover the ground, and sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene, end-of-trail setting.

Throughout the ride, cyclists enjoy frequent views of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, a consistent companion along the trail.

A scenic view along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bicycle parked on a rocky riverbank beside the clear, reflective waters of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. The surrounding hills are adorned with colorful autumn foliage under a clear blue sky, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting.

Riding at a comfortable pace and stopping occasionally to rest or take pictures, you can expect the 25 mile out-and-back trip to take around 2.5 hours, assuming you’re riding the trail end-to-end.

A serene autumn scene along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, featuring a wooden bench overlooking the calm, reflective waters of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. The surrounding forest is filled with trees showcasing vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and gold leaves, with fallen leaves blanketing the ground. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting a warm glow on the peaceful riverside landscape.

Final Thoughts

The Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail offers a unique blend of history, nature, and tranquility in the heart of Bedford County.

Its well-maintained path and notable landmarks provide an unforgettable experience for those seeking both recreation and exploration.

A tranquil scene along the southern portion of the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, showcasing a narrow gravel path surrounded by vibrant fall foliage. A brilliant orange tree stands out against a backdrop of green grass, mixed forest, and a clear blue sky, while the trail gently stretches into the distance. This peaceful setting highlights the natural beauty and serene atmosphere of the historic rail trail.

Whether pedaling through shaded forests, crossing historic bridges, or exploring remnants of a bygone industrial era, riders are sure to leave with lasting memories of this scenic Pennsylvania rail trail.

A stunning autumn view of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River taken along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The river winds gently through a valley lined with trees showcasing brilliant fall foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Rolling hills covered in colorful forests rise in the background under a clear blue sky, creating a tranquil and picturesque landscape.

The Train Station Museum in Everett offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s rich history, from its days as Bloody Run to its development alongside the Huntingdon and Broad Top Railroad.

A collage of four photos showcasing key features of the Train Station Museum in Everett, Pennsylvania. The top left photo displays the charming yellow-painted train station building, complete with an "Open" flag inviting visitors inside. The top right image shows the museum’s preserved 1909 steam locomotive, sheltered under a protective canopy. The bottom left image highlights the bright red Huntingdon & Broad Top Railroad caboose, also open for exploration. The bottom right image captures the detailed model railroad diorama inside the museum, which features a miniature representation of the train station and local surroundings. Each photo reflects the museum’s dedication to preserving Everett's rich railroad history and local heritage.

The Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in neighboring Huntingdon County takes visitors on a deep dive into the coal mining and railroad history of the Broad Top region, which includes portions of Huntingdon, Bedford, and Fulton counties.

A collage of four photos showcasing the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows the museum's exterior, a historic brick building with a marquee that reads "Coal Miners Museum" and features a vintage mining cart displayed outside. The top right image reveals shelves inside the museum filled with mining artifacts, tools, lanterns, and memorabilia from the coal mining industry. The bottom left photo displays an informational sign about the formation of coal, paired with a historic photograph of East Broad Top coal miners. The bottom right image highlights a section of the museum with mining safety equipment, an old "Danger Explosives" sign, and vintage framed mining certificates on the wall.

The museum features exhibits on the Huntingdon and Broad Top Railroad, the East Broad Top Railroad, and the Pennsylvania Railroad, all of which were essential in moving coal to cities across the region and beyond.

Nearby Attractions

28 Must-See Attractions in Bedford County is your guide to even more fantastic things to see and do near the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail.

A collage of four photographs showcasing attractions in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A woman stands on a wooden dock, gazing out over a calm lake reflecting autumnal trees and a bridge in the distance. Top right: The iconic Coffee Pot-shaped building with its gray walls, red accents, and a sign reading "THE COFFEE POT" against a backdrop of yellow fall foliage. Bottom left: A couple takes a selfie at a scenic overlook, with lush green hills stretching to the horizon under a blue sky with fluffy clouds. Bottom right: A historic red covered bridge over a serene creek, surrounded by verdant greenery and under a partly cloudy sky.

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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