Union Pacific Big Boy - Raystown Lake

Ultimate Guide: Chasing the Union Pacific Big Boy in Huntingdon County

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, history comes alive in the Raystown Lake Region. The legendary Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, the largest operational steam locomotive in the world, is rolling through Huntingdon County.

Because this massive engine is moving on a live, working rail line, you need to plan ahead to get the best view safely. Here is everything you need to know:

The Golden Rule: Safety First

Union Pacific enforces a strict Zero Tolerance safety policy. Let’s keep this event memorable for the right reasons:

Stand Back: You (and your drones) must stay at least 25 feet back from all railroad tracks.
No Trespassing: Railroad tracks, trestles and yards are private property. Do not step onto the tracks or cross them anywhere other than designated public crossings.
Do Not Pace the Train: Route 22 runs parallel to the tracks for several miles. Do not attempt to drive alongside the train to watch it. Keep your eyes on the road, pull over safely in a designated parking lot or view from a stationary location.

Estimated Schedule

The train does not stop in Huntingdon County. Times are estimates based on a 30 mph transit speed. For real-time tracking on July 8, use the Official Union Pacific Steam Tracker.

Location	Estimated Time	Key Landmark / Feature
Mount Union	2-2:02 p.m.	Traversing the historic Stone Arch Trestle over the Juniata River and Division/Jefferson St. bridges.
Mapleton	2:08 p.m.	Passing through Main St. near the Post Office.
Mill Creek	2:16 p.m.	Passing the PA-829 crossing.
Route 22 Corridor	2:17-2:21 p.m.	Visible from Route 22 near Holiday Bowl and Raystown Ford.
Huntingdon Borough	2:25-2:26 p.m.	Passing the Stone Creek Trestle and the Historic Huntingdon Train Station/Hunt Tower.
Spruce Creek / Tyrone	2:48-2:54 p.m.	Enters the Spruce Creek Tunnel; passes Union Furnace Quarry.

Best Public Viewing & Parking Spots

Mount Union River Access & Kistler Bridge

The View: Incredible angles of the train crossing the Stone Arch Trestle.
Where to Park: Mount Union American Legion (135 E. Pennsylvania Ave.). From there, walk 500 yards to the left along Kistler Road to view from the bridge. Alternative primitive viewing is available at the Mount Union River Access launch (be prepared to wade 10–15 feet into the river to look south for the best view!).

Diven Park / Water Street, Mount Union

The View: Watch the engine pass over the Stone Arch bridges on Division and Jefferson Streets.
Where to Park: Public parking near Diven Park (North Division St.) or near the Mount Union Historical Society complex on Water Street.

Route 22 between Mill Creek and Huntingdon

The View: Unobstructed view as the train travels parallel to Route 22
Where to Park: Do not park along the road! Raystown Ford welcomes people to park and area fire departments will be on site to periodically allow pedestrians to safely cross.

Huntingdon Borough Hub

The View: The historic Huntingdon Train Station and the Stone Creek Trestle offer classic backdrops.
Where to Park: Avoid parking directly at the station. Instead, use the Borough Municipal Lots (located behind Downtown OIP and Muddy Run Tavern on Penn, 6th and 8th Streets) or park at Riverside Park, Blair Park, Portstown Park or the Isett Community Pool and take a short walk to the tracks.

Make a Day of It!

Don't just watch and run. Local businesses are rolling out the red carpet for rail fans!

Grab lunch at Nick’s Diner or Mapleton OIP before staking out your viewing spot along the tracks.
Enjoy a post-train dinner in downtown Huntingdon.
Stick around until 7 p.m. for a historic walking tour hosted by the Mount Union Historical Society.

Note: The Big Boy will be on public display with free admission in nearby Altoona on July 9 and 10. No parking is available at the Altoona display site; visitors must use the free shuttles running from Peoples Natural Gas Field.