Gravel biking in Highland County, Virginia, offers a unique encounter with one of the least developed corners of the Appalachians. Here, the backroads thread through rugged hills and open pastures, their gravel surfaces pushing both rider and bike to find harmony with a landscape fierce and unyielding. Expect to cover between 25 to 40 miles, depending on your chosen loop, with elevation gains typically hovering around 2,000 feet—enough to remind you that this terrain demands respect rather than merely inviting conquest.

The dirt and gravel roads shift under your tires like living trails, breathing beneath layers of forest canopy and open ridgeline. Forests of oak and maple keep you company, their leaves whispering as you pass. When the trees thin, the backcountry reveals sweeping views of valleys folded like great cloth, the sky daring you to ride further.

An ideal route starts near the quaint town of Monterey, winding over Bearwallow Mountain Road and looping through stretches with sparse traffic and wide-open skies. Terrain varies from hard-packed gravel sections to rougher stretches of loose chert and occasional muddy patches early season, so bike choice and tire pressure adjustments matter.

This ride is more than a sprint; it’s a measured conversation with the earth. Hydrate often—streams are rare roadside—and time of day is critical. Early morning coolness keeps dust down, while afternoon sun can bake the hills and stiffen muscles. Footwear with solid grip and durable sidewalls will guard against unexpected rock punctures and slippery roots.

To prepare, check weather reports closely—rain transforms gravel into slippery, unpredictable trails here. Bring layers; Highland County’s elevation sweeps temps quickly across a 10-degree range. Navigation tools help; cell signal dips in the deep hollows.

Ultimately, gravel biking here means embracing the wild’s raw edge, riding roads that feel fiercely themselves. There’s no rush to finish, only the steady push forward, the meeting of machine and muscle against a landscape full of challenge and stark reward.