#2 hardest climb in South Carolina.

Cycling Corbin Mountain

Ride 4.2 miles gaining 2,052’ at 8.4% average grade (12.2% climb only)

This climb is ranked #2 in South Carolina but it is almost certainly the hardest bike climb in the state.  There are several brief descents (and a ½ descending segment) on this climb.  By eliminating the descents, the average grade is an astounding 12.2%.  There is a tenth of a mile averaging 20.5% beginning at mile 2.5 and the steepest ½ mile averages 15.3%. Corbin Mountain is the next peak over from the #1 ranked climb in the state, Panther Mountain.

Climb summary by PJAMM ambassador Dan Razum, San Jose, CA.

For this climb we parked on Terry Creek Road, near old Highway 25 and biked from there. This climb, as well as Panther Mountain which is nearby, is located inside a gated community. We  arrived at the gate on Terry Creek Road which was unmanned and required a passcode to enter, which means that you cannot drive in on Terry Creek Road unless you somehow arrange beforehand to gain access. There is also a gate on Highway 25, which may be manned, but we did not check that gate so we are not sure if you can drive in that way or not.

Anyway, since there were no signs saying either keep out or no bikes allowed, so we just ducked under the gate with our bike and continued riding. Nobody complained and since the community is rather large, it contains a golf course and a park among other things, it appears that if you ride a bike and don't bother anybody, you will be fine.

After riding on Terry Creek Road for a short distance we arrived at the base of the climb, the intersection of Terry Creek and Mountain Summit roads.  Since we are in a gated community, there are houses along the entire climb and the landscape is well maintained, with manicured lawns and nice flower beds sprinkled throughout.  The road is mostly without a shoulder but it is fairly wide and the pavement is perfectly smooth.  And of course, there is little traffic, just the residents along the route.  

There are several steep sections along this climb but they are interspersed with some flatter sections, so you do have a chance to catch your breath at various points. Most of the climb is through thick vegetation and houses but near the top there are some nice views of the mountains and valley below.

Finish