As the brutal heat of summer begins to wane, late August and early September open the ideal planning window for one of cycling’s greatest seasonal pleasures: fall bikepacking. The crisp air, changing landscapes, and lack of mid-summer bugs make autumn the absolute best time to pack up your bike and explore. But the best fall bikepacking isn’t just about admiring the changing leaves; it’s about matching the right route to the season.
We’ve curated a list of five steward-supported routes across the country that offer distinct landscapes, accessible logistics, and perfect autumn riding conditions. While this list is curated for geographic diversity and fall suitability rather than an absolute “best-of” ranking, these routes stand out for their compelling scenery and well-documented paths. As always, preparation and the right bike setup are key. Before heading out, review our Late-Summer Bike Maintenance Checklist: Chain, Tires, Brakes, and E-Bike Battery Care to ensure your rig is ready for the journey.
Riding through peak autumn foliage offers crisp air and stunning views. (Alt: A cyclist riding a loaded gravel bike down a dirt road lined with vibrant orange and red autumn trees in a Vermont or New York setting.)
1. Green Mountain Gravel Growler (Vermont)
The Vibe: The ultimate New England foliage and craft beer tour.
For those who believe a long day in the saddle is best rewarded with a world-class IPA, the Green Mountain Gravel Growler is a bucket-list destination. This route strings together some of Vermont’s most celebrated breweries via a network of picturesque dirt roads and challenging singletrack.
Logistics & Highlights:
- Distance/Time: 255 miles over roughly 5 days.
- Elevation: 21,200 feet of climbing.
- Terrain: 63% unpaved .
The route demands a capable gravel bike with at least 40mm tires to handle the varied terrain. The combination of steep climbs and technical descents makes it a moderate-to-difficult undertaking.
The Fall Factor: Vermont is synonymous with autumn. Riding this loop during peak foliage offers a kaleidoscopic backdrop of reds, oranges, and yellows, paired with cool, comfortable riding weather. For detailed maps and brewery stops, check the Green Mountain Gravel Growler Route Guide.
2. The Finger Lakes Overnighter (New York)
The Vibe: A beginner-friendly, logistically simple weekend escape.
If you are new to bikepacking or simply looking for a low-stress weekend getaway, The Finger Lakes Overnighter is an excellent choice. Starting in the charming town of Watkins Glen, this route offers a gentle introduction to multi-day riding without sacrificing scenery.
Logistics & Highlights:
- Distance/Time: 62 miles over 2 days.
- Elevation: 4,022 feet of climbing.
- Terrain: 65% unpaved .
Riders will enjoy the relatively flat and scenic Catherine Valley Rail Trail, punctuated by multiple stunning waterfalls. It’s an easy-difficulty route that allows plenty of time for sightseeing and relaxing.
The Fall Factor: The Finger Lakes region is beautiful year-round, but autumn brings a special tranquility. You’ll experience the vibrant scenery without the heavy summer tourist crowds. Find the full itinerary at The Finger Lakes Overnighter Route Guide.
Taking a break along the trail to enjoy the view. (Alt: A close-up of a bikepacking setup with a handlebar bag and frame bag resting against a wooden fence near a scenic overlook or waterfall.)
3. No Business Loop (Tennessee)
The Vibe: A rugged, backcountry challenge in the Southeast.
For experienced riders seeking isolation and technical terrain, the No Business Loop delivers a demanding adventure through the Big South Fork National Recreation Area. This is not a route for beginners or under-equipped bikes.
Logistics & Highlights:
- Distance/Time: 103 miles over 3 days.
- Elevation: 8,047 feet of climbing.
- Terrain: 88% unpaved .
The route features chunky ruts, technical singletrack, impressive rock formations, and river crossings. A highly capable setup—think mountain bike or a very robust gravel rig—is absolutely required to navigate the difficult terrain safely.
The Fall Factor: Summer in the Southeast can be oppressively hot and humid. Autumn brings comfortable temperatures that make the demanding climbs and remote camping significantly more enjoyable. Prepare for the challenge with the No Business Loop Route Guide.
4. Mammoth Gravel Loop (Wisconsin)
The Vibe: A scenic Midwestern river valley cruise.
The Midwest offers some of the country’s most underrated gravel riding, and the Mammoth Gravel Loop showcases the best of it. Traversing the beautiful St. Croix River Valley, this route is a peaceful journey through vibrant woodlands and open spaces.
Logistics & Highlights:
- Distance/Time: 105 miles over 2 days.
- Elevation: 2,145 feet of climbing.
- Terrain: 75% unpaved .
Utilizing sections of the Gandy Dancer rail trail, the route offers easy-to-moderate difficulty. It’s an excellent option for a weekend trip, featuring ample wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Fall Factor: Crisp midwestern autumn air and vibrant tree lines make this route a visual delight. The cooler weather is perfect for logging steady miles on the gravel. Get the details at the Mammoth Gravel Loop Route Guide.
5. Monumental Loop (New Mexico)
The Vibe: A sweeping desert odyssey with a rich history.
Escape the traditional autumn forests for the expansive beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert. The Monumental Loop, rerouted in 2021 to improve accessibility, is a Figure 8 journey through the stunning Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument.
Logistics & Highlights:
- Distance/Time: 254 miles over 5 days.
- Elevation: 9,277 feet of climbing.
- Terrain: 76% unpaved .
While visually spectacular, the route is moderate-to-difficult. Riders must be prepared for sandy sections that require wider tires and careful navigation, as well as mandatory stops for local burritos.
The Fall Factor: The desert is notoriously unforgiving in the summer. Autumn provides the perfect window to escape the brutal heat and enjoy ideal desert riding conditions. Plan your desert escape with the Monumental Loop Route Guide.
Desert riding requires preparation for sandy conditions and remote stretches. (Alt: A wide shot of a cyclist navigating a rugged, sandy two-track trail in a desert landscape with dramatic mountains in the background in New Mexico.)
Route Comparison at a Glance
| Route | Location | Distance | Duration | Unpaved % | Elevation Gain | Difficulty |
| Green Mountain Gravel Growler | Vermont | 255 miles | 5 days | 63% | 21,200 ft | Moderate/Difficult |
| The Finger Lakes Overnighter | New York | 62 miles | 2 days | 65% | 4,022 ft | Easy |
| No Business Loop | Tennessee | 103 miles | 3 days | 88% | 8,047 ft | Difficult |
| Mammoth Gravel Loop | Wisconsin | 105 miles | 2 days | 75% | 2,145 ft | Easy/Moderate |
| Monumental Loop | New Mexico | 254 miles | 5 days | 76% | 9,277 ft | Moderate/Difficult |
Planning Your Trip
When selecting your autumn adventure, pick a route that matches your skill level, equipment, and time constraints. Remember that route conditions can vary; these paths are not entirely smooth or paved. The No Business Loop requires significant technical capability, and the Monumental Loop involves navigating sandy stretches.
Furthermore, always check local conditions before you depart. Many of these routes cross or border private property. Respect closures, stay on designated paths, and rigorously practice Leave No Trace principles. And don’t forget to plan your nutrition—our guide to the Best Coffee Shop Snacks for Cyclists: What to Order Before, During, and After a Ride will help keep you fueled on those long days in the saddle.
