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Preserving History. Moving Freight. Creating Memories.
Since 1954, the Everett Railroad has been a vital part of Central Pennsylvania’s railroad heritage. Today, the railroad continues its tradition of service by connecting businesses through freight operations while offering unforgettable passenger excursions that bring the history and excitement of railroading to life.
Located in Blair County, Pennsylvania, the Everett Railroad operates along a historic 23-mile short line that serves both commercial customers and visitors seeking an authentic railroad experience.
From moving freight to restoring historic equipment and operating scenic train rides, the Everett Railroad remains committed to preserving the legacy of rail transportation for future generations.
Everett Railroad Company purchased by Alan Maples
In August 1984, at Claysburg, PA, Everett Railroad GE 80-Ton #4 made a delivery of bauxite ore to the General Refractories Company. That train marked the rebirth of a railroad that had been dormant since 1982. In those two years, the railroad had been abandoned, sold, and moved from its home in Everett, PA, where it had served its namesake community since 1954.
The new Everett Railroad was based in Claysburg, PA, on seven miles of railroad between Brookes Mill and Sproul, PA that Conrail had deemed excess. Two customers, Champion Homes and General Refractories wished to see rail service resumed. Working with those companies, the Everett restored the former-Conrail trackage and began operations on an as-needed basis.
Rolling into the “Cove”
In 1985, the Everett Railroad leased the nearby Morrisons Cove Railroad, a seven-mile line which served the fertile “Cove” region of Blair County including the communities of Roaring Spring, Martinsburg, and Curryville. With this expansion, the Everett Railroad became a key link in local agriculture and dairy production, serving three feed mills as well as a major paper converter. Increased traffic led to the purchase of two EMD SW9s from Conrail: 8933 and 8990.
Also, during that time, the railroad hauled its first tourists since the early 1970s as the National Railway Historical Society operated several excursions over the railroad.
The History of the Everett Railroad
The Everett Railroad’s story began in 1954, when the railroad was established to provide dependable rail service to the communities and industries along its route. Over the years, the railroad experienced many changes, adapting to the evolving needs of the region while maintaining its commitment to safe, reliable rail transportation.
In the early 1980s, the railroad faced uncertain times. In 1983, a young railroad enthusiast named Alan Maples saw an opportunity to preserve this important piece of Pennsylvania railroad history.
At just 21 years old, Maples purchased the struggling Everett Railroad, becoming one of the youngest railroad presidents in the country at the time. Rather than following a traditional career path, he chose to pursue his lifelong passion for railroading and invested the money his parents had saved for his college education into purchasing the railroad.
Growing up in Bethesda, Maryland, Maples developed a love for trains at an early age. He spent his childhood watching trains and building model railroads, dreaming of one day owning and operating a railroad of his own.
That dream became reality when he took ownership of the Everett Railroad and began the work of rebuilding the operation. He relocated the railroad’s headquarters to Claysburg, Pennsylvania, and restored freight service in 1984.
Under Maples’ leadership, the Everett Railroad grew from a small 7-mile operation into a thriving 23-mile Class III common carrier railroad, providing freight transportation services while also introducing passenger excursion operations.
Expansion at the Everett Railroad Co.
Expansion occurred again in 1995 with the incorporation of a sister company, the Hollidaysburg & Roaring Spring Railroad (H&RS) which acquired ten miles of Conrail’s “Cove Secondary” track. This purchase tied together the Everett Railroad and Morrisons Cove Railroad operations and created what is today a twenty-three-mile rail network. Now, the railroad typically operates scheduled trains three days per week, with special service available on request. Interchange for the Everett Railroad is with Norfolk Southern at Hollidaysburg, PA.
Passenger Excursions return to the Everett Railroad Company
The first steam-powered excursion, a Pumpkin Patch Special, operates between the railroad’s newly-completed depot in Hollidaysburg and Kladder in 2015 carrying 7,246 people that year. Since that time our excursions have taken on a new life, running from March through December each year with a ridership of nearly 35,000 in 2023.
A New Era of Railroad Experiences
In addition to serving local industries, the Everett Railroad has become known for its memorable excursion trains, offering passengers a chance to experience the sights, sounds, and traditions of historic railroading.
From steam-powered adventures to seasonal events and family-friendly train rides, the railroad continues to share the magic of rail travel with thousands of visitors each year
The Everett Railroad combines its working freight operations with a commitment to preserving railroad history, creating a unique experience where the past and present come together.
Today’s Everett Railroad
Today, the Everett Railroad remains a privately owned short line railroad serving Blair County’s I-99 corridor. As a handling-line carrier for Norfolk Southern, the railroad provides customers with efficient freight connections, transload opportunities, warehousing, and railcar storage.
At the same time, the railroad continues its mission of preserving railroad heritage through passenger excursions and community experiences.
Whether you are a freight customer, a railroad enthusiast, or a family looking for a memorable adventure, the Everett Railroad welcomes you to experience a piece of Pennsylvania’s railroad history.
The journey continues.
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Guests consistently rave about the unforgettable memories, friendly staff, scenic rides, and family-friendly experiences that make Everett Railroad a tradition families return to year after year.
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The Everett Railroad team is here to help with ticket information, upcoming excursions, private events, and freight services. Whether you’re booking a family adventure or coordinating a business shipment, we’re just a call or message away and happy to assist you every step of the way.
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