Mitchell -- The real difficulty of this climb is that it comes at the end of a long ride in the Assault. Hwy 80 has 2-3 miles at 8% and the grade on the parkway has sustained 5-7% stretches. The Mitchell road has 2 miles at 9-10%. There is a 2.5 mile downhill on the Parkway approach to the Mitchell Rd and a flat stretch and slight down in the last 1.5 miles to the summit.

Cherohala -- The east side climbs 3000 ft in 7 miles but there is a short downhill along the way. More climbing can be added by starting closer to Robbinsville.

Clingman's Dome -- I haven't been up from Gatlinburg, too much traffic, but I have many times climbed from Oconolufftee to the top for a total gain of right at 5000 ft (4643 vertical) in 23 miles. The first 5 miles are pretty flat though. The climb hits a flat ridge of about a mile at 5000 ft and there is a good downhill on the Dome Rd. And yes, we have taken our bikes right up the tower when the road is closed. The last half mile is very steep on the paved trail and the waterbars make for interesting obstacals.

Brasstown Bald -- Of TdGa fame. The road has pitches to 22% and when combined with one or two of the climbs below makes for a very tough climb. Hogpen Gap has pitches at 15%. Not sure about the total climb or distance as I haven't been on them yet.