While it’s short on mileage, the Wanamaker Kempton and Southern, known as the Hawk Mountain Line is long on atmosphere. For more than 50 years, this friendly little line has operated in the relaxed style of a country branch line railroad, with authentically painted and lettered equipment.
Choices
Diesel locomotives power trains on the 40-minute round trip, with hourly departures on operating days. In addition to scheduled passenger trains, a variety of special events take place throughout the season. They include Easter Bunny, Harvest Moon, Halloween and Santa specials, as well as the Bow Wow Express, wine and cheese, and fall foliage trains.
When to go
WK&S operates trains on Sundays from May through October. As it passes farms and orchards and crosses Ontelaunee Creek, the excursion takes riders through beautiful scenery at any time of year. The fall colors in late September and early October on the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. check the railroad’s website for more information on the updated schedule.
Good to know
Every train includes an open-air car and a caboose as well as a standard, open-window coach.
Worth doing
A visit to WK&S can easily be combined with a trip to other rail attractions such as Steamtown National Historic Site and the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine. Also close by are the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, Crystal Cave, and Hawk Mountain Raptor Sanctuary.
Don’t miss
Ride the left side of the train for the best views of Ontelaunee Creek and vistas of the nearby mountains, orchards, and farms.
Getting there
WK&S is located in east-central Pennsylvania, 5 miles north of I-78, just off Route 737 in Kempton. Follow signs to the station, which is a short distance north of the village.
Location: 42 Community Center Drive, Kempton, PA
Phone: 610-756-6469
Website: kemptontrain.com
E-mail: allaboard@kemptontrain.com
