The best gravel rides around Hillsdale

Hillsdale County offers a selection of 7 gravel bike routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 3 easy routes, 3 moderate routes, and 1 more challenging option.

The gravel bike trails in Hillsdale feature a diverse landscape, including rolling farmlands, extensive unpaved county roads, and sections of the North Country Trail. You'll encounter a mix of dirt sections, rough pavement, and classic gravel roads, transitioning from open agricultural fields to forested areas.

Yes, there are several easy options. One popular choice is the Piermont Railway Station (historic) – Old Erie Rail Trail (gravel) loop from Sparkill, which is 23.0 km long with a moderate elevation gain of 126 meters, making it a good introduction to gravel biking in the area.

Many routes offer scenic views and pass by natural features. You might encounter lakes like Oradell Reservoir or Lake Tappan. Some trails also lead near points of interest such as the 9W Market or the picturesque Peanut Leap Cascade.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, consider the New Croton Dam – Old Croton Aqueduct Trail loop from Blauvelt State Park. This difficult 61.5 km route features a significant elevation gain of 664 meters, providing a demanding ride through varied terrain.

The gravel biking routes in Hillsdale are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from 3 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain and the opportunity to explore rural farmlands and natural areas like the Lost Nation State Game Area.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in Hillsdale are designed as loops. For example, the 9W Market – Piermont Railway Station (historic) loop from Harrington Park is a popular 61.2 km loop that offers varied surfaces and takes about 3 hours 40 minutes to complete.

Absolutely. If you're looking for a shorter ride, the 9W Market – Piermont Railway Station (historic) loop from Sneden's Landing is a moderate 19.7 km loop with 185 meters of elevation gain, typically completed in about 2 hours.

Hillsdale County's varied terrain, from rolling farmlands to forested areas, makes it enjoyable across multiple seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides lush green landscapes. Always check local conditions, especially after rain, as unpaved roads can become muddy.

Yes, especially in areas like the Lost Nation State Game Area, which is a 2,500-acre natural setting. This area, traversed by a segment of the North Country Trail, is known to be home to wildlife such as wild turkeys and ruffed grouse, offering a chance to observe nature during your ride.

Hillsdale County is dotted with over 388 lakes, and several routes offer scenic views of these water bodies. Baw Beese Lake, for instance, has a bike/hiking trail along its shores, and other routes may pass by lakes like Wild Duck Pond, providing picturesque stops.

The elevation profiles vary significantly across Hillsdale's gravel routes, ranging from relatively flat sections to more challenging climbs. For example, an easy route like the Piermont Railway Station (historic) – Old Erie Rail Trail (gravel) loop from Sparkill has about 126 meters of ascent, while a difficult route such as the New Croton Dam – Old Croton Aqueduct Trail loop from Blauvelt State Park features over 664 meters of climbing.