PA 144 enters the Nittany Valley and heads into the community of Pleasant Gap, running past homes and a few commercial establishments and coming to a northbound runaway truck ramp. The road curves to the west-northwest and runs through more residential areas, crossing an abandoned railroad line before reaching an intersection with PA 26 and the northern terminus of PA 144 Truck. Past this junction, the route becomes North Main Street through more developed areas, passing under a Nittany and Bald Eagle Railroad line. PA 144 becomes Axemann Road and runs through a mix of farm fields and development, curving north and running to the east of Logan Branch and a Nittany and Bald Eagle Railroad line. The road passes under Interstate 99 (I-99) and US 220 and winds north through wooded areas with some homes, heading through the community of Axemann. The route curves northwest and continues parallel to the creek and railroad line, passing to the northeast of a factory before heading into the borough of Bellefonte. Here, PA 144 becomes Pine Street and turns northeast into residential areas. The route bends north onto South Spring Street and heads into the commercial downtown, turning east onto West Bishop Street. A block later, PA 144 intersects PA 550 and turns north for a concurrency with that route on South Allegheny Street. PA 550 splits from PA 144 west of the Centre County Courthouse by turning west onto West High Street, with PA 144 continuing north along North Allegheny Street. The route leaves downtown Bellefonte and runs past homes, turning west onto West Linn Street. PA 144 curves northwest and comes to an intersection with PA 150, where it turns north to join PA 150, with the road heading north into areas of homes and businesses. PA 144/PA 150 enters Spring Township again and becomes Pleasantview Boulevard, heading into wooded areas with some commercial development, curving to the northeast before heading to the northwest. The road passes through a gap in forested Bald Eagle Mountain and crosses into Boggs Township, turning to the north again. PA 144/PA 150 heads into the borough of Milesburg and becomes Turnpike Street, passing homes. The two route turn northwest onto Mill Street and pass businesses, crossing Bald Eagle Creek. Past this, the road becomes a divided highway, soon widening to four lanes as it crosses over a Nittany and Bald Eagle Railroad line and comes to an interchange with US 220 Alternate (US 220 Alt.).