Northwest Arkansas, Colorado, Arizona, Vermont, and Northern Pennsylvania offer gravel riding pockets in the U.S., featuring diverse terrain ranging from high-altitude alpine routes and desert tracks to punchy eastern climbs, with Northern Pennsylvania emerging as an unexpected sleeper destination for cyclists heading into 2027.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Gear Allocation: High-attrition terrain in Northern Pennsylvania and Vermont.
- Event Logistics: Massive climbing profiles, such as the 12,000 feet of vertical gain across 115 miles at Endless Mountains.
- Regional economies from Bentonville to Patagonia are capitalizing on gravel infrastructure.
The Evolution of Northwest Arkansas and Colorado Hubs
Gravel riding has transitioned into a mainstream staple of modern cycling. The New York Times featured a run-down of spots in the U.S. for gravel biking, including Northwest Arkansas—specifically Bentonville in the heart of the Ozark Mountains—which has become known as a gravel hub. That is thanks in large part to the Walton family, who own Walmart and run the Walton Family Foundation, which has always prioritized bikes and outdoor recreation.
Having debuted in 2019, the 1,200-mile Arkansas High Country Route combines asphalt and dirt segments across multiple circuits created by wastewater recycling company environmental manager Chuck Campbell. Meanwhile, Colorado continues to anchor the sport. Steamboat Springs launched SBT GRVL in 2019, growing into an event featuring partnerships with Ride for Racial Justice and All Bodies on Bikes.
| Region | Key Route / Event | Noteworthy Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Arkansas | Arkansas High Country Route | 1,200-mile mixed-surface loop designed by Chuck Campbell |
| Colorado | SBT GRVL (Steamboat Springs) | Launched in 2019, focused on inclusivity and training rides |
| Vermont | VTXL | 300-mile route running Canada to Massachusetts via 90% dirt and gravel |
| Northern Pennsylvania | Endless Mountains | 115-mile route featuring over 12,000 feet of climbing |
East Coast Endurance and Northern Pennsylvania’s Rise
On the East Coast, Vermont boasts an extensive unpaved network, with Seven Days VT claiming the state features 8,579 miles of dirt roads compared to 7,182 miles of paved roads. Ted King is currently bikepacking the 300-mile VTXL, documenting the summer’s flooding that ravaged the state. Riders tackling Vermont also face the descent off Lincoln Gap, which is high quality gravel.
For riders seeking an unexpected gravel honey hole, Northern Pennsylvania delivers punishing terrain. While the region lacks the vistas of other locations like Colorado or Arizona—where routes in Patagonia and surrounding Santa Cruz County are featured in the “Gravel Adventure Field Guide” series—Northern Pennsylvania makes up for it with tough, punchy gravel climbs. Distances ranging from 50 to 430 miles are available across competitions such as Lu Lacka Wyco Hundo, Unpaved Pennsylvania, and Endless Mountains, where the 115-mile course includes upwards of 12,000 feet of elevation gain.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
