On a day when I’m looking for a lot of climbing, I plan to do this ride. Its an out and back route on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a big uphill day with the goal to get all the way to Mount Mitchell (6,000 feet of climbing). Then mostly downhill back into Asheville (still another 1,700 feet of climbing). A nice feature about this route is that you can turn around and coast downhill from any point – whenever you have had enough climbing. I’ll likely try to do this ride on a weekday when the traffic is less.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of my favorite roads to ride. It is a hike on a bike. Lots of scenic overlooks, a few good rest areas (Craggy Gardens at mile 19.5, and the top of Mount Mitchell at mile 33.6), and a restaurant near the top of Mount Mitchell (although it is currently closed and I don’t know when it will be re-opened) with a wonderful view. There are a few tunnels on this route, so be sure to bring a headlight.
Useful Links
Starting and ending at the Blue Ridge Visitors Center in Ashville. Here is the link:
https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/poi/blue-ridge-parkway-visitor-center/
Mount Mitchell State Park. Check this site to see if the restaurant is open. Otherwise there are snack foods at the top of Mount Mitchell and at Craggy Gardens.
https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/mount-mitchell-state-park
Where to park
I plan to start at the Blue Ridge Visitors Center in Asheville. Its right on the parkway and free to park. A good place to fill up water bottles before the ride. I’ve never visited this facility, but it looks interesting, if there is time. The address is: 195 Hemphill Knob Rd Asheville, NC 28803
Description
Here is how I plan to execute this ride. I’ll get up early and drive the two hours to Asheville. I’ll keep my bike lite be only bringing two water bottles. I will stop at most scenic overlooks on the climb. I like to take breaks, and the overlooks will be mostly on my side of the road during the climb (so not crossing traffic). I will stop at Graggy Gardens (about 20 miles in) to refill water bottles and take a longer break. I’ll also stop at the top of Mount Mitchell (33.6 miles in) to refill water bottles again. I’ll see if the restaurant is open on the way up Mount Mitchell, and if it is I will stop for a meal and the views. If not, I’ll grab something small at the visitors center at the top. Getting back is the easier part as it is mostly downhill, but still 1,700 feet of climbing on the way back.
Here is a link to my route plan on Strava for this ride: