Mount Mitchell: Its Railroad and Toll Road (Paperback)

~ Jeff Lovelace (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Short line mountain railroads are often miracles of construction. Built primarily for shipping logs, the Mount Mitchell Railroad was no exception. Within a span of 2l miles, the road climbed 3,500 feet, but utilized only three trestles and nine switchbacks, while maintaining a grade of five and a half percent.

In this richly illustrated work the author brings to life a time when Mount Mitchell was dressed in vir-gin timber. Access to the mountain, located in West-em North Carolina, was slow and difficult; but after completion of the railroad, a timbering industry was born. The railroad also provided tourists with scenic trips along its rugged contours.

When passenger service was discontinued, a motor toll road was built over much of the same route. Its completion marked the first time visitors could travel to Mount Mitchell using their automobiles.

About the Author

Jeff Lovelace was born in Asheville, North Carolina, and has been interested in Mount Mitchell most of his life. He is an avid antique marble collector and collects Lionel trains.

Product Details

• Paperback: 86 pages
• Publisher: Overmountain Press (January 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0932807844
• ISBN-13: 978-0932807847
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,997,212 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars To the Top of the mountain, September 16, 2009

By	G. Andrews Jr. (Murphy, NC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is probably the best "authoritative" book that will be written about Mount Mitchell and the railroad and scenic toll road.

I've hiked sections of the old railroad grade and found some of the information fascinating and informative.

The only "negative" I'd like to mention is that more detailed topographic maps with the railroad and road indicated on it would have been very helpful.

I hope that gift shops in Asheville,Black Mountain, Montreat,and Ridgecrest stock this book since this it discusses a "moment in history" that people ought to know about.