Medic Zero

I'm going to be passing near here on my way from the train station to a short bike camping trip nearby. I'd actually like to get a few more miles in before I get to my destination anyways and am looking for side trips in the area in the 2-6 hour range.

Anyone done this? Is it possible with a loaded touring rig? The City's website describes it as gaining 943 feet of elevation in 1.5 miles. I ride a really heavy late 80's GT steel MTB with full camping gear. Fairly strong rider - 100 miles a week commuting and lots of walking at work, and regular 40 mile rides, but only lightly loaded most of the time. I'm looking for a derailer that can handle a wider spread of gears but at the moment I am running my 53-42-32 triple that I love for commuting and won't have changed that before I leave a couple of weeks from now.

Thanks!