Montrose: Revolutionary Syrup Rush
40 miles | 5,564’ | 84% unpaved
Challenge yourself on this rugged gravel loop from Montrose, featuring rolling farmland, dry stone walls, maple forests, and one of the toughest rides in the Endless Mountains.
Make sure your climbing legs are ready for this steep, hilly route. With practically no flat sections over 40 miles, riders are either climbing or descending throughout this loop. Combined with nearly 85% unpaved roads, the miles won't come easy, but the views are worth every pedal stroke. Ride past countless picturesque farms, along miles of beautiful dry stone walls, and through forests tapped for maple syrup before capping off the ride with a quick detour around the cemetery.
Montrose was settled and incorporated in the early 1800s and laid out in a style common to New England, reflecting the heritage of many of its founders. The broad Public Avenue stretches toward the Susquehanna County Courthouse, while the spacious village green remains the heart of the community today. Surrounding it are stately Colonial and Victorian-era homes, churches, and civic buildings that make Montrose one of the best-preserved historic downtowns in the Endless Mountains. Just off the green, the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association welcomes visitors to explore exhibits and archives that tell the story of the county, from its Revolutionary-era settlement through the railroad age and beyond.
During the mid-1800s, Montrose also became an important stop on the Underground Railroad, with many local residents playing a significant role in helping freedom seekers escape slavery. Rather than simply debating abolition, dozens of citizens actively participated in the network. Of the 82 known Underground Railroad agents identified in northeastern Pennsylvania, 21 came from Susquehanna County, a remarkable testament to the area's commitment to the cause. Today, this legacy remains an important part of Montrose's history and is commemorated through local historic sites, exhibits, and guided programs.
This route is featured as part of the annual May Starrucca Crossing event, founded by Pat Engleman of Cliffview Productions. We highly recommend joining the event, where riders can benefit from full support, aid stations, and the camaraderie of a vibrant cycling community.
