Adventure Collective
Experience the Glen Rock Express: A Nostalgic Ride on the Northern Central Railway - New Freedom

Experience the Glen Rock Express: A Nostalgic Ride on the Northern Central Railway

New Freedomeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–2 hours

Fitness Level

This is a leisurely ride suitable for all ages and fitness levels; minimal walking required mostly for boarding and disembarking.

Overview

Step aboard the Glen Rock Express in New Freedom, PA, for a multi-generational train ride that blends scenic countryside with the rich history of the Northern Central Railway. Discover why this heritage railroad is a treasure of the local outdoor and cultural scene.

New Freedom, Pennsylvania

Grandparents Day! Glen Rock Express

All Ages • 1 Hour • Ride Free*•Glen Rock • Steam Engine

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About This Adventure

All Aboard Grandparents!

Duration

1 Hour

About

Attention all Grandparents! Treat the parents and bring your grandchildren along for the ride behind our retired PRR GP9 #6076! Embark on a round trip to Glen Rock, PA, and delve into the history of the local areas. Child tickets are complimentary for the day. Remember, "Parents know best, but Grandparents know better". Approximately one hour round trip depending on destination.

Please Note

  • Children 13 years old and younger ride for free!
  • Please visit our Gift Shop to check in and receive your boarding pass.
  • Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.

Coach Accommodation Options

D. Reed Anderson Car

!Anderson 2

With a seating area for passengers as well as a storage area for baggage, the aptly-named combine car was important to railroads in the late nineteenth century. Our combine car, the D. Reed Anderson coach, holds special meaning as it is named for one of Northern Central Railway of York’s co-founders. Patterned after an 1880s-era combine car, this coach can seat up to 32 passengers, and is available for public seating as well as small group private seating. When constructing this coach, special attention was paid to restoring 1920s-vintage Hale and Kilburn cushioned walkover seats, which can be reversed to face the direction of travel. The D. Reed Anderson houses two restrooms and is handicapped accessible. Like our other passenger cars, this coach features coal stoves and operable windows for all-season use.

Abraham Lincoln Car

!Lincoln2

The Northern Central Railway will forever be connected with President Abraham Lincoln, who rode these rails to and from delivering the Gettysburg Address in 1863. Sadly, less than two years later, on April 21, 1865, the nine-car Lincoln Funeral Train would use these tracks when traveling from Baltimore to Harrisburg and beyond. Our Abraham Lincoln car incorporates the look and feel of an 1870s passenger coach. The vibrant car embraces Victorian motifs and features plush green seats that can be reversed to face the direction of travel. Like our other passenger cars, the Abraham Lincoln coach incorporates authentic nineteenth century heating via coal stoves as well as operable windows to bring the outside in and provide fresh, cool air.

New Freedom Car

!New Freedom 1

Named for the home base for the Northern Central Railway of York, the New Freedom replicates the appearance of a standard passenger coach from the 1860s. In true Victoria Era fashion, the lavish car features a colorful interior, with plush red seats that can be reversed to face the direction of travel. With seating for up to 56 passengers, the New Freedom coach incorporates authentic 19th century heating and cooling – coal stoves to heat the car during the cold months and open windows to cool the car during the warm season. As for the car’s namesake, New Freedom was incorporated in 1873 and named for the Free family. The borough houses both our engine house as well as our passenger station – the historic New Freedom Railroad Station, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

South Branch Car

!South Branch

The tracks of the Northern Central Railway wind through the rolling hills and peaceful valleys of southern York County, paralleling and occasionally crossing the South Branch of the Codorus Creek. South Branch also happens to be the name of our 1860s-era open-air coach, which offers a unique riding experience. With seating for up to 36 passengers, the layout of the coach features cushioned seats in the center of the car, facing outward on each side to provide spectacular views of quaint towns and picturesque countryside. During the warmer months, the large windows are open to allow refreshing airflow, while in the colder months the windows are closed to retain the warmth courtesy of an era-appropriate coal stove. Wicker chairs provide additional seating options for passengers.

Caboose

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This newly restored No.613 Caboose Car provided a unique passenger experience. You have the opportunity to ride in the 'best seat of the train'' in the cupola seats. There is also a restroom and air conditioning onboard. The additional seats available are wicker chairs.

Gondola

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Enjoy the outdoor elements (rain or shine) of riding along the NCR line inside the standing-only open-air Gondola car. Passengers can roam throughout the car to see all of the sights of the York County Heritage Rail Trail. This newly 1906 restored Gondola car No. 8146 was restored in 2022 for the Bike Aboard program.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early for Best Seating

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to choose preferred seats, especially if traveling with children or seniors.

Dress in Layers

Open windows and changing weather means layering is key for comfort throughout your trip.

Bring Binoculars for Wildlife Spotting

Carry binoculars to enhance views of local deer, birds, and the rural landscape along the route.

Check the Weather Before You Go

While the train ride goes rain or shine, severe weather can affect schedules – plan accordingly.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer
  • Eastern bluebirds

History

Northern Central Railway has roots dating back to 1854 and played a vital role in Pennsylvania’s industrial growth.

Conservation

The railway operates with a commitment to preserving historic infrastructure and promoting sustainable tourism through low-impact passenger experiences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

For walking to and from the train station and within New Freedom's town area.

Light Jacket or Sweater

Essential

Spring weather may be cool during the ride, layering helps stay comfortable.

spring specific

Sun Hat and Sunscreen

Essential

Protect yourself from sun exposure on open-air sections of the train in summer.

summer specific

Camera or Smartphone

Essential

Capture the scenic views and special moments of your heritage train experience.