United StatesVirginia Blue Ridge Parkway - Humpback Rocks
Blue Ridge Parkway - Humpback Rocks Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

6
PDI
10.3 mi
DISTANCE
1,721 ft
GAINED
2.2 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
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Page Contributor(s): Dan Razum, San Jose, CA

INTRO

Cycle the entire Blue Ridge Parkway – see PJAMM’s March 2022, 467-mile adventure on the PJAMM Adventures App: Blue Ridge Parkway.  See also our Climbs of the BRP (NC to VA) and Climbs of the BRP (VA to NC).

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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Humpback Rocks - Blue Ridge Parkway

Ride 10.3 miles gaining 1,721’ at 2.2% average grade (4.5% climb only)

Climb summary by PJAMM ambassador Dan Razum.

The climb starts at the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is technically the beginning of the BRP (mile marker 0).  This is a fairly long climb, but there are several downhill sections and the gradient isn't too steep so it isn't overly difficult.  The scenery is amazing, with many views of the valleys below.  A couple of the overlooks do require a little bit of walking to reach the viewpoint but there are enough overlooks that don't require any walking that we didn't feel like we missed anything by not hiking up every overlook.

The point of the Blue Ridge Parkway is to soak in and enjoy the natural scenery.  It isn't meant to be a road for getting from point A to point B but rather a road to be enjoyed for the ride itself.  There are quicker roads for people who just want to reach their destination and because of this, traffic wasn't too heavy or fast; it was mostly just people enjoying the drive. The road is two lanes with no shoulder but we didn't have any problems with traffic during mid summer; in fact, the traffic was significantly lighter than many other roads we've ridden and the drivers were all courteous. However, there could be

more traffic in early fall, when the leaves change color.  The pavement is in great condition, very smooth with no pot holes, it is well maintained.

Although we call this climb Humpback Rocks, the climb actually continues a ways past the Humpback Rocks, it ends at Rock Point Overlook. In fact, the climb doesn't really end anywhere, the BRP is such that it goes up and down mountains for 450+ odd miles so after Rock Point Overlook you can go downhill for a few miles and then start climbing again, and rinse and repeat, as long as you like.  However, the top of this climb is the local high point for several miles, so it is convenient way to classify this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Ride past Humpback Rocks

There is no entrance fee or toll on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  If you head north from our starting point, the road is then called Skyline Drive and it is part of Shenandoah National Park, which does have an entrance fee.

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