The Vandyke Tram in Tuscarora State Forest’s James C. Nelson Wild Area is an old logging rail line with a seemingly endless network of mysterious stone roads
We set out to explore the Vandyke Tram, an abandoned narrow gauge rail line used in the logging of Tuscarora Mountain in Juniata County. But on this adventure we found way more than expected: a seemingly endless network stone terraces supporting old grades crisscrossing the mountain!
Last logged in approximately 1917, this portion of the mountain is now part of the 5300+ acre James C. Nelson Wild Area of Tuscarora State Forest. We parked in the at the end of a gravel road at 40.53314, -77.28742. It is off of Route 333 between Tuscarora Mountain and the Juniata River. We proceeded uphill on the tail, passing by residual bricks from the brick factory that once occupied this site. The trail split at 40.53300, -77.28061, with a post indicating the trail to the right was the Vandyke Tram and the left was Zartman Pass. We chose to explore Zartman Pass first, enticed by the curved hollow of the mountain.
Zartman Pass is a hollow where the Tuscarora Mountain curved around us in a “U” shape. Looking up and down the hollow we could see multiple parallel stone terraces supporting old roads through the pass. Some of the roads lead to foot paths which fizzle out into the woods. Others turn back on themselves or lead to other paths. What a cool find! After exploring the pass, we looped back on one of the old grades designated the “Wagner Trail” in the direction of the Vandyke Tram.
As one would expect from an old railroad grade, the Vandyke Tram line was a well defined trail that gradually ascended the slope of the mountain diagonally. At 40.52723, -77.28634 we encountered the remains of the inclined plane. We hiked the inclined plane to a terrace with old foundations, steel cable, and stone causeways. Surveying the landscape, we were pleasantly overwhelmed with the myriad of stone grades leading everywhere. Parallel paths and masonry striped the mountain. One could spend many hours exploring the vast network. Resisting the allure of getting sidetracked by the mysterious paths (for now) we returned to the Vandyke Tram Line.
We followed the easy Vandyke Tram, marveling at the landscape until it unceremoniously after about 1.7 miles. Since we only partially ascended the mountain, we explored some of the numerous side paths, hoping they would form a switchback up the mountain. We found that most of these old grades were short lived, either terminating at a terrace or turning back on themselves. Some were quite overgrown and blocked by fallen trees. We found a road leading northeast (the opposite direction from which we came) up the mountain at 40.51879, -77.30434. It is marked by an orange blaze on the tree before the end of the Vandyke Tram.
We followed the mostly clear switchback as it climbed higher and higher, enjoying broken views of the Juniata River valley through the defoliated trees. Many paths branched off, but we steadily followed the grade. We encountered depressions in the ground, forming chutes down the mountain at 40.52420, -77.28819 and 40.52469, -77.28659. These must have been skid roads used to transport logs down the mountain. Now, however, they appear to serve as shortcut trails on the slope. During our winter visit, they were icy death traps, so we proceeded on the grade and discovered the upper terminus of the inclined plane at 40.52510, -77.28517.
The top of the inclined plane is a shelf on the side of the mountain with a large pile of stones. Perhaps the remains of a structure? Next to the rubble we found a concrete slab with protruding bolts, which must have been mounting for equipment. The mounting for the inclined plane’s engine? There are pieces of metal and cable scattered about. What secrets lie beneath the leaves and stones?
From the inclined plane ruins, we followed one of the multitude of old stone grades hugging the contour of the slope. Although the road was one of the most substantial when we started, it abruptly terminated at another pile of stone rubble at 40.52707, -77.27983. We discerned what might have been another log slide, so we took the opportunity to follow it down the mountain since it was unobstructed by the rugged stony terrain that characterizes much of the steep mountainside. To our delight, we intersected with the Ganster Trail about 250 feet below.
We previously encountered the Ganster Trail as one of the major roads through Zartman Pass. The grade led to a vista at 40.53033, -77.27472, about 100 feet above where we previously explored Zartman Pass. From there, we enjoyed scenic views of the Juniata River valley and Shade Mountain on the horizon. From Zartman Pass we completed our circuit back to the trailhead.
The Vandyke Tram at the James C. Nelson Wild Area in Tuscarora State Forest is a lesser-known hike, but worth your attention. It is a true hidden gem. The tram line itself and the grades through Zartman Pass are gradual in elevation and easy, making it a great adventure for families. The aspect of the adventure that most impressed us was the seemingly endless network of stone terraces and grades zig-zagging the mountain. We marveled at the effort that must have gone into constructing them. We’re eager to make a return trip to further explore the old paths and to climb to the top of the mountain.
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
