Juniata River Canal Driving Tour

Embark on a journey through time, nature, and one of the most remarkable engineering feats of the early 19th century, the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal system

This 125-mile scenic driving trail explores Pennsylvania’s heritage from the 1789 Clark’s Ferry Tavern to Hollidaysburg and the Allegheny Ridge Portage. Travel through landscapes that narrate stories of ambition, innovation, and thriving communities from 1829 to the late 1890s. Each stop offers a unique window into the past, with photo opportunities, scenic hiking trails, and interpretive signage that enriches your experience. Discover the canal’s impressive engineering feats and learn about its lasting influence on local communities, the economy, and cultural heritage. Embark on more than just a scenic drive—follow in the footsteps of pioneers and visionaries, experiencing Central Pennsylvania’s beauty and the enduring legacy of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal.

Welcome to the Juniata Division of the Pennsylvania Canal trail—where every mile tells a story.


Or email info@jrvvisitors.com to request a mailed copy

Duncannon

Clarks Ferry Tavern

603 N. Market St, Duncannon, PA 17020

This National Historical Register Tavern and Inn site operated from 1789 to the late 1840s, serving as Gateway to the American West until the advent of the Pennsylvania Canal. Imagine a dozen or more Conestoga Wagons parked on Tavern Green. Pioneer Day is the third Saturday in September. For visiting times or an appointment, see Clarksferrytavern.org.

Public parking, interpretive signage

Duncannon Canal Mural & Historical Markers

Duncannon Town Square, 1 N. Market St, Duncannon, PA 17020

Visit the Duncannon Town Square to see a mural celebrating the region’s canal history and the vital role of the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers, featuring the Clark’s Ferry Bridge.

Pennsylvania Railroad Duncannon Depot

1 Water St, Duncannon, PA 17020

Take in the stunning views of the river and the Clark’s Ferry Bridge, where travelers once ferried across to continue west via the Juniata Division of the Pennsylvania Canal. A marker tells the story of the eastern entrance, once the site of the world’s longest covered bridge. The marker is public but adjacent to a repurposed railroad depot which has a commercial occupant. Please respect their property.


Newport

Newport Canal Mural and Historical Markers

1 S 2nd St., Newport, PA 17074

Explore Newport’s history through its canal mural and historical markers, located in the National Historic Register District, celebrating the town’s pivotal role in Pennsylvania’s canal era.


Millerstown

Millerstown Area Community Park & Riverwalk

110 W. Juniata Pkwy., Millerstown, PA 17062

Take a peaceful stroll along the Juniata River at Millerstown Area Community Park, featuring serene trails and beautiful river views. Don’t miss the nearby ruins for a unique glimpse into the past.

Public parking, wheelchair accessible, picnic area, photo opportunity, walking trail


Mifflintown

Mifflin-Mifflintown Pedestrian Bridge

LAT. 40.569915, LONG. -77.398368

Enjoy a panoramic view of the Juniata River and the former canal prism, beneath the bridge. This spot was a key segment of the canal system, helping connect local communities and furthering the transportation of goods and passengers westward.

Lewistown Narrows Canal Park

LAT. 40.610214, LONG. -77.442608

Visit Lock No. 13 and Lockkeeper’s House and walk the nearly 200-year-old towpath on an unimproved 1.5- mile trail. Relax on a park bench near the house while surrounded by lush green spaces. Take US 322 Arch Rock Exit 216, then follow Arch Rock Road to William Penn Hwy for 1.7 miles.

Public parking, interpretive signage, wheelchair accessible, picnic area, hiking trail


Lewistown

S.H. Rothermel Walking Trail at Victory Park

LAT. 40.594921, LONG. -77.576245

Enjoy a peaceful walk on the multi-purpose 1.42-mile Juniata River Trail, a paved, ADA-accessible path near the original towpath, featuring scenic Juniata River views and benches.

Public parking, interpretive signage, wheelchair accessible, walking trail

Waterside Campground Canal Boat Ride

475 Locust Rd., Lewistown, PA 17044

Experience the charm of the canal era on a relaxing boat ride at Waterside Campground. This journey along the original Pennsylvania Canal waterway is perfect for all ages. Call (717) 248-3974 to ensure availability.

Public parking, interpretive signage, restrooms


Newton Hamilton

Newton Hamilton Lockhouse & Turning Basin

515 Ferguson Valley Rd., McVeytown, PA 17051

Visit the home of those who managed the flow of canal boat traffic through the locks. Open during daylight hours.

Public parking

Newton Hamilton Guard and Lift Lock

LAT. 40.3946 LONG. -77.8235

The Guard Lock at Aughwick Falls supplied water to the canal, while the lift lock raised or lowered boats eight feet to continue to the next level.

