Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike: History, Location & How to Visit in 2025

Hidden among the rolling hills of southern Pennsylvania lies one of America’s most intriguing forgotten highways: the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Once a key part of the nation’s first superhighway, this 13-mile stretch was left to time in the late 1960s—and has since become a popular spot for urban explorers, hikers, cyclists, photographers, and history buffs.

If you’ve ever been curious about what happens when modern infrastructure is simply abandoned, this ghostly road offers a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Where Is the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike?

The abandoned stretch lies between Breezewood and Hustontown, near Bedford and Fulton counties in south-central Pennsylvania. It includes:

• Two tunnels: Sideling Hill Tunnel (1.3 miles) and Rays Hill Tunnel (0.7 miles)
• Overgrown roadways, ventilation shafts, and graffiti-covered tunnel interiors

Parking & Access:

Most visitors park near the Pump Station Road trailhead in Breezewood.

From there, you can walk or bike onto the path. There’s no fee to visit, but the land is technically managed by the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy, and long-term redevelopment plans may affect future access.

A Brief History

Opened in 1940, the Pennsylvania Turnpike was America’s first long-distance, limited-access superhighway.

The stretch now abandoned originally featured 7 tunnels, but as traffic grew in the 1950s and 60s, bottlenecks developed.

Rather than widen the Sideling Hill and Rays Hill tunnels, authorities built a bypass in 1968, leaving this 13-mile segment unused and largely forgotten—until explorers rediscovered it decades later.

Today, it’s often called “The Abandoned PA Turnpike” or “America’s Forgotten Highway.”

What to Expect When Visiting?

The route is open to the public and accessible for hiking, biking, and exploration, although it’s not maintained like a state park.

What you’ll see:

• Cracked pavement and weeds breaking through the road
• Graffiti-filled tunnel walls and damp, echoing chambers
• Original signage, rusting ventilation fans, and eerie silence
• Occasional wildlife, including deer and wild turkeys

Pro Tips:

• Bring a flashlight or headlamp—the tunnels are pitch dark inside
• Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots
• Be cautious of uneven pavement and water inside the tunnels
• There are no restrooms or facilities, so come prepared

Future Plans and Preservation

Over the years, several groups have proposed turning the Abandoned Turnpike into a recreational trail.

A long-term vision known as the “Pike2Bike Trail” would officially convert the site into a state-supported bike and pedestrian trail, potentially boosting tourism in the area.

While formal restoration has yet to be completed, efforts continue behind the scenes to secure funding, improve safety, and maintain public access.

Pop Culture & Media Appearances

The eerie, post-apocalyptic atmosphere of the Abandoned Turnpike has made it a favorite filming location and backdrop for:

• YouTube documentaries and urban explorer videos
• Music videos and photoshoots
• Paranormal investigations and “lost highway” folklore

Its desolate setting even draws comparisons to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone—minus the radiation.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re into American history, modern ruins, or outdoor exploration, the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike offers a unique journey through time.

From the echoing tunnels to the forgotten asphalt, this trail tells the story of 20th-century innovation, expansion, and what happens when progress moves on.

If you’re near central Pennsylvania and looking for a day trip off the beaten path, this forgotten highway is worth the walk.

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