The best gravel rides around North Star
4.7
(4)
109
riders
16
rides
Gravel biking around North Star features a network of trails primarily located in the Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area and surrounding regions. The terrain includes rolling hills, forested sections, and paths alongside waterways. Elevations are generally moderate, with routes traversing varied landscapes suitable for gravel cycling. The area offers a mix of established trails and less-traveled paths, providing diverse experiences for riders.
Best gravel bike trails around North Star
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Fair Hill Trailhead – Willis House Ruins loop from Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area, a 17.0 miles (27.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 53 minutes to complete. This moderate route explores the natural resource management area.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Fair Hill Trailhead – Fair Hill Covered Bridge loop from Appleton, a difficult 56.6 miles (91.1 km) path. This route features significant distance and elevation gain, passing by the historic covered bridge.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Fair Hill Trailhead – Willis House Ruins loop from Appleton, a 10.1 miles (16.3 km) trail leading through varied natural landscapes, often completed in about 1 hour 37 minutes.
- Gravel biking around North Star is defined by forested paths, open fields, and riverside sections, offering a mix of surfaces from compacted gravel to dirt tracks. The network provides options for different ability levels, from moderate loops to more challenging long-distance routes.
- The routes in North Star are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 2 reviews. More than 83 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore North Star's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
14
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
15
riders
39.2km
02:16
380m
380m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
riders
38.4km
02:31
260m
260m
The William M. Redd, Jr. Park – Newark Reservoir loop offers a dynamic gravel biking experience, blending smooth paved sections with engaging unpaved trails. You'll start with a notable climb to the Newark Reservoir, where you can enjoy expansive views of the city and surrounding woodlands, before diving into the serene, wooded trails of William M. Redd, Jr. Park. This moderate 23.9-mile (38.4 km) route, with 853 feet (260 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete, providing a varied and rewarding ride.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the loop is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Newark and the University of Delaware campus. While specific parking information isn't detailed, its urban setting suggests accessible options. This route is a great choice for a morning or afternoon outing, offering a quick escape into nature without venturing far from city amenities.
What makes this loop stand out is its unique combination of surfaces, making it an ideal playground for gravel bikes. It seamlessly connects the scenic paved path around the reservoir with the more technical, flowy loops found within William M. Redd, Jr. Park. For those seeking even more distance, the area's proximity to other trail systems like White Clay Creek and Middle Run allows for easy integration into longer rides, making it a versatile hub for gravel biking in Newark, Delaware.
5
riders
55.2km
03:36
420m
420m
The Whitely Farms – Pomeroy Trail loop from Newark offers a fantastic gravel biking adventure, blending packed gravel paths with scenic crushed stone and paved sections. You'll pedal through the remnants of old Whitely Farm, navigating rolling hills and moderate tree coverage, before transitioning to the picturesque Pomeroy Trail, which often follows a tranquil creek, providing lovely water views and chances to spot wildlife. This diverse route through White Clay Creek State Park is perfect for those who enjoy varied terrain and natural beauty.
This moderate 34.3-mile (55.2 km) gravel biking route, with 1366 feet (416 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 3 hours and 36 minutes to complete. The Pomeroy Trail is known for its accessibility and minimal elevation, making it suitable for many, but the full loop requires good fitness due to its length and overall climbing. Access points are available through White Clay Creek State Park, and the Pomeroy Trail connects conveniently to the Newark Transit Center and the University of Delaware campus.
This loop stands out for its excellent connectivity within the broader White Clay Creek State Park trail system, allowing for customizable rides. The combination of the Whitely Farms Trail's natural feel and the Pomeroy Trail's scenic creek-side journey provides a unique gravel biking experience near Newark, Delaware. It's a great option for exploring the region's natural preserves and enjoying a substantial ride on varied surfaces.
