The best traffic-free bike rides around Stor-Leirsjøen

There are 8 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Stor-Leirsjøen featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of experiences, from moderate to difficult, ensuring a peaceful ride away from vehicular traffic.

The terrain around Stor-Leirsjøen and the broader Bymarka area is diverse. You'll encounter a mix of smooth, fast-rolling, hard-packed gravel, as well as more technical, chunkier sections and forest paths. Some routes also incorporate asphalt and smaller roads, providing a varied and engaging biking experience.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, the area offers routes with significant elevation gain. For instance, the Bymarka Classic Bike Route is classified as difficult, covering over 35 km with more than 770 meters of elevation gain, providing a demanding ride through the varied landscape.

Many routes offer scenic views of picturesque lakes like Stor-Leirsjøen itself, Skjellbreia, and Lianvatnet. You can also enjoy panoramic vistas from elevated points such as Gråkallen, which is part of the Bymarka network. The trails wind through dense forests and rugged mountains, providing a rich natural backdrop.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes around Stor-Leirsjøen are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Views of Skjellbreia – Grønlia Cabin loop from Byåsen and the View of Lake Kyvatnet – Grønlia Cabin loop from Selsbakk, both offering beautiful scenery on a loop.

The area is suitable for outdoor activities year-round. While summer offers pleasant conditions for gravel biking, the diverse trail surfaces and natural beauty can be enjoyed in spring and autumn as well. Even in winter, the area is popular for activities like ice fishing and cross-country skiing, suggesting that some trails might be accessible for winter biking depending on snow conditions.

While the guide features routes primarily classified as moderate to difficult, the broader Bymarka area, which includes Stor-Leirsjøen, is known for catering to a range of skill levels. For families, it's advisable to check the specific route details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches the family's fitness level. The extensive trail network means there are likely easier sections to explore, even if not explicitly listed as 'easy' in this specific guide.

A convenient starting point for many excursions is the large parking facility at Granåsen. This parking area is located just one kilometer from the dam at the eastern end of Stor-Leirsjøen, offering easy access to the extensive trail system.

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Stor-Leirsjøen, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the diverse terrain, and the stunning natural beauty, particularly the picturesque lakes and panoramic viewpoints.

Yes, you can enjoy views of Lake Kyvatnet on several routes. The View of Lake Kyvatnet – Grønlia Cabin loop from Selsbakk is a moderate 26.5 km route that offers beautiful scenery around the lake. Another option is the Trondheim Marina – View of Lake Kyvatnet loop from Marienborg, which is a 21.5 km moderate ride.

The longest no-traffic gravel bike route featured in this guide is the Bymarka Classic Bike Route. This challenging route spans approximately 35.1 kilometers, offering an extensive ride through the Bymarka Nature Reserve.