12.2
PDI
2.5 mi
DISTANCE
1,404 ft
GAINED
10.6 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): John Summerson, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike) 2nd Ed.
INTRO
This is an amazing climb and hike. This climb is unique for its: (a) horrendously steep grade, (b) portal to the highest point in Georgia, and (c) the 360 degree views at the observation structure at the very top. (You can only bootleg the ride to the top because it is closed to all vehicles and bikes, but you can hike the final half-mile to the top.)
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. When we say steep, what we really mean to say is STEEP!!! As with any climb average, there are always significant sections above the average and Brasstown Bald is clearly no exception. Other than the final 400 yards at 3.8%, that will feel flat by that point, this climb is pure hell. 1.2 miles (47.3%) are in the 10-15% range and 0.2 miles (9.4%) of the climb average 15-20%. Although it does not show up in the gradient profile, my Garmin briefly read 23% on the climb (see photo in Full Summary). The steepest quarter-mile is 16.5% and steepest continuous half-mile is 14.1%
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway: Excellent condition with no shoulder but that is of no concern on this ride.
Traffic: Mild and slow moving.
Parking: I have parked at the bottom (Jacks Gap - Map, Street View) and ridden to the finish, as well as parking at the top and ridden down to the start and then back up (when I did the half-mile hike to the top), and also ridden to the climb from my hotel in Helen to do Brasstown in conjunction with a couple of the other gaps in the area.
Fee: As of 2020, there was a fee for motor vehicles but not bicycles to the Brasstown parking lot and Visitor Center at the top of the climb.
Proper gearing is a must on a grade that hits 20%.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
We stayed in Helen on our two trips to the area. Helen is located 17 miles south of the start of this bike climb. There are also some cool options for vacation rentals in the area.
ROUTE MAP
MEMBER RATING
CURRENT WEATHER
PJAMM TRIPS ADVENTURE STARTER BUNDLES
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NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY
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MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS
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Skotscott
June 16, 2023
Wow - some very steep sections interspersed with much-needed catch your breath sections. Nice view from the top parking area. I parked at the base of the climb. Fee area at the top parking lot but no charge to bike up. Great climb.
I did this climb and Bell Mountain on the same day. Both nearby and an easy drive.
cf70152
Super steep, did it on standard gearing but would recommend getting an extra gear or two. Almost no traffic, sneak past the gate and go all the way to the top for some great views.
KrisLJames262
VERY steep climb. Have proper gearing or you will regret attempting this one. The gate was closed to traffic in May 2020 which was awesome but also made it really difficult to get clipped in on a 10-12% gradient at the start.
