Latest News
Ready! One, two, three ……. LIFT!
Well, that’s not exactly what happened, but have you noticed that the section of the Keystone Viaduct crossing the CSX tracks is higher than the portion over the woods, creek, and road? There’s a reason. In 2010, CSX upgraded its line to accommodate double-stacked container cars. However, the Keystone Viaduct was too low – just…
Read MoreTHANKS TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS
We had our SCRTA Volunteer appreciation event last night at the Confluence Cafe. It was so great to have all the folks from past and present in one place for a night. Thanks to everyone who came out. We could not do it without you.
Read MoreLake Somerset returns!
After years of work repairing the dam and spillway, building fish breeding structures, adding trails and pavilions, and generally making the surrounding landscape suitable for all visitors, shimmering blue water is beginning to dominate. 22 May 2022, the Somerset Daily American reports that “the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has given the authorization to refill…
Read MoreSteam is Back! The last Baldwin.
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is the offspring of the former WMd Rwy. The route is now the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) from Connellsville to Cumberland. For years the WM Scenic RR ran excursions from Cumberland to Frostburg. The ride parallels the GAP with plenty of waving between cyclists and passengers. The Baldwin-built 2-8-0…
Read MoreThe Big Savage Tunnel is open.
The trail crew from Somerset County, plus volunteers, opened the Big Savage Tunnel. The lights are on and it will remain open through the 2022 season. The trails leading up to the tunnel, from both sides, are still wet and a little soft, but will dry and compact. A new limestone surface was laid, from…
Read MoreWelcome Trailhead Brewery to Rockwood.
Trailhead Brewery opened its doors an easy ride just across the Casselman River Bridge at the Rockwood Trail Access Area. Hours are from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 to 7 p.m. Sundays. Co-owners Bob and Hope Metzgar make all kinds of craft beers. These include IPAs,…
Read MoreThe Big Savage Tunnel opens April 1st
The Big Savage Tunnel will open April 1st. It’s been a long winter, but spring is rapidly approaching, even in the highlands of the Allegheny Mountains. That translates to robins returning, turkey vultures sailing on the thermals, skunk cabbage in the wetlands, and most of all, the Big Savage Tunnel, Mile 22 on the Great…
Read MoreTo: Punxsutawney Phil, From: Sally Rockbolt, Respectfully, I disagree.
Dear Philip; The memo of Wednesday, February 2, 2022, predicting “six more weeks of winter,” was just slid under my west door. Your extensive experience in rodent meteorology is recognized and appreciated. However, I also have long followed western Pennsylvania weather from here inside the Big Savage Tunnel near Deal, PA, based on factual historical…
Read MoreLake Somerset – A new visitor facility dedicated.
An exciting addition has been opened in anticipation of refilling Lake Somerset. In December, a new path, pad, and pavilion were completed for mobility-challenged users. The gates at the repaired dam have been closed, and the lake is expected to be full this summer. Then, the edge of the lake will be at the new…
Read MoreThank you Hank Parke for the GAP in Somerset County.
Every visionary project begins with an innovative leader. A leader with a look to the future, passion for the endeavor, and the willingness to labor endlessly and see the goal is met. That’s Hank Parke. In 1986 Hank read a report by Joesph Kupec who hiked the abandoned Western Md. Rwy and written a report extolling…
Read More