6
riders
24.4km
01:33
200m
200m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
I ride the Pomeroy trail a lot - it's great! Pomeroy runs through Newark, crossed Main Street (and a local bike shop), and into White Clay Creek State Park. At the park it divides with Pomeroy turning into a gravel trail on one side of the creek, and Penn Del trail, a paved trail, on the other side. They meet up again at Hopkins Road if you want to explore both sides. Penn Del continues as a gravel/singletrack/paved trail up into Pennsylvania. Both trails make for a great family hike or bike ride for all skill levels.
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Great park for kids, if you’re out on a family ride. If not, plenty of tables under shade for a spot of lunch, and just a stones throw from Main Street for food, or Bings Bakery for coffee and cake.
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History of White Clay Creek. Nice to learn some local history while riding or hiking.
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Fair Hill is home to miles of gravel track, single track, scenic spots, and ruins. Absolutely worth a few hours of exploration.
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Great parking area to start a hike, walk or ride. It’s a pay honor system.
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Some days the bugs here are absolutely atrocious, other days you could hang out there all day. If you’re hiking or want to explore it for a bit, might be worth having but spray.
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The loop around is 1.1 miles. Not overly crowded, so can be a fun spot to do some laps and compare times.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are there in North Star?
The North Star area offers a network of over 15 gravel bike trails, catering to various skill levels. These routes primarily explore the Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area and surrounding regions.
What are some easy gravel bike trails for beginners in North Star?
For beginners, routes within the Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area offer accessible options. While most routes are moderate, you can find sections that are less challenging. Consider exploring parts of the Fair Hill Trailhead – Willis House Ruins loop from Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area, which is a moderate route but can be adapted for shorter, easier rides.
Are there any challenging gravel cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, experienced riders seeking a challenge will find several difficult routes. The Fair Hill Trailhead – Fair Hill Covered Bridge loop from Appleton is a demanding 56.6-mile (91.1 km) path with significant distance and elevation gain, passing by a historic covered bridge.
Can I find circular gravel bike routes in the North Star area?
Many of the gravel bike routes in North Star are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Fair Hill Trailhead – Willis House Ruins loop from Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area and the Fair Hill Covered Bridge – Fair Hill Trailhead loop from Newark.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around North Star?
Gravel biking around North Star features a diverse mix of terrain. You'll encounter forested paths, open fields, and riverside sections. Surfaces range from compacted gravel to dirt tracks, with rolling hills and moderate elevations, particularly within the Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area.
What attractions or landmarks can I see along the gravel bike trails?
While riding, you can discover several interesting landmarks. The Fair Hill Trailhead – Fair Hill Covered Bridge loop from Appleton passes by the historic Fair Hill Covered Bridge. Other nearby attractions include the Ashland Covered Bridge, Fox catcher Farm Covered Bridge, and natural areas like White Clay Creek.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in North Star?
The gravel biking routes in North Star are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 2 reviews. More than 83 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the mix of forested paths and open fields.
Is there parking available at the trailheads for gravel biking in North Star?
Yes, many routes, especially those starting from the Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area, offer designated parking. For example, the Fair Hill Trailhead – Willis House Ruins loop begins from a trailhead where parking is typically available.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in North Star?
The region offers pleasant gravel biking conditions through spring, summer, and fall. Spring brings wildflowers, summer offers lush green landscapes, and fall provides vibrant colors. While specific winter conditions are not detailed, the varied terrain suggests that milder winter days could also be suitable.
Are there any less crowded gravel routes in North Star?
While the Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area is popular, exploring routes that start from less central points, such as the William M. Redd, Jr. Park – Newark Reservoir loop from Milford Crossroads, might offer a quieter experience. Additionally, longer or more challenging routes tend to have fewer riders.
Are there any routes with cafe stops or places to refuel?
While specific cafe stops directly on the trails are not detailed, routes that pass through or near towns like Appleton or Newark, such as the Fair Hill Trailhead – Fair Hill Covered Bridge loop from Appleton, would likely offer opportunities to find refreshments and refuel in the nearby communities.
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