What you need to know before climbing Saluda Grade
Distance: Starting from the gas station at 176, the climb to Saluda is 7.67 miles. However, the first few miles are fairly flat. The actual climbing guesstimate is around 3.88 miles.Elevation gain: Start at 974 feet and finish at 2118 feet (total gain = 1537 feet).
Grade: According to my Garmin, the average grade is ~2% with most of the climb averaging around 4-5%. It's a steady climb with a few sections where the grade kicks up a bit. There are some more demanding segments that are around 6-9% but there is nothing crazy steep on this climb.
Road condition: The road condition is excellent. It's very smooth. This is a treat compared to our bumpy roads in SC (this climb is in NC).
Scenery: This is a very scenic climb. With a rock wall and trees on your right and a river flowing below the trees on you on the left, you can't help but feel at peace during this climb. You are literally tucked into nature.
Recommended bike/gearing: Road bike or tri bike. You'll want climbing gears just to keep a more fluid pedal stroke.
Descend: While I am calling this a climb, it's not a true mountain. It's a beautiful climb that takes you (left) into the town of Saluda (or you can go to the right and head toward the Green River Cove loop - I'll share that climb next). If you were to descend down the Saluda grade, it's a very fun descend with sweeping turns (nothing tight) - you can always see where you are going.
Climb with a view? While there is a lot to see as you are climbing, there's no specific view point on this climb. Just a lot of beautiful scenery spread over several miles. There's a bridge with water running underneath, a small waterfall or two and a lot of beautiful trees.
Traffic: This road can get busy on the weekend as there are many touristy things around this area. The road starts off rather tight (two lane road) but at times it widens for cars to pass. Cars are fairly patient where we live so I never feel unsafe when we ride. But then again, I ask that all cyclists be the person that you want the people in the car to remember (in a good way).
Difficulty: While not an easy climb, it's not technical or intense. Having said this, there's nothing easy about our riding where we live. So depending on how you get to the Saluda grade (what preceeds it), your legs may be toasted before you start this moderate climb.
Honest feedback: We have taken several campers on the Saluda grade as it's a steady, peaceful climb. The only downside is that it's in Tryon, NC so it does require us to ride a bit longer to get to this climb. But that isn't a bother as there are so many amazing routes to get to the Saluda grade. Many cyclists will take the Watershed into Saluda and then descend down the Saluda Grade. There are so many options to include this route into your ride. In Saluda, I suggest to stop at Wildflower bakery or the M.A. Pace General store.
