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Johnstown Inclined Plane

The Johnstown Inclined Plane is the steepest incline in the world for vehicles. Its purpose was to link the residential areas of Johnstown, Pennsylvania with the Westmont Borough. The incline was originally built after a major flood in 1889. In subsequent floods in 1936 and 1977, the incline helped people escape the valley and ship needed supplies back in. Nearly a million passengers used this route when steel mills operated in the area. Now the Johnstown Inclined Plane is a tourist attraction and national historic site, drawing 100,000 passengers each year on the incline’s 30-foot cars. The incline is open daily except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Many people visit this tourist attraction not only to see the spectacular incline, but to also check out the historic Johnstown area. There is a Visitors Center that provides tourists with extensive historical information about Johnstown and the Incline Plane. The center has two observation areas where visitors can see the motors and mechanisms that control Inclined Plane. Tourists that want to take in the whole view of Johnstown can make their was to the observation deck which is located in front of the point where water entered during the 1889 flood.

Visitors will appreciate the the restaurant and ice cream shop located on the observation deck. After a good meal and a cool treat, visitors can make their way to the Incline Gift Shop to pick out a souvenir or collectible to remember their visit to the Johnstown Inclined Plane.