It maintains a grade of 70.9 percent, making it one of the steepest inclines globally.
The incline was designed to allow residents to quickly reach high ground following the catastrophic 1889 Johnstown Flood.
The system is counterbalanced, meaning the weight of the descending car helps pull the ascending car to the top.
It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The original steam-powered machinery was converted to electric operation in 1911.
The incline was essential for the development of the Westmont suburb, which was the first planned residential community in the area.
During the 1936 St. Patrick's Day Flood, the Inclined Plane was used as a lifeline to transport supplies and people when the city valley was submerged.
The Johnstown Inclined Plane is one of the steepest vehicular inclined planes in the world, rising 502 feet over a distance of 896.5 feet. Originally constructed in 1891 to provide a rapid escape route for residents during the Great Flood of 1889, it connects the city of Johnstown in the valley to the Westmont plateau. The funicular operates using two counterbalanced cars that travel on a double-track system, with each car capable of carrying passengers, bicycles, and even automobiles. The site features a visitor center at the top station that details the history of the Johnstown floods and the engineering of the funicular. The structure has undergone several major rehabilitations, including a significant multi-year modernization project completed in the 2020s to ensure structural integrity and code compliance. The base station sits in the valley near the Conemaugh River, while the upper station overlooks the entire Johnstown metropolitan area.
The viewing deck at the upper station provides the best panoramic vantage point of the city below.
Check the official website for current operational status before departure, as maintenance or severe weather can occasionally cause closures.
Bring a light jacket, as temperatures at the top of the plateau are often slightly cooler and windier than in the valley.
If you are a cyclist, the funicular allows bikes on board, providing an easy way to access the trails on the plateau.
Do not attempt to walk up the steep incline tracks; stay strictly within the designated boarding areas.
Operations are subject to seasonal adjustments; the plane is generally closed on specific major holidays and may have modified service on weekdays.
