A tough climb along a ridge to an unmarked summit.

Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania

Ride 3.1 miles gaining 1,313’ at 8% average grade.

This is a gorgeous climb during fall colors.  Just seven miles from Williamsport, this climb offers a real challenge with a quarter-mile near the top at 12% (half mile at 11%).

Exceptional scenery during fall colors.

“The east side of Route 44 is a tough climb along a ridge to an unmarked but obvious summit.  Over moderate grade to begin, you encounter close to 20% near its top and it is another contender for the most difficult climb in Pennsylvania.  It is also a very fast descent. The west side of Route 44 is also one of the most difficult climbs in the state.” (This quote is provided with the approval of John Summerson from his book The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), 2nd Edition, pg. 96.)

PJAMM Adventure App shows the climb’s gradient.

Fall colors.

Now THAT’S our speed.  👍👍

Williamsport is seven miles from the start of the climb.

Climb summary by Dan Razum:

Route 44 has rolling terrain for about a half-mile after its intersection with Route 554. The climb starts just past
a large barn, where the road dips to the bottom of a small gully.  You pass some houses and then enter the forest
on the mountain.

Enter the forest about one-half mile from start of climb.

The road is two lanes and fairly wide, with a decent shoulder most of the way, although it does disappear in some spots. The pavement is in good condition and there are no sharp turns, which makes for a nice descent.

Great road and smooth, fairly straight, descent.

There is some light traffic but the road feels safe, you aren't too crowded to the side when cars pass.

Halfway up the climb you can glimpse the valley below through the trees, but there isn't any open area where you
get a really nice view.  The last section near the top kicks up fairly steeply but after that you're finished, so
you can push hard and rest at the top.  There is a large parking area at the top, with a trailhead for
hiking.  If you continue a couple hundred yards past the summit there is a small area with a nice view of the
valley on the other side.  It's worth riding the extra distance to take in the view.

Parking lot at the top.

View back down to the valley below.

Route 44 East is a nice little climb, starting in rolling farmland at the bottom and ending in the forest at the top.