The best gravel rides around Bloomington

There are over 19 gravel bike trails around Bloomington, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars.

Gravel biking around Bloomington features diverse landscapes, from dedicated gravel paths to rugged forest roads. You'll encounter rolling hills, extensive forest roads, and varied trail networks, including challenging sections of chunky doubletrack and significant climbs, particularly in areas like the Hoosier National Forest and Brown County.

Yes, many gravel routes around Bloomington are designed as loops. For example, the Hand-Pulled Bike Ferry – View of the Minnesota River loop from Bloomington Ferry is a popular 15.5-mile loop, and the View of the Minnesota River – Hand-Pulled Bike Ferry loop from Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers a 21.5-mile option through natural areas.

The trails around Bloomington cater to various skill levels. You'll find easy paths suitable for beginners, as well as more challenging routes with significant elevation changes and varied terrain. Out of the 19 available routes, 7 are considered easy and 12 are moderate, with no routes currently classified as difficult.

Beyond the trails, Bloomington is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Minnehaha Falls, explore the Confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, or discover the unique Sandstone Overhang. The region also features large lakes like Lake Monroe and Griffy Lake, and numerous nature preserves such as Leonard Springs Nature Park and Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve.

While many routes offer varied terrain, the Bloomington Rail Trail is a two-mile gravel path that connects to paved trails like the B-Line Trail and Clear Creek Trail, offering a gentler, mixed-surface experience suitable for families. For more challenging family adventures, consider exploring the less technical gravel roads within the state forests.

Absolutely. Many routes offer picturesque views, especially those near the Minnesota River. The region's rolling hills and extensive forests provide beautiful backdrops. You can also find specific natural highlights like Minnehaha Falls and the Confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers near some routes.

Bloomington offers great gravel biking opportunities throughout the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Winter riding is also popular, with the Bloomington Bicycle Club actively organizing group gravel rides during these months. Summer can be warm, but shaded forest roads offer cooler options.

Yes, advanced riders will find plenty of challenges. The Hoosier National Forest and Morgan-Monroe State Forest offer extensive networks of gravel roads with significant climbs and descents. The 'Brown County Delight' bikepacking loop, originating in Bloomington, is known for its challenging gravel, doubletrack, and singletrack, including the difficult McGowan Road and chunky Miller Ridge.

The komoot community rates Bloomington's gravel routes highly, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 9 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, the extensive network of gravel and forest roads, and the opportunity to explore natural areas away from heavy traffic. The variety of terrain, from easy paths to challenging climbs, is also frequently highlighted.

While primarily known for its gravel roads, Bloomington also has Wapehani Mountain Bike Park for those seeking more technical dirt trails. Additionally, you can find facilities like Skills Park and Trail at the Lake, which offer different cycling experiences.

For additional information on cycling and outdoor recreation in the area, you can visit the official Bloomington tourism website. They offer resources on various activities, including cycling. Check out visitbloomington.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/cycling/ for more details.