The best gravel rides in Indiana

The Milwaukee Road Transportation Trailway offers a delightful gravel biking experience through rural Indiana, following a historic railroad corridor. You'll pedal along a crushed limestone path, passing through shady tree canopies, over creek crossings, and alongside limestone rock cuts. Keep an eye out for scenic views of the East Fork of the White River and old railroad bridges, including a charming new covered bridge, as you explore this picturesque route.

This moderate 21.7-mile (35.0 km) trail, with 662 feet (202 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete. While the grade is mostly gentle, the gravel surface can vary, with some sections featuring larger, looser gravel that might require a bit more effort. E-bikes are permitted, and good fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the ride.

As a "Rail with Trail" type, this route repurposes a historic railroad for recreation, offering a unique blend of history and nature. It's known for its abundant wildlife sightings, including deer and various reptiles, making it a great choice for nature lovers. The trail is part of the broader Bedford trail network, with plans for future extensions.

The Cherokee Park loop offers a delightful mix of urban parkland and natural trails, perfect for a varied gravel biking experience. You'll pedal through picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and dense woodlands, with the route transitioning between smooth paved sections and more rugged unpaved dirt trails. Keep an eye out for the stunning views from Baringer Hill, especially vibrant in autumn, as you navigate this 9.1-mile (14.6 km) journey.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as Cherokee Park is free to access with no permits required. The route, which takes about 1 hour and 2 minutes to complete, is rated easy, but the unpaved sections with roots and rocks add a fun, moderate challenge. Parking is available, and water fountains are scattered throughout the park, making it convenient for a quick spin or a longer exploration. Sharing the path with other users is common, so stay alert.

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect behind New York City's Central Park, Cherokee Park holds significant historical value. This 326-foot (99 metres) elevation gain route is a popular hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a network of trails right within Louisville. It's a fantastic option for those seeking accessible gravel biking routes with diverse terrain and beautiful scenery close to the city.

This challenging gravel biking route winds through the dense, deciduous forests of Brown County, offering a rugged experience often likened to the 'Little Smokies'. You'll encounter a mix of gravel and paved surfaces, with plenty of 'punchy climbs' and fast descents, all while enjoying views of the serene Yellowwood Lake and its surrounding diverse habitats, including cedar trees and beaver activity.

To tackle this difficult 26.9-mile (43.3 km) loop, which typically takes around 2 hours and 29 minutes with 1542 feet (470 metres) of elevation gain, you'll need very good fitness. The trail connects Yellowwood Lake with the quaint Nashville, Indiana Town Center, providing potential starting points at either location. Consider visiting in autumn for the most spectacular fall foliage.

This popular gravel biking trail stands out for its connection between the picturesque Yellowwood Lake and Nashville, Indiana, passing through Yellowwood State Forest. It offers a sense of solitude compared to more crowded areas, making it a favorite among local gravel bikers seeking demanding hill climbing and expansive forest views.

The Yellowwood Lake loop from High King Hill offers a diverse gravel biking experience through Yellowwood State Forest, blending paved roads with rugged, unpaved sections. You'll navigate dense interior woods, enjoying consistent views of the 133-acre Yellowwood Lake, with the highlight being the panoramic vistas from High King Hill itself. This route provides a distinct backcountry feel, setting it apart from more manicured trails.

Rated as moderate, this 11.8-mile (19.0 km) gravel biking route involves 549 feet (167 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete. While some sections are paved and accessible, be ready for challenging unpaved segments with roots, rocks, and steep climbs, particularly if you explore the High King Hill and Scarce O' Fat Ridge combination. Riders with some experience and good fitness will find this route most enjoyable.

This trail system is notable for its rugged, less groomed character, offering a sense of solitude and low traffic, especially on the more remote sections. The unglaciated terrain of Yellowwood State Forest, with its narrow ridges and steep slopes, contributes to a unique gravel cycling adventure. It's an excellent choice if you're seeking a less conventional ride in the Indiana wilderness.

The Baughman Hill – Baker Hill loop offers a quintessential gravel biking adventure through the rolling hills and forested landscapes of Hickman County, Tennessee. You'll encounter a mix of well-groomed gravel, chert roads, and even some rutted-out jeep trails, often crossing creeks and winding past quiet farmland. The route provides a true escape into rural charm, with glimpses of historic backroads and local Mennonite communities, making it a scenic and immersive experience.

Planning your ride requires some preparation, as this challenging 22.8-mile (36.7 km) route with 1679 feet (512 metres) of elevation gain is located about an hour from Nashville. The estimated duration is 2 hours and 21 minutes, but expect significant climbs that can be steep and punchy. Cell service can be unreliable, so bring a GPS unit for navigation. Consider the best time of year for Baughman Hill Baker Hill gravel biking to avoid wet conditions that can exacerbate washouts and loose rock.

This difficult route is a prime example of why Hickman County is considered Tennessee's gravel heartland, hosting events like the Gravel Revival. It's known for its robust variety of surfaces and demanding terrain, appealing to experienced riders seeking advanced gravel biking routes near Nashville. The area's natural features include beautiful creeks and opportunities to refill water bottles from natural springs, adding to the self-supported adventure.