The best gravel rides around The Hills

The Hills region offers a diverse network of over 19 gravel bike trails, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a mix of moderate and challenging routes to explore.

Gravel biking in The Hills features a wide range of terrains, from rolling hills and forested sections to unpaved roads and river valleys. Depending on the specific area, you might encounter challenging climbs, exposed roots, unique rock formations, or even washboard sections and sandiness, particularly in areas like the Alabama Hills.

While many routes in The Hills offer challenging climbs, some sections, particularly in areas like Tilden Park in the Berkeley Hills, feature more rolling hills and pastures that can be suitable for families looking for a less strenuous ride. Always check the route details for elevation and surface conditions to ensure it matches your family's ability.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, The Hills offers several difficult routes. The Horse country – Bridge over North Branch River loop from Far Hills is a difficult 34.6-mile path through scenic horse country. Another demanding option is the Bridge over North Branch River – Califon Train Station loop from Far Hills, a 57.8-mile trail with significant elevation gain.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in The Hills are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Bridge over North Branch River loop from Far Hills and the Horse country – Bridge over North Branch River loop from Lebanon, both offering scenic circular rides.

The Hills region is rich in natural beauty. Depending on your chosen route, you might encounter features like the unique rock formations of the Alabama Hills, the enchanting Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills, or the diverse landscapes of Tilden Park in the Berkeley Hills. Specific highlights include Osborn Pond, the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and Washington Valley Park West.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Riders often praise the varied terrain, from rolling hills and river valleys to challenging climbs, and the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes and scenic unpaved roads.

Yes, The Hills region offers historical context. In the Black Hills, you can ride near historic towns like Deadwood and iconic landmarks such as Mount Rushmore. Some routes, like the Bridge over North Branch River – Califon Train Station loop from Far Hills, even pass by historic train stations, adding a touch of history to your ride.

For those looking for longer rides, the Bridge over North Branch River – Califon Train Station loop from Far Hills is a substantial 57.8-mile (93.1 km) trail, typically taking over 7 hours to complete. This route leads through river valleys and past historic train stations, offering an extended adventure.

Absolutely. Many areas within The Hills are known for their breathtaking vistas. In the Berkeley Hills, you can find golden views across to the Golden Gate and inland to Mount Diablo from points like Inspiration Point or the Grizzly Peak Overlook. The Alabama Hills offer stunning views of unique rock formations and Mount Whitney, while the Black Hills boast awe-inspiring vistas throughout.

Yes, The Hills has several moderate routes perfect for intermediate riders. The Bridge over North Branch River loop from Far Hills is a popular 31.2-mile (50.2 km) moderate trail that takes about 4 hours to complete, offering a pleasant ride along the river. Another option is the Bridge over North Branch River – Horse country loop from Pluckemin, a shorter 26.9-mile moderate loop.