Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad

The Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad, widely known as the Reading & Northern, is a regional railroad in eastern Pennsylvania that runs both freight service and a passenger excursion program. Its Reading location at 3501 Pottsville Pike serves as a boarding point and ticket office for scenic train rides that travel north out of the city through Berks County and into the anthracite coal region beyond. The passenger department can be reached at +1 610-562-2102.

Unlike a static museum or a short demonstration line, the Reading & Northern is a working freight carrier that moves coal, aggregates, lumber, chemicals and other commodities over hundreds of miles of track. The excursion trains share that same railroad, which means passengers travel over main line trackage used daily by commercial trains rather than a short loop built solely for visitors.

Background and history

The company traces its origins to the 1980s, when Pennsylvania shortline operators began acquiring branches and secondary routes that larger carriers were abandoning after the decline of the anthracite coal industry and the restructuring of the Northeast's rail network. From a modest starting point, the Reading & Northern grew by purchasing additional lines across Berks, Schuylkill, Carbon, Luzerne, Northumberland and Columbia counties, rebuilding track and bridges that had fallen into disrepair.

Much of the territory it covers was once operated by the Reading Company and the Central Railroad of New Jersey, two names deeply tied to the history of coal transportation in Pennsylvania. That heritage is reflected in the railroad's paint schemes, its restored equipment and the historic station buildings along its routes. The passenger program grew out of that preservation interest and has expanded over the years into a regular schedule of public excursions operating from several communities in the region.

Excursions and destinations

Trains departing from the Reading area travel north along the former Reading Company main line, passing through the Schuylkill River valley, farmland, small boroughs and stretches of woodland. Longer excursions continue toward Jim Thorpe in Carbon County, a mountain town in the Lehigh Gorge known for its Victorian architecture, Asa Packer Mansion, shops and hiking trails. Those trips are typically structured so that passengers have several hours to explore the town before the return journey, making the ride itself only part of the day.

The railroad also operates excursions from other points in its system, including Port Clinton in Schuylkill County, which serves as the company's headquarters and shop complex, and Jim Thorpe, where short rides run along the Lehigh River into Lehigh Gorge State Park. Additional seasonal services have operated between Nesquehoning and Hometown, crossing the Hometown High Bridge, one of the more dramatic structures on the system. Schedules, departure points and trip lengths vary by season, so it is worth calling ahead to confirm which trains are running on a given date.

Equipment and the steam program

Passenger trains are typically made up of restored mid-century coaches, many dating from the streamliner era and refurbished with new interiors, climate control and large windows suited to sightseeing. Some consists include lounge cars, dome or first class accommodations and open-window coaches depending on the trip.

The railroad is also known among rail enthusiasts for its steam locomotives. Baldwin-built 4-6-0 No. 425, a former Gulf, Mobile & Northern engine, has pulled excursions on the line for decades. More recently the company returned Reading Company T-1 class 4-8-4 No. 2102 to service, a large locomotive originally built in the Reading shops and used in the mid-twentieth century on both freight assignments and the Reading Rambles excursion program. Steam-powered trips tend to draw visitors and photographers from well beyond the region and often sell out in advance. Diesel power, including units painted in heritage schemes, handles the majority of the regular excursion schedule.

Seasonal and themed trains

The excursion calendar changes through the year and generally includes:

• Spring and summer scenic trips to Jim Thorpe and along the Lehigh Gorge
• Fall foliage excursions timed to peak color in the Blue Mountain and Carbon County highlands
• Holiday trains in late November and December, including Santa-themed rides for families
• Winter and early spring specials such as Valentine's Day and other dated event trains
• Steam-powered excursions announced for selected weekends

Fall is the busiest period, and trains running during foliage season frequently reach capacity. Holiday trains aimed at children usually include appearances by seasonal characters and are structured as shorter round trips rather than full day outings.

Onboard details

Most excursion consists include restroom facilities and a concession car selling snacks, soft drinks, coffee and, on some trips, hot food items. Souvenirs such as shirts, hats, mugs and railroad-themed gifts are commonly available on board or at the departure point. Conductors and volunteers often provide narration along the way, pointing out bridges, tunnels, former mining sites, river crossings and points of local history that would be easy to miss otherwise.

Seating classes vary by train. Standard coach seating is the most widely available, while lounge, first class and premium cars are offered on certain departures and carry different fares. Because trip lengths range from roughly one hour to a full day, passengers should confirm the duration of their chosen excursion when booking.

Visiting and practical information

The Reading boarding location sits along Pottsville Pike (Route 61) on the north side of the city, convenient to Route 222, Route 61 and the Reading area road network. The site has a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. Travelers with mobility needs who require assistance boarding a rail car are encouraged to call the passenger department in advance so arrangements can be discussed before the day of travel.

Several practical points apply to most excursions:

• Arrive early, as boarding usually begins well before departure and trains leave on schedule
• Reservations are recommended, particularly for fall foliage, steam and holiday trains
• Dress for the weather, since station platforms are outdoors and layover towns involve walking
• Bring a camera, as the routes pass through river gorges, farmland and mountain scenery
• Check in advance for current schedules and departure points, which rotate among several communities

For families, rail enthusiasts and visitors looking for a way to see Berks, Schuylkill and Carbon counties from a perspective not available by road, the Reading & Northern provides an outing built around the region's railroading past and its continuing industrial present.