![Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania - cyclist rides on two-lane road toward horizon, surrounded by fall foliage]()
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%).
![Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania - fall foliage throughout the climb]()
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.)
![Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania - PJAMM Adventure App showing climb's gradient and profile]()
PJAMM Adventure App shows the climb’s gradient.
![Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania - views along the climb during fall colors, roads surrounded by fall foliage]()
Fall colors.
![Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania - horse and buggy seen on the road]()
Now THAT’S our speed. 👍👍
![Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania - Williamsport, views of baseball field, building and signs for Little League International]()
Williamsport is seven miles from the start of the climb.
![Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania - informational plaque from statue of Mighty Casey]()
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.
![Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania Cycling Route 44 East, Pennsylvania - two-lane roadway surrounded by forestation and snow]()
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.