Old Fort mountain (Black Mtn on I40) is steep, but in my opinion easy to maintain speed on since the curves are long and sweeping. Saluda mountain is pretty steep, but short and sweeping also. I come up both of them numerous times a week ona flatbed, loaded.
I26 between Asheville and Erwin TN has long but straight grades. Coming INTO NC from TN, the pull is steep and sharp. IMO, that is a pretty tough pull.
I know these roads pretty well Shawn, call me if you need to.
