Climbs of the Southeast – Brasstown Bald

The southeastern United States is filled with great riding and with its multiple mountains contains plenty of solid climbing as well. This month’s ascent certainly qualifies as it is one of the most difficult in the region and is somewhat rare in the US as a climb with history. Located in North Georgia it is a bit isolated but I think you will find the travel and climb worth the effort.

Brasstown Bald

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Total elevation – 1,824 ft Length – 3.1 miles

Average Grade – 11.1% (21%) Rating – 2.14 (cat 1)

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This hill starts out steep along a very tight, twisty road with multiple ramps of 10-15% grade. A dark section gives way to more open views along with a section of 20%. After this steep stretch the grade eases and soon the road comes to an apparent end after 2.5 miles at a parking area. From there you must ride the shuttle van road to the top, a half mile with an average grade of nearly 15% (bikes not allowed; the vans stop running at 6PM during summer). There is a national forest visitor’s center on top (the highest point in Georgia) with great views of the surrounding mountains. If taken all the way up this is a tough hill and it is a fast and somewhat technical descent. This climb was often used as a stage finish in the Tour of Georgia and has seen top pros on its slopes from Danielson to Armstrong to Landis (closed in winter – Chattahoochee National Forest – 706 745-6928).

Crux stretch – The 0.1 mile stretch of close to 20% grade at mile 1.7 and the final half mile (~15% average grade) that takes you to the very top.

Directions – From Hiawassee in far north Georgia head south on Route 17/75 for several miles to Route 180. Turn right on 180 and travel 5.3 miles to 180 Spur on your right. The listed climb begins at the intersection by continuing up 180 Spur.

Facilities – The small town of Hiawassee is just a bit north of Brasstown Bald and has what most would need.

John Summerson

An avid cyclist, John Summerson is the author of a series of books on cycling climbing in the United States. He is currently working on the second edition of The Complete Guide to Climbing by Bike, other regional guides on cycling climbing and a book on European ascents. He has a masters degree in exercise physiology and is a research associate at Wake Forest University Health Sciences in North Carolina and can be contacted at jsummers@wakehealth.edu