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Gravel cycling has exploded in popularity over the past decade, and the USA offers some of the world's finest gravel roads. Unlike road cycling, gravel riding takes you off the beaten path — through farmland, forests, mountains, and desert landscapes that most cyclists never see. Here are the best gravel routes in the USA for every level of rider.
What Makes a Great Gravel Route
The best gravel routes combine manageable surface conditions (packed gravel, not deep sand or mud), scenic landscapes, manageable traffic, and access to water and services. The ideal gravel route feels remote but isn't dangerously isolated.
Top 8 Gravel Routes in the USA
1. Flint Hills Nature Trail, Kansas **Distance:** 117 miles | **Difficulty:** Moderate | **Best Season:** Spring/Fall
The Flint Hills of Kansas offer some of the most dramatic gravel cycling in the country. Rolling tallgrass prairie, minimal traffic, and a well-maintained surface make this ideal for first-time gravel cyclists. The route passes through the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
2. Dirty Kanza (Unbound Gravel), Kansas **Distance:** 200 miles | **Difficulty:** Expert | **Best Season:** June
The most famous gravel race in the world, but the route is rideable any time of year. Challenging, remote, and brutally beautiful. Not for the faint-hearted.
3. Oregon Timber Trail **Distance:** 670 miles | **Difficulty:** Expert | **Best Season:** July-September
A multi-day bikepacking route through Oregon's volcanic Cascade Mountains. Stunning scenery, remote camping, and a genuine adventure.
4. Trans-Iowa Route **Distance:** 300+ miles | **Difficulty:** Expert | **Best Season:** Spring
The original gravel ultra-endurance route. Gravel county roads through rural Iowa farmland.
5. Vermont's Kingdom Trails Network **Distance:** Variable | **Difficulty:** Beginner-Intermediate | **Best Season:** Summer/Fall
Vermont's Northeast Kingdom offers stunning fall foliage gravel riding through covered bridges and small towns.
6. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi-Tennessee **Distance:** 444 miles | **Difficulty:** Moderate | **Best Season:** Spring/Fall
A historic route following the old Natchez Trace trail. Well-maintained, low traffic, and rich in history.
7. San Juan Skyway, Colorado **Distance:** 236 miles | **Difficulty:** Hard | **Best Season:** July-September
High-altitude gravel riding through the San Juan Mountains. Stunning 14,000-foot peaks, alpine meadows, and historic mining towns.
8. Cowboy Trail, Nebraska **Distance:** 321 miles | **Difficulty:** Moderate | **Best Season:** Spring/Fall
A converted rail trail through the Nebraska Sandhills. Flat, remote, and surprisingly beautiful.
Essential Gear for Gravel Riding
**Tires:** 35-45mm gravel tires with light tread. Tubeless setup recommended. **Frame bags:** Handlebar bag, top tube bag, and seat bag for multi-day routes. **Navigation:** GPS computer with offline maps (Wahoo ELEMNT or Garmin Edge). **Hydration:** 2-3 water bottles plus a hydration pack for remote sections.
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