Gravel Cycling in Central Pennsylvania — Ride the Backroads


Central Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River Valley is a premier gravel cycling destination; a place where rolling farmland, river valleys, forest ridges and quiet country roads combine for unforgettable mixed‑surface rides.

Why Gravel Cycling Here?

  • Scenic Variety: Ride through pastoral landscapes, old‑growth forests, and along tributaries of the Susquehanna River — every route offers a new vista and quiet country charm.

  • Rich Local History: Gravel roads here connect historic towns, covered bridges and centuries‑old river crossings that tell the story of Central PA’s heritage.

  • Seasonal Beauty: From vibrant spring greens to blazing fall foliage, the region transforms each season into a new reason to pedal.

Gravel Adventure Field Guide


The Susquehanna River Valley is more than a backdrop; it’s part of your journey. Ride through centuries of history and heritage on roads that connect rural towns, covered bridges and river crossings that have stood for generations. Each turn reveals a story of craftsmanship, community and connection to the land.

The Susquehanna River Valley Gravel Adventure Field Guide is a curated collection of routes and stories that showcase the best of our backroads and the people who call them home.

Request a copy by clicking here.

SRV Gravel Adventure Field Guide

Must‑Ride Gravel Routes

Featured SRV Gravel Routes (GPS Ready)


Plan your adventure with detailed RideWithGPS routes — ready to download or use on your phone:

These range from beginner‑friendly to advanced, allowing riders of all levels to explore SRV gravel.

Signature Event - unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley

Plan Your Gravel Weekend in the Susquehanna River Valley


Where to Stay & Refuel

Turn your ride into a getaway with regional hospitality at: 

After a long ride, explore local dining with farm‑to‑table fare and seasonal specials, as well as favorite local breweries and wineries

Ready to Ride?

Whether you’re planning a day trip, weekend getaway or joining one of Pennsylvania’s iconic gravel events, Central PA’s backroads are calling.

Request the Susquehanna River Valley Gravel Adventure Field Guide — your complete handbook to routes, stories and gravel inspiration.

  • 170 E. Walnut St.
  • (570) 966-1062

Brookside Bikes is family-owned and -operated and located adjacent to the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail in Mifflinburg. It's the perfect place to start a scenic bike tour of the beautiful Susquehanna River Valley. Since 2009, Brookside Bikes has offered a wide selection of new and…

  • 429 Market St.
  • (570) 768-0131

CycleUp is the hub of the bicycling scene in Union County with coffee, hot food, gear and community. Stop in for information on area trails and to swap stories and tips with other cycling enthusiasts. Custom bike building services are also available.

  • 427 Fairground Rd.
  • (570) 524-1249

Link Cyclery LLC is a family friendly bike shop that focuses on quality and integrity. With a wide range of bikes in Road, Mountain, Gravel, Hybrid, Children's and E-Bikes, you can find your ride here. Providing bike repairs from flat tires to overhauls, your bike should be fixed…

unPAved is a premier gravel bike race through the forests, hills and idyllic farm country of the Susquehanna River Valley. The unPAved courses in Union and Snyder Counties feature great gravel, serious climbs, amazing descents, fantastic foliage, delicious aid stations, and a…

Winter Outdoor Recreation

Resist the urge to hibernate and come outside in the Susquehanna River Valley! Fight back against the winter blues, bundle up and prepare to be delighted by the sights and sounds of the season!

Bicycling

Central Pennsylvania is superb for bicycling, whether you like an easy ride on a local rail trail, longer road rides through the countryside or strenuous mountain biking through gorgeous forest lands.

Fishing

Within this 444-mile long majestic river, fishing opportunities abound for all levels of fishermen.  Known for amazing small mouth bass fishing, the Susquehanna River supports many other fish as well.

Golfing

Every shot is the perfect shot at Susquehanna River Valley golf clubs, both public and semi-private.

Disc Golf

Discover the best disc golf courses in the Susquehanna River Valley. From championship layouts like Faylor Lake to beginner-friendly parks - enjoy scenic fairways, wooded trails and fun for all skill levels.

Hiking

Hikers of all ages and skill levels will find a plethora of year-round opportunities to explore parks, forest and trails in the Susquehanna River Valley. Trails provide stunning views, peaceful scenery and meaningful connection to the great…

Horseback Riding

Susquehanna River Valley Equestrian Centers offer training, camps, shows, clinics and lessons for riders of all ages and experience levels. They also offer full care, permanent and temporary boarding facilities for your horse.

Hunting

Hunters are welcome in Pennsylvania State Parks. About 487 acres of R. B. Winter State Park are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, bear, wild turkey, woodcock…

Off-Roading

Famous Reading Outdoors offers those who might be new to off-roading or experienced riders, an exceptional challenge and opportunity to ride through wooded portions of our lands as well as acres of flats, rugged terrain with steep hills and…

Bird & Wildlife Watching

The natural beauty of Pennsylvania surrounds us — in our varied landscapes and welcoming communities. To find these spots, leave the highways behind and venture along Pennsylvania's smaller roads into villages and hamlets…