The best traffic-free bike rides in Indiana

This guide features 15 carefully selected no-traffic gravel bike trails across Indiana. These routes offer a range of experiences, from moderate to difficult, ensuring a quiet and scenic ride away from vehicle traffic.

While many of the routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, some sections might be more approachable for beginners. For a relatively flat and scenic experience, consider the Milwaukee Road Transportation Trailway, which offers a good introduction to gravel biking with minimal elevation gain.

Indiana's no-traffic gravel trails offer diverse scenery. You can expect to ride through dense forests, alongside serene lakes like Yellowwood Lake, and across rolling hills, particularly in areas like Brown County State Park and the Hoosier National Forest. Some routes also feature picturesque rural landscapes and river views.

Yes, several routes in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Yellowwood Lake loop from High King Hill offers a moderate circular ride through scenic terrain.

Spring and fall are generally considered the best times for gravel biking in Indiana. The weather is milder, and the natural scenery is vibrant with spring blooms or autumn foliage. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer temperatures and potential humidity. Winter riding is possible, but trail conditions can vary with snow and ice, so checking local reports is advisable.

Many of Indiana's gravel routes pass by or are close to interesting natural and historical sites. You might encounter unique natural features like the Cowles Bog National Natural Landmark near the Indiana Dunes, or historical structures like the Monon Trail Bridge Over Fall Creek. The region is also known for its numerous covered bridges, especially in Parke County, which can be incorporated into scenic rides.

Absolutely. Southern Indiana, particularly around Brown County State Park and the Hoosier National Forest, offers routes with significant elevation changes and technical sections. Tours like the Yellowwood Lake – Nashville, Indiana Town Center loop from Nashville and the Baughman Hill – Baker Hill loop from Nashville are rated difficult and provide a demanding gravel biking experience with substantial climbing.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Indiana, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, scenic nature of the trails, the challenging terrain in the southern parts of the state, and the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes away from vehicle traffic.

Yes, the Indiana Dunes National Park area offers unique landscapes with towering sand dunes and views of Lake Michigan. The Dunes Succession Trail provides stunning vistas. Further south, areas like Clifty Falls State Park are known for rugged canyons and waterfalls, though specific gravel routes may vary in proximity to these features.

The no-traffic gravel bike trails in this guide vary significantly in length. You'll find routes ranging from shorter loops around 19 kilometers, such as the Yellowwood Lake loop from High King Hill, to longer excursions exceeding 43 kilometers, like the challenging Yellowwood Lake – Nashville, Indiana Town Center loop from Nashville.

Yes, some routes offer a blend of natural scenery and glimpses of local culture. The Story Inn and Village – Hurley Hill loop from Polly Hill, for instance, takes you near the historic Story Inn, providing a chance to experience a charming piece of Indiana's past during your ride.