Punxsutawney's Abandoned Railroad, the Pennsylvania Northwestern Railroad

It’s Groundhog Day! And of course, Punxsutawney, PA has some forgotten railroad history.

The North Western Railroad of Pennsylvania was envisioned as a connection between Pittsburgh and Altoona, PA, first proposed in the 1880’s.

The line never made it to either of its proposed endpoints, but was constructed between Fordham in the west, and McGees Mills in the east, and thus passing through Punxsutawney, for about 21 miles in length.

The line was acquired by the Pennsylvania Railroad, becoming one of the over 2,000 companies that were part of its system. Passenger service along the line ended in 1940, but freight continued up until the 1980’s along the line.

Punxsutawney, PA Station. Railroad Station Database


After its closure, most of the line was sold to private parties, but a 4 mile stretch was saved as the Mahoning Shadow Trail.



Location: Punxsutawney, PA 15767, USA

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