Michaux Gravel: 2-day Forest Ride

Two‑Day Ride Overview:

This free, self‑supported ride at Michaux Forest State Park brings together two distinct days of classic Michaux gravel. Riders can choose either day or take on both, with options to camp at the park’s campground or stay in nearby lodging.

Both routes showcase epic Michaux riding, with Day 1 offering a 45‑mile northern loop of rugged forest roads, big climbs, and sweeping ridge‑top views, while Day 2 delivers a 38‑mile southern loop with steady climbs, quiet gravel, and highlights like Snowy Mountain Vista and Antietam Creek. Together they balance challenge and scenery, giving riders two distinct ways to experience the best of the forest.

Two ways to Join. Sign up on our Strava group, or register through BikeReg.com.

Ride Dates: 6/10 -6/11

Location / Start: Michaux State Forest - Caledonia State Park (campground) / 8:00 AM Start both days.

  • Start Area: Caledonia State Park Parking Lot #2 Trailhead parking

Miles / Elevation:

  • Day 1: 45mi / 3718 ft

  • Day 2: 38mi / 3510 ft

Difficulty: Intermediate

Have a Question: Contact the Organizer

Three people riding bicycles on a forest trail surrounded by trees and greenery.
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Daily Ride Plan

Brown wooden sign for Michaux State Forest, Pennsylvania, with white text issued by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, situated in a green forested area.

Day 1 - Michaux North Loop (45 miles)

Starting from Caledonia State Park, this route jumps north into the heart of Michaux’s rugged terrain. With 83% unpaved surfaces and six distinct climbs ranging from 138 to 1,008 feet, riders will tackle forest roads, ridge lines, and chunky gravel with sweeping views from Big Flat Ridge – East Peak, Buck Ridge Tower, and Big Flat Tower. Fuller Lake offers a scenic breather before the official rest stop at mile 27: Pine Grove Furnace General Store. Expect a mix of sustained climbs, fast descents, and quiet forest solitude.

Three people mountain biking on a dirt trail through a dense green forest, wearing helmets and sunglasses.

Day 2 - Michaux South Loop (38 miles)

This 38‑mile loop leaves Caledonia State Park and heads south over iconic Michaux gravel, with 74% of the route unpaved. Seven climbs—ranging from 189 to 837 feet—add steady challenge between stretches of quiet forest riding. Highlights include Caledonia Lake, the overlook at Snowy Mountain Vista, and a peaceful run along Antietam Creek. A rest stop sits at mile 20 (Walmart), about 1.5 miles off course, before the final roll back to the state park.

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Lodging Options:

A gravel road winding through a dense green forest with sunlight filtering through the trees.