Mount Mitchell/ Clingman's Dome, NC

[josullivan]

Based on past years, are the above climbs open towards the end of March/ early April?

I am hoping to start my climbing season in NC with these two signature climbs and would welcome any advice.

Thanks
Brendan O'Sullivan
Mississauga
Ontario

[tj90]

Mt mitchell is a state park. Give them a call. They will be the most reliable source. I know that when planning my trip up mitchell, they were not willing to commit long term to whether they would be open because the conditions change from day to day. When I did it there was snow and ice on the road (the only place where there was snow in NC) and the park was open. I was suprised, but glad they were since I spent 5 hours of misery/exhilaration climbing up and down from Marion. definitely epic.

[Velo Vol]

I see that Clingman's Dome road is officially opening earlier this year: March 16, 2012.

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/clingmansdome.htm

[skiffrun]

A couple buddies are planning to ride Marion -> Mt. Mitchell, and back, on Apr-02.

They're not worried about the roads being closed.
If you're thinking of the amenities, see the above posts.

[BikeWNC]

Too bad the Clingman's Rd is open early. I had planned to take my daughter up there on her bike this weekend.

[josullivan]

I didn't manage to ride Mount Mitchell in the Spring but I am hoping to go the first or second week of October.
Is the ride doable then, assuming the weather is good, or will the top be too cold/icy/snowy?

Good cycling
Brendan O'Sullivan
Mississauga
Ontario

[NealH]

You will be Ok. There is always a chance that you run into some rogue weather up at that elevation but, early Fall is not a bad time to plan a ride up. Just bring your arm warmers and vest. The decent can be cool.

[Creatre]

I didn't manage to ride Mount Mitchell in the Spring but I am hoping to go the first or second week of October.
Is the ride doable then, assuming the weather is good, or will the top be too cold/icy/snowy?

Good cycling
Brendan O'Sullivan
Mississauga
Ontario

Keep in mind these climbs are only in the ~6k ft range. They are rideable a decent amount of the year, assuming you bring along some decent warm weather gear (especially if you are going to descend as well).

[BikeWNC]

We sometimes get an early snow in Oct. but usually the only issue will be the leaf lookers driving mindlessly on the BRP. Be prepared for a very cool descent and you should be fine.