In the hills of southern Pennsylvania lies a stretch of asphalt that once buzzed with cars — and now lies silent, reclaimed by nature and curiosity seekers alike. The Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike, a 13-mile segment of the old Pennsylvania Turnpike, cuts through forested ridges and long-closed tunnels, offering a hauntingly beautiful trip through history for hikers, cyclists, and urban-exploration fans.
Opened in 1940 as part of the Turnpike’s original route and bypassed in 1968 due to chronic traffic bottlenecks, this corridor now stands as a fascinating time capsule — littered with graffiti, overgrown medians, and eerie, echoing tunnels. Whether you’re drawn by nostalgia, adventure, or the odd beauty of decay, this “ghost highway” delivers an unusual but memorable experience.
Why This Trail Captivates Visitors
A Living Relic of America’s Roadway Heritage
The abandoned stretch traces its roots back to the original Turnpike completed in 1940 — once nicknamed “America’s Super Highway.” The twin bottlenecks caused by single-lane tunnels led to a major overhaul in the 1960s, bypassing this 13-mile chunk altogether. What you see today is a tangible remnant of early limited-access highway ambition — long before interstates carved a path across the country.
Unique Blend of Nature, History & Abandonment
Walking or biking through the trail offers a surreal contrast: active forest growth encroaches on cracked blacktop, while graffiti-decorated tunnel interiors echo with hollow silence. Old rumble strips and reflective strips — once used for vehicular safety testing — now sit as odd relics under moss and leaves.
Two Remarkable Tunnels Await
The route includes the long and atmospheric Sideling Hill Tunnel (about 1.3 miles) and the shorter yet still imposing Rays Hill Tunnel (about 0.7 miles). Traversing these tunnels — with only a bike light or headlamp for illumination — gives a thrilling sense of being deep within a forgotten underworld. The darkness, the length, the echoes — it’s an unforgettable experience.
From Superhighway to Bike Trail
Although the trail was sold to the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy in 2001, it remains a “use-at-your-own-risk” trail. Many adventurers — including cyclists and history buffs — relish the chance to ride or walk what remains of a once-busy interstate. For those seeking solitude and a different kind of road trip, this old highway offers drastically different rewards than any paved freeway.
What It Feels Like to Explore the Turnpike
Stepping onto the old turnpike you might first notice how narrow and claustrophobic the reclaimed road feels — weeds and small trees pushing through cracked pavement, the median choked with brush. As you head toward the tunnels, the air grows cooler. Once inside the Sideling Hill Tunnel or Rays Hill Tunnel, it’s another world: darkness envelops all, the only light from your own headlamp, and every sound — your footsteps, bike squeaks — echoes off damp stone walls. It’s eerie, quiet, and profoundly atmospheric — like wandering through a post-industrial cathedral.
Graffiti-tagged walls add a human touch to the forgotten infrastructure, turning surfaces into a canvas of hundreds of travelers’ silent messages. Outside the tunnels, the view alternates between forest-carpeted hills, overgrown medians, and rusting guardrails — a dramatic contrast to today’s polished highways. If you close your eyes, you can almost sense what this place once was.
Important Things to Know Before You Visit
Is it legal and safe to go?
The abandoned stretch isn’t formally open — it’s controlled by the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy and is generally treated as “use-at-your-own-risk.” There are no guarantees of maintenance: parts of the pavement outside tunnels can be eroded, uneven, or covered in loose gravel. You’ll need a strong headlamp or bike lights for safe passage through tunnels, and a helmet is strongly advised. Inside some tunnels, it’s impossible to see the far portal without proper lighting.
What’s the best way to explore — bike or hike?
Biking tends to be the most efficient and popular way, especially for covering the full 13-mile stretch. It’s a smooth experience through the tunnels and fast enough to complete the round-trip without it feeling like an all-day excursion. Hiking is absolutely doable — just expect a much longer commitment, especially if you stop frequently for photos or want to explore the tunnel entrances at a slower pace.
When to go?
Fall is especially appealing thanks to vivid foliage and cooler temperatures. Weekends see more activity, though weekday visits can feel almost otherworldly if you prefer solitude. Early morning or midday tends to offer the best mix of safety, visibility, and comfortable weather.
Is there parking or easy access?
There are a couple of commonly used access points near Pump Station Road on the east end and Tannery Road near U.S. Route 30. Because this isn’t a formal state-maintained trail, signage can be limited, and parking areas aren’t official. Most visitors find shoulder spots or nearby clearings, but it’s wise to research access points before you go.
What about amenities?
There are no services of any kind — no restrooms, water, food, or maintained facilities. The old service plaza is long gone. Bring everything you need: water, snacks, lighting, repair tools, and comfortable gear. Think of this as a back-country outing, just one that happens to take place on old pavement instead of dirt trails.
Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike
📍 Between Breezewood and Hustontown, Bedford/Fulton Counties, PA, USA
Website: https://www.pike2bike.com
