Expedition Essentials: Ultimate Guide to Gravel Biking Near Detroit
- Dan Cooke
- 18 hours ago
- 9 min read
Gravel biking is taking the recreational world by storm - especially right here in the Great Lakes region. New to gravel biking? We've got you covered with our #ExpeditionEssentials ultimate guide to the best gear and trail destinations for gravel biking near Detroit!
Go pound sand, pickleball: there's a new king on the recreational throne.
I was actively jotting down notes at the Michigan Outdoor Summit last fall during a session on the future outlook of Michigan's adventure tourism economy. Lost in the influx of a gold mine of valuable industry insights, one of the panel's speakers uttered a quote that cut through the noise.
"Gravel biking is the fastest growing sport in America."
Or maybe he said Michigan. My frantic note-taking didn't capture every word.
What my notes certainly captured - which has also reverberated throughout the outdoor industry over the last few years - is gravel biking's wave of popularity.
And by "wave," we mean tsunami.
As Expedition Detroit's mountain biking content soared over the past few years, we couldn't publish an article or post without a follower or subscriber responding along these lines:
"You gotta publish some gravel biking content!"
"Sweet - now let's see some gravel!"
"Are you guys going to cover gravel biking anytime soon?"
Fine; twist our arm. We finally caved last spring and acquired a company-branded Canyon Grizl 7 gravel bike early last summer. You know, just to verify the hype.
The hype is real. As real as it gets. I was hooked immediately on the sport, much to the chagrin (or maybe relief?) of my REI Co-op mountain bike.
I found that my gravel bike unleashed the full potential of Detroit's blossoming trail system. Unlike the weight of my MTB and the fragility of most road bikes, my gravel bike provided the perfect balance of a lightweight frame and structural formidability to fuel 40+ mile rides.
Going for a ride now meant having the ability to explore multiple trail systems in a single outing. To verify that Michigan is actually evolving into the "Great Trails State," with Detroit as its recreational capital. We even ventured "south of the border" to Thedford, Onatario to ride in the "Big Gravel Grind," sponsored by the Bluewater International Granfondo.
With a year of field work now complete, we confidently believe that our region's recreational future will prioritize gravel biking near Detroit. It's our pleasure to finally bring the fastest growing sport in America - or at least Metro Detroit - to our community.
CRASH COURSE: What is Gravel Biking?
You've definitely heard of road biking. Probably mountain biking too.
So, let's start with the obvious question:
What the heck even is "Gravel Biking?"
In short, gravel biking is a version of cycling that involves riding a drop-bar bike on unpaved roads and trails, fitting somewhere between road cycling and mountain biking. In more technical terms, a "gravel bike" features a drop handlebar, longer wheelbase to ensure stable handling, more comfortable, relaxed geometry, wider (35 mm and up), often knobby tires to increase grip on rough surfaces; and disc brakes for powerful stopping in various weather conditions.
Let's not overcomplicate the sport though. Gravel biking near Detroit has caught like a recreational wildfire due to several synergistic factors, chief of which being that the sport appeals to both endurance-heavy road cyclists and adventurous mountain bikers alike. Here's a summary of gravel biking's allurement:
Multipurpose. From cruising on paved trails to expeditiously riding two-track backcountry routes, gravel biking bridges the gap between road cycling's speed and mountain biking's ruggedness - as well as perfectly facilitating multi-day bikepacking adventures.
Variable Terrain. Beyond the crushed stones that literally define "gravel," gravel bikes confidently and efficiently ride over any variety of unpaved surfaces, with conditions ranging from smooth forest service roads to rutted out double track.
Route Accessibility. Gravel biking has flourished in the United States - and especially Michigan - due to a third of our country's 4.1 million-mile road network remaining unpaved.
Safety. Gravel biking provides an ideal alternative for cyclists that are tied to the pavement of main roads and beginner bikers looking to avoid the variables of mountain biking trails.
Opportunities for Economic Growth. Beyond further product diversification for bike shops, small towns throughout the United States and Canada - especially in rural areas with largely unpaved roads - can now transform into idyllic destinations for gravel biking races.
Here in the Detroit region, we are already experiencing an influx of recreational development geared towards gravel biking. Starting with our namesake city, Detroit's flourishing network of interconnected greenways - chief of which being the forthcoming Joe Louis Greenway - will supercharge the importance of biking throughout the city. Just over the border, the Windsor-Essex region is capitalizing on the global $135 billion cycling tourism market, including relaunching interactive biking maps, highlighting the trail connectivity of the Gordie Howe Bridge, and branding cycle tourism in the forefront of their campaigns. Gravel racing events like The Watermoo, De Ronde van Grampian, the Big Gravel Grind, and the Rode to Hell Gravel Race.
Now that gravel biking near Detroit is here to stay, let's get you geared up for riding.
GEAR UP: Gravel Biking Gear Essentials
Recommending biking equipment of any kind is a dangerous game. Much like skiing or snowboarding, every rider is different, "gear heads" rule the trail, and any public opinion on the topic is subject to public scrutiny.
If you're an experienced gravel rider with a tried-and-true kit, then this section is largely not for you. Feel free to skip ahead to recommended trails.
If you're new to gravel biking or looking to upgrade your kit, then welcome - our research team has been expecting you. Let's get into it.
GRAVEL BIKES
1. Grizl CF SLX 8 AXS Trail
Brand: Canyon
Cost: $4,699
Why Listed: Best in Show
Technical Features:
Superlight SLX frame and high-end Rudy Ultimate fork, this is one of the fastest, most capable bikes around on rough gravel courses
Available in 2XS-2XL sizes.
Weight: 20.82 lbs
Material: Carbon
2. Topstone 3
Brand: Cannondale
Cost: $1,119.93 (currently on sale)
Why Listed: Best Value
Technical Features:
Built for chasing horizons, exploring routes less traveled or accelerating your commute, the Cannondale Topstone 3 is a lightweight gravel bike crafted from SmartForm C2 alloy with a full carbon fork
Available in XS-XL sizes.
Weight: 22 lbs 15.5 oz
Material: SmartForm C2 Alloy
3. Journeyer Sora 700c Bike
Brand: Salsa
Cost: $999.93 (currently on sale)
Why Listed: Best for Beginners
Technical Features:
Built for comfort and confidence on any road surface and equipped with versatile cargo-carrying options, the Salsa Journeyer Sora 700c bike is your gateway to all-road adventures
Available in 49 CM and 51 CM sizes.
Weight: 23 lbs 13 oz
Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
HELMET
Journeyer Sora 700c Bike
Brand: Salsa
Cost: $999.93 (currently on sale)
Why Listed: Best for Beginners
Technical Features:
Built for comfort and confidence on any road surface and equipped with versatile cargo-carrying options, the Salsa Journeyer Sora 700c bike is your gateway to all-road adventures
Available in 49 CM and 51 CM sizes.
Weight: 23 lbs 13 oz
Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
HELMET
Persist Mips Bike Helmet
Brand: Smith
Cost: $130.00
Technical Features:
Fast-paced lunch spin or long weekend ride, the updated Smith Persist Mips bike helmet is down for whatever you have in mind. And with the easy-to-use dial adjuster, you can get that just-right fit
Available in S-XL sizes
Weight: 11 oz
Material: Polycarbonate
PEDALS
X-Track Gravel Edition Pedals
Brand: Look
Cost: $59.00
Technical Features:
Get off paved surfaces with the Look X-Track Gravel Edition pedals. They're built with an aluminum body and Chromoly+, double-sealed axles that ensure a fluid feel through every pedal stroke
Clipless design
Weight: 450 grams
Material: Aluminum
Cleat design: 2-hole
GRAVEL BIKING SHOES
Men's: RX 6 Gravel Bike Shoes
Brand: Shimano
Cost: $180.00
Technical Features:
Optimally balanced for stiffness and walkability, the men's Shimano RX 6 gravel bike shoes have carbon-reinforced soles that offer race-level rigidity for pedaling performance on day-long rides
Available in 40-50 EU sizes
Weight: 1 lb 3.3 oz
Material: Carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon/TPU
Cleat design: 2-hole
Women's: RX 6 Gravel Bike Shoes
Brand: Shimano
Cost: $180.00
Technical Features:
Optimally balanced for stiffness and walkability, the women's Shimano RX 6 gravel bike shoes have carbon-reinforced soles that offer race-level rigidity for pedaling performance on day-long rides
Available in 36-42 EU sizes
Weight: 1 lb 2.1 oz
Material: Carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon/TPU
Cleat design: 2-hole
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
The gear listed above is your bare-essentials equipment list. Beyond those components, the list of gravel biking accessories and customization is near-endless.
That being said, we strongly suggest investing in proper safety equipment. That includes biking shorts with adequate padding, safety lights (especially a rear light), gloves, and riding glasses. Acquiring a mounted cycling computer will also fuel both your riding and fitness capacity.
