Start your Pennsylvania morning off right as you and your group encounter the treasure of southeastern Penn state, the tourist railroad located in Boyertown and Pottstown by the name of Colebrookdale Railroad, otherwise known as the Secret Valley Line. Part of the Secret Valley Natural, Recreation, and Heritage Area, this 8.6 mile long railroad takes visitors back to a place and time when iron rails still connected people, when steam locomotives ruled the transportation world and when soldiers needed a ride back home from the Civil War. This feat of epic engineering and heroic human drama is located deep within the woods sheltering the Manatawny and Ironstone Creeks, a supposedly mythical secret valley that holds white-tailed deer, great blue heron, bald eagles, and a trace of past pioneers and patriots.
While here your group will be able to choose from one of several different two to three hour tours of the area, the options including such seasonal themes as Autumn Splendor, Bonfire Train Haunted History, Cabin Fever, Christmas Lights, Valentine's Day Date Night, Wine and Cheese, Bountiful Harvest, and so on. You will learn about the history of the area, of the iron production and of this being the core corridor in which guests could observe 19th century technology innovations and industrial expansion as well as 20th century international steel markets. Enjoy the history, beauty, geology, and scenery of one of the most historic and naturally unspoiled places in the state, the rushing creeks much the same as they were a century and a half ago. There are current plans and construction on trails for hiking and biking in this area, as well as for fishing, camping, kayaking, bird watching, and nature tours!
