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Pennsylvania Abandoned|Hiking|History|Nature

There's An Abandoned Aqueduct In Pennsylvania That Was Never Completed And It's Eerily Fascinating

By Beth Price-Williams | Published March 18, 2022

A hike through Pennsylvania’s forests and state parks often means discovering pieces of history we probably never knew existed. Buchanan State Forest, for example, features a trail that’s brimming with history and that passes the site where a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, then a German POW camp during World War II, once sat. You’ll also pass an aqueduct in Pennsylvania with a fascinating backstory, making this unique trail well worth a visit.

A one-of-a-kind adventure awaits along the Sideling Hill History Trail, a picturesque path that travels two miles through Buchanan State Forest in Clearville.

Before you set off, make sure you’ve got everything you need for a safe journey – plenty of water, a flashlight for your walk through Sideling Hill Tunnel, and bug spray in the warmer months.

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Cell phone coverage can be spotty along the remote path, so keep that in mind. You might want to let someone know where you’ll be in case of an emergency.

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The meandering path leads to several abandoned structures, most notably the South Penn Railroad Aqueduct that dates back to the 1800s and was meant to be part of a planned railroad in the area.

What makes the aqueduct so fascinating is its history. With stone brought over from Sicily, the Italian masons built the aqueduct without any mortar.

Standing strong to this day, the aqueduct measures 199 feet long, 15 feet high, and 10 feet wide.

However, the aqueduct is just one of the historic highlights of the trail that will take you through the abandoned Sideling Hill Tunnel and past the site of a former German POW camp during World War II.

Visit the official website of Buchanan State Forest for more information. Or, find a trail map for Sideling Hill History Trail on All Trails.

Have you been to this abandoned aqueduct in Pennsylvania? Share your experience in the comments! Did you know you can also explore the ruins of an abandoned bottling plant at Valley Forge National Historical Park?

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Buchanan State Forest, Clearville, PA 15535, USA