The best gravel rides in the Australian Capital Territory

The Australian Capital Territory offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 40 trails recorded on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from moderate to difficult, ensuring there's something for every rider.

While many trails in the ACT are rated moderate to difficult, there are options suitable for those looking for an easier ride. For example, the National Arboretum Singletrack – Forest Singletrack Trail loop from Coombs is a moderate 18.5 km route that offers a less strenuous experience through scenic forest singletrack.

Gravel biking in the ACT is characterized by diverse terrain, including rolling hills, extensive forest singletracks, and scenic paths around dams and arboretums. You'll encounter a mix of unpaved roads and dedicated gravel paths, often with views of local landmarks.

Absolutely! Many routes provide stunning views. For instance, the View of Black Mountain Tower loop from Uriarra Village offers glimpses of the iconic Black Mountain Tower. Another route, View from Dairy Farmers Hill – Forest Singletrack Trail loop from Rivett, provides excellent views from Dairy Farmers Hill.

Yes, many of the gravel bike trails in the ACT are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Bruce Ridge Trailhead and Map – Forest Singletrack Trail loop from Phillip Avenue and the Scrivener Dam – National Arboretum Singletrack loop from Rivett.

The ACT's gravel trails are often close to significant natural and recreational areas. You can find routes near the Mount Ainslie Summit Lookout, Summit of Mount Stromlo, and the Canberra Centenary Trail. The region also features various peaks and bike parks that can be explored.

Yes, the ACT offers several routes that incorporate scenic dams and water features. The View of Cotter Dam – Cotter Dam Spillway loop from Casuarina Sands is a great option for experiencing the beauty of Cotter Dam and its spillway.

The gravel biking routes in the Australian Capital Territory are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse forest singletracks, the challenging climbs, and the rewarding views of local landmarks.

Experienced riders will find plenty of challenging options. The Cotter Dam Spillway – View of Cotter Dam loop from Uriarra Village is a demanding 73.5 km route with significant elevation gain, perfect for those seeking a longer adventure.

While specific pub-to-trail connections aren't always explicit, routes like the BentSpoke Brewing Co. – Mount Ainslie Lookout loop from Elouera Street start near urban areas, making it convenient to access amenities before or after your ride. Many trails are also accessible from Canberra's suburbs, offering easy access to local establishments.

The duration of gravel bike rides in the ACT varies significantly depending on the route's length and difficulty. Shorter, moderate trails like the National Arboretum Singletrack – Forest Singletrack Trail loop from Coombs might take around 1 hour 49 minutes, while longer, difficult routes such as the Cotter Dam Spillway – View of Cotter Dam loop from Uriarra Village can take over 7 hours to complete.

Yes, for riders who enjoy varied descents and forest immersion, the Downhill Trail to Hall – Curvy Road Through Forest loop from Kinlyside Nature Reserve provides an exciting experience with downhill sections and winding paths through the forest.