GET OUT THERE: 5 Best Trails for Gravel Biking Near Detroit
The Detroit region is no stranger to world-class cross-country skiing trails. In fact, most - if not all - of our Michigan State, Huron-Clinton Metropark, and regional parks feature top-tier cross-country skiing trails near Detroit. Our state's long winters, scenic forests, rolling hills, and notable demographics with Scandinavian ancestry lend itself to our winters' favorite pastime.
If you're ready to ramp up your riding adventures for Spring and Summer of 2025, then here are the Detroit region's top 5 trails for gravel biking near Detroit (according to AllTrails):
1. DETROIT RIVERFRONT TRAIL | Detroit, MI
Distance: 9.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 118 ft.
Route Type: Out & Back
How could we not start our list of the best trails for gravel biking near Detroit with the #1 riverfront in America: the Detroit Riverfront Trail! This ever-evolving, scenic, and amenity-filled trail provides an excellent out-and-back paved trail, ranging from Gabriel Richard Park across the Detroit River from Belle Isle to the forthcoming Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park (FINALLY opening later this year!). Our absolute favorite aspect about this trail - and especially for gravel bikers - is that the Detroit Riverfront Trail connects directly to several other trails, including Belle Isle, the Dequindre Cut, the Southwest Greenway, and eventually the Joe Louis Greenway.
EXPLORE DETROIT'S BELLE ISLE PARK YEAR-ROUND WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
2. PAINT CREEK TRAIL | Lake Orion, Michigan
Distance: 8.9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 62 ft.
Route Type: Point to Point
Explore Michigan's first non-motorized rail-to-trail: the Paint Creek Trail! Open to the public since 1983, the Paint Creek Trail receives over 100,000 visitors annually. The non-motorized Trail traverses through Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Orion Township and the Village of Lake Orion. Approximately 8.9 miles long, the trail is built on the gentle grade of the former Penn Central railroad bed. The trail's 8-ft. wide, all-weather limestone surface makes it ideal for year-round activity. It's a place for non-motorized travel, a place to enjoy a quiet look at nature and scenic open space - and especially for gravel biking near Detroit.
GEAR UP FOR GRAVEL BIKING NEAR DETROIT
3. CHRYSLER CANADA GREENWAY TRAIL | Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada
Distance: 28.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 288 ft.
Route Type: Point to Point
Oh, Canada! This cycling season, head south of the border to explore one of the top-rated destinations for gravel biking near Detroit: the Chrysler Canada Greenway Trail. The trail is not only idyllic for gravel biking, but also birding, and cross-country skiing in the winter. The 50 kilometer (~28.6 mile) Chrysler Canada Greenway travels through the heart of rolling Essex County and comprises the southernmost link of the continent-spanning Trans Canada Trail.
STAY SAFE, DRY, AND SEEN WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT TRAIL GEAR
4. CLINTON RIVER TRAIL | West Bloomfield, Michigan
Distance: 16 Miles
Elevation Gain: 436 ft.
Route Type: Point to Point
The Clinton River Trail is a 16-mile long, multi-use, recreational trail extending through the communities of Sylvan Lake, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills and Rochester. The trail provides connections to several other area trails and is a critical part of two cross-state trails: the Iron Belle Trail running from Belle Isle to Ironwood and the Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Route 1 from South Haven to Port Huron. The trail has contributed to the health, vitality, and quality of life in the Detroit region since 2004.
EXPLORE PONTIAC LAKE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
5. POLLY ANN TRAIL | Lake Orion, Michigan
Distance: 36.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 698 ft.
Route Type: Point to Point
The Polly Ann Trail is a 36.7-mile long, non-motorized trail extending north from suburban Detroit on a former Pontiac, Oxford & Northern Railroad corridor. The trail is managed separately by groups in Lapeer County and Oakland County, and the experience along the trail is vastly different in the two counties.
In Oakland County, the Polly Ann Trail has a crushed stone surface and runs for 14.2 miles between Orion Township and the Oakland–Lapeer County line. Along the way, trail users pass through the communities of Orion Township, Oxford Township, the Village of Oxford, Addison Township, and the Village of Leonard. Meanwhile, the Lapeer County section has largely more rugged, natural terrain - in other words, perfect for gravel biking near Detroit.
EXPLORE ACTIVE WEAR PROVIDED BY EXPEDITION DETROIT
This article contains affiliate links that align with Expedition Detroit's Disclosures Policy. This article does not constitute an endorsement by Expedition Detroit of any of the featured equipment or destinations for cross-country skiing near Detroit.
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