The best gravel rides in Franklin County

Franklin County offers a diverse landscape for gravel biking, characterized by numerous lakes such as Lake Flower, Colby Lake, and Lake Kushaqua. You'll find a mix of rolling hills, forested areas, and routes that often follow lakeside fire roads. While elevations are generally moderate, some longer routes do feature sustained climbs, providing a varied experience for riders.

There are over 7 gravel bike trails available in Franklin County, ranging from moderate to difficult. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars.

While there are no routes explicitly categorized as 'easy' in our current selection, many of the trails are rated 'moderate'. For instance, the Lake Flower – Lake Flower loop from Village of Saranac Lake is a moderate 20.1-mile route that navigates around Lake Flower, offering scenic views without extreme difficulty. It's a good option for those with some gravel biking experience.

The gravel bike trails in Franklin County vary in length and duration. You can find routes like the Lake Flower – Lake Flower loop, which is about 20 miles (32.3 km) and takes around 2 hours to complete. Longer routes, such as the Lake Flower – Colby Lake Bridge loop from Henry's Woods, stretch over 41 miles (66.6 km) and can take more than 4 hours, suitable for more experienced riders.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in Franklin County are designed as loops. Examples include the Lake Flower – Lake Flower loop from Village of Saranac Lake, the Lake Flower – Colby Lake Bridge loop from Henry's Woods, and the Lake Kushaqua loop from Meenahga Mountain, all offering scenic circular rides.

Many routes in Franklin County feature extensive lake systems, offering beautiful lakeside views. You can explore areas around Lake Colby, Lower Saranac Lake, and Little Clear Pond. The region is also known for its forested paths and rolling hills, providing a natural and scenic backdrop for your ride.

Yes, Franklin County offers routes that cater to advanced gravel cyclists. The Lake Kushaqua loop from Meenahga Mountain is a difficult 34.3-mile (55.2 km) trail that leads through forested areas and around Lake Kushaqua, often completed in about 5 hours 29 minutes, featuring significant elevation gains.

The komoot community highly rates gravel biking in Franklin County, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 6 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscape, the scenic lake views, and the mix of rolling hills and forested paths that provide a varied and engaging experience.

Many routes start from well-known locations. For example, the Lake Flower – Lake Flower loop begins from the Village of Saranac Lake, while another popular route, the Lake Flower – Colby Lake Bridge loop, starts from Henry's Woods. Specific parking information is usually detailed on the individual tour pages.

Absolutely. Several routes are designed to connect the region's extensive lake systems. The Lake Flower – Colby Lake Bridge loop from Henry's Woods is a prime example, linking two significant lakes and offering a mix of terrain suitable for experienced gravel riders.

Beyond the lakes, Franklin County features several natural attractions. You can find highlights like Ampersand Mountain, Whiteface Mountain, and Coney Mountain Summit, which offer additional opportunities for exploration and scenic views near the gravel routes.