Gravel biking has taken the cycling world by storm, offering riders a chance to explore off-road routes in a new and exciting way. But with so many trails available across the United States, it can be overwhelming to choose where to ride. To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of the best gravel bike trails in each US region.
Redshift Favs for Gravel Riding:
- ShockStop Suspension Stem & Suspension Seatpost for smoothing out your ride (for a more race-tuned feel & lighter option choose the PRO ShockStop Stem & PRO ShockStop Seatpost)
- Kitchen Sink Gravel Handlebar System for the ultimate gravel handlebar set-up
- Quick-Release Clip on Aero bars
- Arclight PRO Flat Pedals for those that commute from the city to their fav trails
Best Gravel Bike Trails in Northeast
The Northeast is home to some of the most scenic and challenging gravel trails in the country. Here are a few of our favorites:
A 100-mile network of trails through the forests and hills of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. With breathtaking views and challenging terrain, it's a favorite of experienced riders.
The D&H Rail Trail, New York
A 38-mile trail along an old railway bed that winds through forests and farmland in upstate New York. It's a great option for beginners and families.
The Pine Creek Rail Trail, Pennsylvania
A 62-mile trail through the stunning Pine Creek Gorge. With easy terrain and beautiful scenery, it's a great option for a leisurely ride.
The Gravel Loop at Lake Nockamixon, Pennsylvania
A 10-mile loop through the woods and fields around Lake Nockamixon. With rolling hills and technical sections, it's perfect for intermediate gravel riders.
Best Gravel Bike Trails in the Southwest
The Southwest is known for its stunning desert landscapes and wide-open spaces. Here are a few of the best gravel bike trails in the region:
The White Rim Trail, Utah (Pictured Above)
A 100-mile loop through the stunning Canyonlands National Park. With technical sections and steep climbs, it's not for the faint of heart. Check out Rodeo adventure labs gravel review of the white rim trail.
The Kokopelli Trail, Colorado/Utah
A 140-mile trail through the rugged desert landscape of western Colorado and eastern Utah. With stunning views and challenging terrain, it's a bucket list ride for many gravel bikers.
The Arizona Trail, Arizona
A 750-mile trail that winds through the mountains and deserts of Arizona. With a variety of terrain and stunning scenery, it's a great option for a multi-day adventure.
The Sedona Red Rock Trail System, Arizona
A network of trails through the stunning red rock formations of Sedona. With technical sections and breathtaking views, it's a favorite of experienced riders.
Palmetto State Park, Texas
The Palmetto State Park gravel trail is a picturesque route nestled within the scenic surroundings of Palmetto State Park in Texas. This trail offers a delightful mix of open meadows, dense forests, and tranquil river views, providing outdoor enthusiasts with an immersive and diverse experience.
Best Gravel Bike Trails in Southeast
The South is known for its hospitality and its rolling hills. Here are a few of our favorite gravel bike trails in the region:
The Croatan Buckle, North Carolina
A 100-mile loop through the Croatan National Forest. With technical sections and beautiful scenery, it's a great option for experienced gravel riders.
The Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Arkansas
A 223-mile trail through the Ouachita Mountains. With challenging terrain and stunning views, it's a great option for experienced gravel riders.
The Silver Comet Trail, Georgia
A 61-mile trail that runs from the suburbs of Atlanta to the Alabama state line. With easy terrain and stunning views, it's a great option for a day trip.
Ocoee Trace Trail, Tennessee
Located in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, the Ocoee Trace Trail is a 64-mile long gravel trail that winds through the mountains and valleys of eastern Tennessee. The trail is challenging, with steep climbs and descents, but the stunning views of the forest and river make it well worth the effort.
Stretching for over 30 miles along the banks of the Red River, the Three Rivers Trail is a hidden gem for gravel bikers in Louisiana. The trail offers a mix of flat sections and challenging climbs, with plenty of scenic vistas along the way.
Uwharrie National Forest, North Carolina
Located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, the Uwharrie National Forest offers over 50 miles of challenging gravel bike trails. The trails wind through dense forests and rolling hills, with plenty of technical sections to test your skills.
Blackwater State Park, Florida
For gravel bikers looking for a warm weather adventure, the Blackwater State Park in Florida is a must-visit destination. The park offers over 20 miles of scenic gravel trails, winding through towering pine trees and along the banks of the Blackwater River.
Best Gravel Bike Trails in Mid-Atlantic Region
The Mid-Atlantic region is home to some of the oldest and most historic gravel bike trails in the country. Here are a few of our favorites:
Running for over 180 miles from Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland, the C&O Canal Towpath is a must-ride for gravel bikers in the Mid Atlantic region. The trail follows the path of the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, with stunning views of the Potomac River and the surrounding mountains.
Pine Creek Rail Trail, Pennsylvania
The Pine Creek Rail Trail is a 62-mile long gravel trail that follows the path of an old railway through the stunning Pine Creek Gorge. The trail offers plenty of scenic vistas and challenging climbs, making it a popular destination for gravel bikers in Pennsylvania.
New River Trail State Park, Virginia
Stretching for over 50 miles along the banks of the New River, the New River Trail State Park offers some of the most scenic gravel bike trails in Virginia. The trail winds through rolling hills and dense forests, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania
Located just outside of Philadelphia, the Valley Forge National Historical Park offers over 30 miles of scenic gravel bike trails. The trails wind through the historic site of the Revolutionary War encampment, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Best Gravel Bike Trails in Midwest
The Midwest offers a variety of gravel riding options for riders of all skill levels. Here are some of the best gravel bike trails in the region:
Katy Trail State Park, Missouri
This is a 240-mile trail that runs along the Missouri River and offers stunning views of the countryside. The trail is mostly flat, making it perfect for beginners, and offers several access points along the way.
Brown County State Park, Indiana
This park is home to over 28 miles of trails that wind through the beautiful forests of southern Indiana. The trails are well-maintained and offer a mix of easy and more challenging sections.
Cuyuna Lakes State Trail, Minnesota
This trail system features over 30 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails that are perfect for gravel riding. The trails wind through the beautiful Cuyuna Lakes region and offer a mix of fast, flowing sections and more technical terrain.
Leelanau Trail, Michigan
This 17-mile trail runs through the scenic Leelanau Peninsula and offers stunning views of Lake Michigan. The trail is mostly flat and offers a mix of paved and unpaved sections.
Best Gravel Bike Trails in Northwest
The Northwest region of the US is known for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain. Here are some of the best gravel bike trails in the region:
Maah Daah Hey Trail, North Dakota
This 144-mile trail winds through the beautiful badlands of North Dakota and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The trail is challenging and offers a mix of technical terrain and long, flat sections.
Olympic Discovery Trail, Washington
This trail spans over 130 miles and runs through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Pacific Northwest. The trail is mostly flat and offers a mix of paved and gravel sections.
McKenzie River Trail, Oregon
This 26-mile trail is known for its stunning scenery and challenging terrain. The trail winds through the beautiful McKenzie River Valley and offers a mix of technical terrain and fast, flowing sections.
Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho
The Sawtooth National Forest is home to some of the most beautiful gravel riding in the country. The trails wind through rugged mountains and offer a mix of technical terrain and long, scenic sections.
No matter where you are in the US, there's sure to be a great gravel bike trail nearby. So grab your bike and hit the trail for a fun and challenging ride through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.