After months of planning and construction, the narrow-gauge Altoona & Wopsononock Railroad made its first trip to the summit on June 11, 1891. Leaving Juniata at about 8:00 a.m. with only some fifteen passengers aboard, the train headed west along Spring Run before turning directly toward the mountain.

At Homer’s Gap, the small train swung north onto a switchback designed to negotiate the steep terrain. Rounding the wooden trestle, it then doubled back along the hillside, steadily gaining elevation. The inaugural run required 55 minutes to reach Wopsy Station, located directly in front of the Wopsononock Hotel.

From the Altoona Mirror, June 12, 1891: