The best gravel rides in the Piedmont

Piedmont offers a vast network of gravel biking routes, with nearly 2,800 tours available on komoot. These range from easy rides through rolling hills to challenging high-alpine routes, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

Piedmont's gravel trails are incredibly diverse. You'll encounter everything from ancient military roads, often called 'war roads,' in the Cottian Alps, to serene 'white roads' (strade bianche) through UNESCO World Heritage vineyards. The terrain includes gravel roads, technical trails, single tracks, and mule tracks, often requiring a gravel bike or even a front-suspension mountain bike.

While many routes in Piedmont are challenging, there are options suitable for beginners. For instance, the Giro Villanova is a moderate 37.9 km route with minimal elevation gain, offering a gentler introduction to gravel biking in the region. There are 175 easy tours available on komoot.

Piedmont is rich in natural and historical sights. Along your rides, you might encounter stunning mountain peaks like Mount Cuneo (Moncuni) or Monte Musinè. The region also features unique caves such as Pink Alabaster Caves of Busca and Balma Boves. Many routes also pass through the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato.

Yes, Piedmont offers several excellent circular gravel routes. A popular choice is the Gardetta Plateau loop from Canosio, which is a 42.5 km trail. Another option is the Ring on the Gardetta plateau from Marmora, covering 40.2 km.

The best time for gravel biking in Piedmont largely depends on the elevation. For high-alpine routes, late spring through early autumn (May to October) offers the most favorable conditions. Lower elevation routes through vineyards and rolling hills can be enjoyed for a longer season, often from early spring to late autumn, avoiding the peak summer heat or potential winter snow.

The komoot community highly rates gravel biking in Piedmont, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 3,100 reviews. Riders frequently praise the region's diverse and stunning landscapes, from the dramatic Alpine views of the 'war roads' to the serene beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards. The varied terrain and the opportunity for an enogastronomic journey are also often highlighted.

Absolutely. Piedmont is renowned for its challenging high-alpine routes. The Colle del Sommeiller is a difficult 56.8 km route with significant elevation gain, perfect for experienced riders seeking a demanding adventure. The region's 'war roads' also offer moderate technicality and substantial inclines.

Yes, the historical 'war roads' in the Cottian Alps are a major draw for gravel bikers in Piedmont. The Assietta gravel ring from Susa - Salbertrand variant is an excellent option, covering 74.1 km and offering a challenging ride through these historic military routes with breathtaking high-alpine scenery.

Many routes in the lower elevations of Piedmont traverse the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato. These areas provide a stunning backdrop for cycling through a rich agricultural and cultural landscape, allowing you to experience the region's famous enogastronomy firsthand.

Piedmont's diverse ecosystems, from high-alpine environments to forested valleys, are home to various wildlife. While specific sightings are never guaranteed, you might spot chamois, ibex, marmots in the higher altitudes, and various bird species throughout the region. Always maintain a respectful distance and observe from afar.

Piedmont is an ideal region for self-supported bikepacking. The extensive network of gravel roads and trails, particularly in areas like Val Susa, lends itself well to multi-day adventures. Events like Piemontgravel also highlight the region's suitability for exploring diverse landscapes and cultural treasures over several days.