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Print Friendly MapThe Old Pa Pike Trail (TOPP) is a 8.5-mile trail constructed on the former site of Pennsylvania's Turnpike, which has since been rerouted.
About the Route
The 8-mile route maintains a relatively flat route, although trail users will encounter some hills as the road winds through the Pennsylvania Hillside. Currently, the trail is under development and has no amenities (outside of the Sideling Hill Service Plaza), so trail users must be able to navigate these conditions along the way including the tunnels (which are unlighted) and other potential hazards.
Notable attractions along the trail include the Sideling Hill And Ray Hill Tunnel as well as the old Civilian Conservation Corps camp just off the trail.
Trail History
This section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike was abandoned in 1968 after frequent congestion the Sideling Hill and Rays Hill Tunnels. A new section of highway was constructed that year to bypass these crowded two-lane tunnels. Eventually the road was sold to the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy and eventually reopened as a bike trail.
The Old Pa Pike Trail runs between US 30 (Breezewood) and Pump Station Rd. (Sideling Hill).
Parking is available at the Sideling Hill Service Plaza.
Please see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
Please make sure you have bike lights, flashlights etc… those tunnels are dark!!
I just rode the trail 11 Oct 2025- shortly after the new Sideling Hill Trailhead grand opening a couple of weeks ago. I utilized the PA Turnpike to drive up from Harrisburg area- very easy and trouble free- just know that afterward you have to drive another 10 miles UP the turnpike to turn around and head back to Harrisburg....ugh 20 additional miles, even though both East and West bound have access to the Sideling Hill Rest Stop. Trail Head had really nice bike servicing equipment and picnic tables- Lots of food options at Rest stop- everything you need after 20 mile ride- Burgers and Pizza!! Leaving the rest stop- you ride a service road that is open to bikers (Mountain House Road). You then come to a 4 way stop- Make a left on North Hess Road- you will see a old farm/log cabin house on your right (see my pictures)- go straight this road will turn in to Pump Station Road- ride for about 1/4 of a mile do not turn on the first unmarked road on your right- go to the second road on your right just after the first one- look for a mail box- there is a home that shares the access- ride past home and you will be at the TOPP Trail- you will see cement road barriers on your left- this is the entrance to the trail- Enjoy your ride for the next 8 miles or so. The first tunnel you reach is about 1.5 miles up- This one is long and dark maybe a mile long. The second one is shorter. The trail is rough in sections due to the blacktop being torn up- if your a Pennsylvanian- this a typical PA road LOL potholes! Beware if you are with children or offend easily- There is a TON of Graffiti and things that will make a sailor blush (I used to be in the Navy). There is some really talented art work along the ride though. I would recommend mountain bikes or gravel bikes- my bike has 45MM tires and I rode with 35 psi which I thought was perfect for the rough areas. This trail was "Creepy Cool" and a perfect ride for a fall day and Halloween around the corner!
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