There’s an old saying: “Getting there is half the fun.”
Here in the Raystown Lake Region, we challenge that adage because we know being here is tremendously more fun than getting here. That being said, below are some fun ways to travel to the region that you might not have thought about, but could be worth a try.
BY PLANE
In the fall of 2024, Contour Airlines partnered with the Altoona Blair County Airport (AOO) to offer direct flights from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in North Carolina. This quick, comfortable and easy jet service sure beats the nearly eight-hour drive it takes to get here from Charlotte. CLT is a hub for American Airlines, which links directly with Contour Airlines to get you here from just about anywhere. If nobody is meeting you at AOO, no worries! Avis has a rental car counter at the airport that is open seven days a week. Other nearby airports include Johnstown (JST), University Park (SCE) and Harrisburg International (MDT).
BY SEAPLANE
That’s right! Raystown Lake is an official landing zone for seaplanes. Raystown Lake is open to seaplanes within a designated landing zone. When on water, seaplanes are subject to all vessel requirements, so don’t fly in without your personal floatation devices (PFDs) on board.
BY TRAIN
The Amtrak Pennsylvanian stops in Huntingdon twice daily, and by the end of 2026, it should be four times daily. From the west you can get on a train in Pittsburgh to travel over the Allegheny Mountains, through the Gallitzin and Spruce Creek tunnels and around the historic Horseshoe Curve on your way. From the east you can board the train in New York, Philadelphia or Harrisburg, (there are other stations in between) and travel across the state over the historic Rockville Bridge and up the beautiful Juniata River Valley. The Huntingdon station is located right in downtown Huntingdon and is a short walk to the Comfort Inn or Gage Mansion for places to stay. Once you arrive, rental cars are available by reservation from Enterprise, or you can rent a bike or electric bike from Rothrock Outfitters right around the corner.
BY BIKE
Speaking of bikes or electric bikes, you can follow the Sept. 11 National Memorial Trail into the Raystown Lake Region in between the Flight 93 Memorial and the World Trade Center Memorial.
ON FOOT
The Great Eastern Trail connects Alabama with New York’s Finger Lakes and passes through Huntingdon County on the Standing Stone Trail and Mid State Trail.