Mount Mitchell NC question
 

Hi all, I tried posting this question in the Southeast sub-forum but haven't seen a response. Not sure how actively visited that forum is so posting here, too.

I'm looking into cycling up Mount Mitchell in NC. I'm from the Northeast so not familiar with the area. when I do a Google Maps from either Marion or Asheville NC, it doesn't show that the last several miles (Rte 128) to the top is rideable. When I have Maps set to 'cycling', the directions say to 'walk your bike' once it gets to the turn off to Rte 128. The car instructions don't show as being able to make the turn (unless I drag the route manually from the Blue Ridge Parkway). Anyone familiar with the climb and whether Rte 128 is open to bikes and/or cars these days? Everything I read on-line about the park suggests that it is open so not sure if I just encountered a quirk with Google Maps. Thanks in advance.

Yes, it’s paved and rideable. It’s the destination of the “Mt. Mitchell Hill Climb” century, among others.

https://theassaults.com/assault-on-mt-mitchell/

With RideWithGPS set to Cycling, it shows it as 33 miles one-way from the intersection of US70 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The BRP is the common route.

You can ride all the way to the parking lot near the top. From there it is a 1/4 mile or so that is restricted to foot traffic to get to the top.

Awesome ride. The Blue Ridge Parkway is spectacular.

Just check ahead of time that the parkway or park hasn't closed the entrance at the bottom of the final climb off the parkway to the top. Sometimes they have during pandemic times for some odd reason. Even then, I'm pretty sure folks legally or not hopped the gate and rode up then rode down.

Otherwise, yes, rideable.

I'm guessing the snack shop at the top is currently closed, so take enough food and water.

Great, thanks for the responses, appreciate it!

I drove to the top of Mount Mitchell two weeks ago and saw a bunch of cyclist finishing the climb. The restrooms are now open, but the office/concession stand/gift shop are closed. The restaurant just below the top parking lot is closed also.

Thanks, sounds like I'll need to be careful about bringing enough to eat and drink. Now, my only problem is convincing my wife that me doing this hill climb on my bike is a great vacation idea :lol: