Mountain Passes

[LaurenFan]

What are the steepest and most treacherous mountain passes that railroads have to contend with in the eastern United States? Which ones are in places like the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains or the Allegheny Mountains etc?

[Colorado_Mac]

There are many of course but my favorite is Sand Patch in southern Pennsylvania. Originally Baltimore and Ohio, now CSX Transportation. 

[ndbprr]

Madison incline, Madison Indiana. Five miles of 5.9%. PRR purchased two extra ballasted SD7 engines for use there.

[MidlandMike]

The noteworthy grade in the White Mountains of New Hampshire was the 2.2% grade of Maine Central's Mountain Division up and over Crawford Notch.  It still operates as the Crawford Scenic tourist line.  I believe it was the highest thru route in New England.

[ndbprr]

The ex PRR mainline from Altoona to Galitzen. ten miles of2+% grade at one time four tracks wide with horseshoe curve at about the midpoint.

[LaurenFan]

Is Madison Incline still open?

[daveklepper]

As far I know, not open.  Someone can give the date of the ending of freight service.

[MidlandMike]

This months Trains Magazine (Dec) has a map of the 50 or so largest classic railroad high points and steepest grades.