Gravel Bike Routes Around Granville, NY: A Rider's Guide to the Slate Valley
Gravel bike riding has seen a surge in popularity and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re seeking a multi-day bikepacking adventure or just want to take a quick spin on two wheels, below are some areas around Granville, NY where you can get off of the beaten path.
Start Here: The D&H Rail Trail
Cyclists will enjoy the flat, scenic D&H Rail Trail that cuts right through Granville village, connecting to gravel and country roads throughout the surrounding area. It’s easy, flat, and ideal for beginners and families. Don’t let the gentle terrain fool you - this route is anything but boring. The varied landscape on either side of the trail includes old mills, working farms, and wild forests.
This 26-mile former railroad corridor running through western Vermont, split into two sections — one between Castleton and Poultney, the other between Granville and Rupert — with the trail weaving back and forth across the NY/Vermont border. The surface consists of original cinder rail bed ballast, gravel, mowed grass, and stone, with wooden-decked bridges along the way.
The Slate Valley Gravel Network: World-Class Single Track & Recommended Routes
A short hop across the border puts you in the heart of Slate Valley Trails, a network of over 50 singletrack trails for thrill-seekers. For those seeking more traditional gravel routes, check out their recommended routes. No need to build your own itinerary - they’ve mapped out routes that connect gravel roads, Class 4 routes, and the D&H rail trail for scenic rides that capture the best of Slate Valley. Routes range from mellow valley loops to all-day efforts.
Ride Into Washington County: Dirt Roads For Days
Washington County, NY offers rolling farmland, abundant back roads, historic villages, and challenging terrain that attracts everyone from casual riders to elite gravel racers. Rural roads, gradual elevation changes, and sweeping views of farmland and forests make for a timeless landscape shaped by agriculture. The back roads fanning out from Granville toward Hebron, Hartford, and Middle Granville offer broad valley views, hardpack dirt surfaces, and challenging terrain. Pair your ride with a stop at a local eatery or the Slate Valley Farmer's Market and you've got a proper gravel day.
For those who want a goal to work toward, the Battenkill — formerly the Tour of the Battenkill and often called the "Queen of the Classics" — is held each May in Cambridge, NY, drawing riders from across the country for a legendary mix of paved and dirt roads through the Battenkill Valley. The course passes through covered bridges, scenic hamlets, and rural Washington County countryside on hardpack dirt roads.
Gear & Timing Tips
Early spring means mud season in Vermont, so check trail conditions before heading out on the Slate Valley singletrack network. The road and rail trail routes are generally rideable from April onward.
Carry a spare tube, a snack, and a downloaded map — cell service is spotty in the hills around Granville, and stores can be few and far between.
A few helpful resources:
Slate Valley Trails: Comprehensive maps and trail condition information for gravel riding in and around Poultney, Vermont
Analog Cycles: Gravel riding events, bike repairs, and bike demos for in-house Tanglefoot brand.
Porcupine Bikes: Bike rentals and repairs