Five Top Gravel Biking Spots in the Northeast Region:
Get ready to roll on the dirt!
Gravel bikes, a perfect blend of road bike lightweight materials and off-road capabilities, are all the rage these days. These bad boys will make you feel confident whether you're navigating pothole-filled city streets or getting lost deep in the woods on a dirt trail.
Why the sudden popularity? Less car traffic and a warm and inviting community play a significant role. And let's face it, who doesn't love a new way to connect with nature while staying active?
The AMC region boasts an expansive network of unpaved roads and rideable trails, most easily accessible from urban areas. Keen to join the gravel biking revolution? Connect with your local AMC Chapter to hop on some group rides. Here are some areas we reckon you'll love exploring on two wheels.
AMC Maine Woods, Maine
For East Coast gravel riders, piecing together routes can be a challenge. But Maine's North Woods? That's a whole other story. Thanks to the AMC's Maine Woods Initiative, which conserves 114,000 acres of land in the region, you'll find 330 miles of gravel roads open to the public! Whether you're a novice or an experienced rider, there's something for everyone here. Grab a copy of the Gravel Adventure Field Guide and the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation's top routes and ride between AMC's three lodges and cabins or spend a night at a campground for a multi-day bikepacking adventure.
Northeast Kingdom, Vermont
Head to the far northeastern corner of Vermont, nestled between the Green Mountains and Connecticut River, and prepare for a wealth of gravel. In just over 2,000 square miles, there are over 1,000 miles of gravel roads. We suggest starting on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, a crushed stone trail that spans nearly the entire length of the state. With so many options, it's hard to know where to begin!
The Catskills, New York
The Catskills are worlds apart from New York City yet close enough for a quick commuter train ride from Grand Central. Loved by locals and visitors alike, there's no place like the Catskills – especially when you're exploring them on a gravel bike. Try the Catskill Scenic Trail, a converted railroad along the Delaware River, for a great introduction. Make memories on the Ashokan Rail Trail or explore the rural roads surrounding Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
Washington D.C.
You might be surprised to learn that the nation's capital is gravel-friendly! The city is peppered with natural spaces, making it an incredible destination for gravel rides. The C&O Canal towpath, an 184-mile dirt path running from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland, is a must-ride. Whether you choose to bikepack and set up camp at regularly-spaced sites or enjoy an out-and-back ride, this towpath promises stunning views, historical sites, and even an intersection with the Appalachian Trail.
Greenbrier County, West Virginia
The Allegheny Highlands stretch from Pennsylvania to West Virginia. At its southern end lies Greenbrier County, home to rolling hills, lush forests, and the Monongahela National Forest, which preserves the area from development. Keep your eyes peeled for unpaved Forest Service Roads and historic rail trails, such as the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail, West Virginia's longest rail trail. With a thriving off-road bicycling community, you can't go wrong in Greenbrier County.
So grab your gravel bike and head to these incredible destinations! And remember, whether you're new to the sport or an experienced rider, embracing the freedom and adventure of gravel biking is what it's all about. Be part of the fun!
Gravel biking has become increasingly popular as people seek new ways to connect with nature while staying active. Whether you're exploring the expansive network of unpaved roads in the Maine Woods, Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, the Catskills in New York, or the natural spaces of Washington D.C., sports enthusiasts will find themselves immersed in beautiful landscapes on their gravel bikes.