Viewing from the Wayne Township Road only

Newton Hamilton Aqueduct Abutments

805 Front St., Newton Hamilton, PA 17075

This site features the remains of a 26-foot wooden aqueduct, once supported by the surviving stone abutments. It was the second shortest in the Juniata Division. View the abutments from the road or a nearby parking area.

Viewing only


Mount Union

Sharrar House – Mount Union Historical Society

8 W. Water St., Mount Union, PA 17066

The Sharrar House, built by John Sharrar, once housed a store serving canal travelers and workers, with living quarters above. Now operated by the Mount Union Historical Society, it features rotating exhibits of canal era artifacts. To schedule a tour, call (814) 542-2534.

Public parking, picnic area


Huntingdon

Downtown Huntingdon Murals

708 Washington St., Huntingdon, PA 16652

Explore Huntingdon’s rich history through vibrant canal-themed murals downtown. Commissioned by the Huntingdon County Arts Council, these murals celebrate the town’s heritage and culture.

Public parking, wheelchair accessible

Blair Park

105 Penn St., Huntingdon, PA 16652

Visit Blair Park to explore the transition from canals to railroads, where the canal, railroad, and highway once ran side by side. The Stone Arch Bridge now marks the site of a former canal aqueduct.

Public parking, interpretive signage

Portstown Park

842 Penn St., Huntingdon, PA 16652

Portstown Park, along Penn Street, offers a walking loop, skatepark, fishing pier, and a mural celebrating the Juniata Canal and JC Blair, founder of Blair Paper Company.

Public parking, interpretive signage, restrooms, wheelchair accessible, walking trail


Alexandria

Hartslog Heritage Museum

311 Main St., Alexandria, PA 16611

Visit the Hartslog Heritage Museum on the second floor of the Alexandria Memorial Public Library. Explore over 4,000 artifacts, including canal relics like boat windows and a model lift lock. Open the first Sunday of each month or by appointment.

Public parking, interpretive signage, wheelchair accessible

Alexandria Canal Park & Lockhouse

316 Shelton Ave., Alexandria, PA 16611

Step back in time at Alexandria Canal Park & Lockhouse. While the Lockhouse is a private residence, you can admire it from a respectful distance. The linear canal park, managed by the Hartslog Museum and the Borough, extends to Bridge Street and commemorates this historic canal stop.

Public parking


Williamsburg

The Lower Trail Mount Etna Station

LAT. 40.520354, LONG. -78.172071

The Juniata River Canal helped the Mt Etna iron furnace fortunes rise since it dramatically sped up the delivery of its products to Pittsburgh. The old canal bed and subsequent railroad route have been reclaimed and turned into the Lower Trail (rhymes with flower.) Stone remnants from the canal days are still visible at Willow Dam, at a railroad bridge built on canal aqueduct piers, and at the foundation of the lock tender’s house.


Hollidaysburg

Canal Basin Park

101 Canal St., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

Step back in time and uncover the fascinating history of this once bustling hub of commerce and innovation. View a replica of the lock mechanisms and experience life along the canal through historic displays and interactive exhibits. The National Park Service offers engaging and informative Heritage Hikes throughout the area.

Public parking, interpretive signage, wheelchair accessible, picnic area, walking trail

U.S. Hotel Tavern

401 S. Juniata St., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

Imagine yourself as a canal traveler at the U.S. Hotel Tavern in Hollidaysburg. Built in 1835 to serve travelers along the Pennsylvania Canal, it now offers dining, live music, and event hosting. Visit USHotelTavern.com/events for details.

Public parking, restrooms, wheelchair accessible, dining


Gallitzin

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

110 Federal Park Rd., Gallitzin, PA 16641

The construction and operation of the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site was one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. It permitted canal boats to travel over the Allegheny Mountains to the Conemaugh River and continue west. The site features a visitor center, restored Lemon House tavern, hands-on exhibits, and full-scale models in the Engine House Interpretive Building.

Public parking, interpretive signage, wheelchair accessible, picnic area, restrooms, walking trails


Portage

Portage Station Museum – Portage Area Historical Society

400 Lee St., Portage, PA 15946

Whether you start or finish the trail here, this museum will explain how travelers continued west once they reached the end of the Juniata River Canal System. Learn how travelers once transitioned from canal boats to trains, a crucial step in westward journeys. Housed in a restored 1926 railroad depot, the museum showcases the area’s industrial roots in coal mining and railroads. Exhibits and events are hosted by the Portage Area Historical Society.

Public parking, interpretive signage, restrooms, wheelchair accessible


Learn More

Canal in the Mountains: The Juniata Main Line Canal in the Lewistown Narrows by Scott D. Heberling


The Juniata River Canal Driving Tour is made possible thanks to the following organizations: