Description
The trail overlooks the historic Dixie switchbacks used and abandoned by the Sumpter Valley Railway. The switchbacks were built to maintain acceptable grades into the John Day Valley. At 5277 feet, it was the highest point on the original Sumpter Valley Railway mainline. Interpretive signs along the route show history of the Sumpter Valley Railway and how it came to be built into Prairie City and why the route was abandoned. This trail is rated "Most Difficult."
Parking and Trail Access
Access: From Prairie City, travel east on US Highway 26 about 8 miles. The interpretive site is located before Dixie Summit, on the righ hand side of the road.