The Appalachians are much steeper than the Rockies in most cases. In some places in Western Pennsylvania, Virginia, or East Tennessee you go straight up then straight dwon just to do it all over again. The roads in the West to to have easier grades - albeit over longer distances.

Steep Roads??
3. Gorges du Tarne in the Massif Central
2. Clinch Mountain near Sneedville, Tenn
1. Heckman Pass in British Columbia east of Bella Coola
My rims were smoking going down and I'd never ride up.
http://www.csc.uvic.ca/~msanseve/bik...o/hillmary.jpg

Best - J