In case you haven’t noticed, I like Bucket Lists. One day, probably a long time from now, I would like to climb the 50 highest paved roads in each state. Below is a listing, which I was able to compile thanks to the County Highpointer’s Association.
Disclaimer: Climb AT YOUR OWN RISK! Many of these will be difficult, strenuous, with dangerous descents. Do your own research and make sure you are prepared for the terrain. You are responsible for yourself!
| State | Climb | Status |
| Alabama | Cheaha Mountain | |
| Alaska | Eureka Summit | |
| Arizona | Arizona Snow Bowl | |
| Arkansas | Polk County, Skyline Drive | |
| California | Rock Creek Road | |
| Colorado | Mount Evans | Done |
| Connecticut | Bald Mountain | |
| Delaware | Ebright Azimuth | |
| Florida | Lakewood | |
| Georgia | Brasstown Bald | Done |
| Hawaii | Mauna Loa Observatory | |
| Idaho | Galena Summit | |
| Illinois | Scales Mound | |
| Indiana | Hoosier Hill | |
| Iowa | South of Bigelow, MC | |
| Kansas | Kanorado | |
| Kentucky | Black Mountain | |
| Louisiana | Old Athens | |
| Maine | Appalachian Trail | |
| Maryland | Conneway Hill | |
| Massachusetts | Mount Greylock | |
| Michigan | Watersmeet Park | |
| Minnesota | Isabella | |
| Mississippi | US 72 | |
| Missouri | Webster County | |
| Montana | Beartooth Highway | |
| Nebraska | Bushnell | |
| Nevada | Wheeler Peak | |
| New Hampshire | Mount Washington | |
| New Jersey | High Point | |
| New Mexico | Sandia Crest | |
| New York | Whiteface Mountain | |
| North Carolina | Mount Mitchell | Done |
| North Dakota | Rhame | |
| Ohio | Hi Point Career Center | |
| Oklahoma | Mexhoma | |
| Oregon | Crater Lake | |
| Pennsylvania | Baughman Spring | |
| Rhode Island | Jerimoth Hill | |
| South Carolina | Sassafras Mountain | Done |
| South Dakota | O’Neil Pass | |
| Tennessee | Clingman’s Dome | Done |
| Texas | Mt Locke | |
| Utah | Bald Mountain Pass | |
| Vermont | Mount Equinox | |
| Virginia | Grayson Highlands | Done |
| Washington | Sunrise Ranger Station | |
| West Virginia | Snoeshoe Ski Area | |
| Wisconsin | Sugarbush Hill | |
| Wyoming | Beartooth Pass |
SteepClimbs.com 
July 22nd, 2012 at 7:48 pm
Whoosh, that’s a list. I’d love to climb Equinox, in VT, it’s not far north of me, but my understanding is that cyclists are permitted only once during the year, during a race. And to add insult to that injury, I don’t think riders are permitted to descend. Ditto Mt. Washington, in New Hampshire. There’s a fairly well-known race, or maybe races, but I don’t think it is generally open to bikes. Phoooey on them both. It would be nice to be wrong, though.
July 23rd, 2012 at 6:12 pm
Hi Suze. Unfortunately I believe you are correct. I have eyed those hillclimb series and fear they are my only way of tackling these behemoths. What makes it worse is this rules out the opportunity to climb them on the same trip. I am flirting with the idea of trying Washington next year.
July 24th, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Aaron, you have your work cut out for you. Since I am almost 60 with a rod in my hip, I can only cheer on the young ones who try. Biking is good exercise when your knee cartilage starts wearing out.
How about a few state #2 rides, or maybe even a high 5 list? For VA #2, take this trip up Whitetop from the upper end of the Va Creeper trail:
When visiting the higher elevations of Whitetop Mountain, be sure to prepare yourself with clothing for inclement weather. The weather can change at a moment’s notice! Take a hike to just below the peak of Whitetop on the Appalachian Trail to Buzzard’s Rock. The high peaks of North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia are all visible from the vantage point there.
GETTING THERE
From Damascus, Va, follow Route 58 east for about 8 miles. Take a left onto VA-600. Approximately 1 mile later, make your next left onto the gravel road Mud Creek Lane, which takes you to the summit of Whitetop Mountain. There is a parking lot adjacent to the Appalachian Trail with camping nearby. Continue up the gravel road and it will take you to the summit where you can get a glimpse of the surrounding states, or even a breathtaking sunset.
July 24th, 2012 at 7:13 pm
Hi Carl, Thanks for stopping by. If I have my way, I won’t stop at #1 or #2, especially in VA, which is not too far from where I live. As it turns out I may be tackling Grayson Highlands later next month. Whitetop Mountain looks to be very close to that. The only issue may be the gravel road, which I am probably not too well equipped for right now. Is the gravel very thick? Is it rideable with regular road tires?
June 2nd, 2013 at 10:58 am
I’m heading to Whiteface in two weeks! I hope I can make the climb. 8 miles, 3500′ 7.9% avg…yikes. I’ll give it my best Aaron!
June 2nd, 2013 at 12:43 pm
Whiteface is a beast! I’m sure you’ll be fine, although not without some effort. I look forward to reading about it.
July 23rd, 2013 at 1:57 pm
If you want to fill in information for climbs in the North East, refer to this web site: http://www.northeastcycling.com/NE_Climbs_main.html
July 23rd, 2013 at 6:58 pm
Thanks for stopping by. This list is more autobiographical, so I’ll fill in the info as I complete each climb, but that’s a very useful link. I’ll add it to my Climbing Links page soon.
July 23rd, 2019 at 12:06 pm
How are you coming along with this? It’s one of my goals as well, so I really appreciate the list you’ve compiled. So far I have done Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee.