Ride Overview
When I published the first and second editions of Mountain Biking the Washington DC/Baltimore Area in the early 1990s, opportunities for riding natural-surface trails in the region were limited. As a result, we included several rides that highlighted the extensive gravel road network in Loudoun County as an alternative way for mountain bikers to get off pavement.
At the time, “gravel grinding” wasn’t yet a defined cycling discipline — but riding these quiet, off-the-beaten-path roads provided exactly what many riders were looking for. Remarkably, little has changed since those early days. The gravel road network in Loudoun County remains largely intact, tracing routes first established during the area’s agricultural development in the 1700s.
Today, with gravel riding more popular than ever, Loudoun County stands out as one of the premier gravel destinations in the Mid-Atlantic, offering historic scenery, rolling terrain, and nearly endless route options.
There are nearly 300 miles of unpaved gravel roads spread throughout historic Loudoun County, Virginia.
Ride Details at a Glance
Location: Loudoun County, VA
Length: Varies
Ride Time: Varies, depending on route selection
Ride Type: Gravel
Difficulty: Level 1 - Level 5 (route dependent)
Ride Notes: The gravel road network in Loudoun County is extensive and highly flexible, allowing riders to design routes of nearly any distance or difficulty. In Mountain Biking the Washington DC/Baltimore Area, I detail two classic rides: the Middleburg Vineyard Tour (23 miles) and the Waterford Dirt Ride (27.5 miles). Both are rated Level 3 due to distance and elevation gain.
Beyond those, I also documented additional gravel rides in the region, including the Sugarloaf Scenic Circuit, the Potomac River Ride, and routes through Prince William Forest Park. More recently, I participated in the Loudoun 1775 Ride, a 61-mile tour of the county’s historic gravel roads that highlights just how expansive and interconnected the network has become.
Extension & Connectivity:
One of Loudoun County’s greatest strengths is the ability to easily extend or modify any gravel ride by linking additional roads, creating everything from short recovery spins to all-day endurance routes.
Future Growth:
While the gravel road network itself is historic and largely unchanged, continued interest in gravel cycling has increased awareness, route sharing, and event-based riding throughout the county, further cementing Loudoun County as a premier gravel destination.
Route Maps
The interactive route maps below highlight several classic gravel loops and route options throughout Loudoun County. Use the maps to explore elevation profiles, distance variations, and alternate road combinations.
This route network is documented in Mountain Biking the Washington DC/Baltimore Area, which includes additional regional context, access notes, and nearby riding options.