The Southeastern United States is filled with great riding and with its multiple mountains plenty of solid climbing as well. This month’s ascent certainly qualifies as it is one of the most unique in the region. Located just above the North Carolina border in Virginia this one leads to the Blue Ridge Parkway and other riding. While fairly short and a bit isolated I think you will find the travel and climb worth the effort.
Pipers Gap, Virginia
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Total elevation – 1,165 ft Length – 2.9 miles
Average Grade – 7.6% (16%) Rating – 0.92 (cat 2)
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Pipers Gap is a relatively short but superb climb up a heavily forested ridge to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wide single lane over much of its length, its lower and middle sections contain double digit grade and can test you but a very scenic route will help ease the pain. Open initially, the trees soon close in and you ride through a tunnel over much of the hill. The grade eases over its last mile and you ride alongside a creek for a short distance. The trees thin near the top and the climb ends too soon as you pass under the Parkway. While this is not the most difficult climb in the area it is one of the most unique in the Southeast. Pipers Gap is a tight and challenging descent as well. This is a must do ascent for hill junkies and may be the author’s favorite in the entire region.
Directions – From Interstate 77 just north of the North Carolina state line take Exit 1 and head west on Lambsburg Road (Route 620 – go left at the top of the exit). Travel 620 for a short distance to tiny Lambsburg to begin the climb at the junction with Route 944 on the right (continue west on soon to be one lane 620).
Facilities – Mount Airy, NC is the closest city with all the amenities and is about 15 miles from climb start.
Pipers Gap climb in VA – short, steep & a favorite of the author http://bit.ly/qb7W8f
Thanks for the article on one of my favorite climbs as well. It is only 45 miles from my drive way in Winston so I climb it regularly. One thing that was not mentioned, was that it is almost always between 8 to 10 degrees cooler at the top than the bottom, which makes it a great escape from 95 degree days in the flatlands 45 minutes away. The shade and cool air coming off the stream and parkway is a welcome relief. In the late afternoon , while the sun is setting with no cars on the rode, it really makes a great hill for repeats. Thanks again. JC