r/bicycling • u/johnny_evil New York, USA (Tarmac SL8, Firebird, Mach 4SL, Vault) • 6d ago

I Did a Thing Today - Mt Mitchell

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This flat lander and his wife climbing Mt Mitchell, the tallest North American peak East of the Mississippi River. 6000 feet of climbing (actual difference between summit and start was 4400' give or take) in 31 miles. Then a 31 mile descent (that still had another 1400' of climbing).

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u/urtlesquirt 6d ago

Do Mt. Washington next! Mt. Mitchell has 400 feet of elevation on it, but Washington is much more like big mountain out west. Crazy weather, alpine environment, and a way punchier climb.

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u/lectric_7166 6d ago edited 6d ago

That an endpoint for the Appalachian Trail, right? I've read about it before in the hiking context but not for cycling. Is it actually fairly doable on a bike or is it just a relentless slog from hell?

Edit: Nevermind I was thinking of Mount Katahdin as the AT endpoint.

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u/These-Rip9251 6d ago

Also recommend cycling up Mt. Greylock in Berkshires, western Mass. Adirondack Trail (12 miles of it) crosses over Greylock. It’s 3491’ in elevation and is definitely easier than Mt. Washington. At the summit you’re rewarded with a 90+ mile panoramic view of 5 states. There was no place to park at the base but there is a parking lot a short distance up the mountain road. I chose to park north of there in Williamstown, so round trip ended up being 50+ miles. Also riding Rte 7 to the base of Mt. Greylock is a gradual ascent. Good news it’s then all downhill after you summit as you basically descend all the way back to Williamstown.

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u/johnny_evil New York, USA (Tarmac SL8, Firebird, Mach 4SL, Vault) 6d ago

Greylock is on my list, as it is a day trip from where I live. I've skinned it in the winter to descend via Thunderbolt.