Login | April 20, 2026
Knox & Coschocton counties gravel riding
PETE GLADDEN
Published: April 20, 2026
With spring well under way I’ve already dusted off and tuned up my gravel and mt. bikes so I can get back out there for another season of two-wheeled exploration.
And it’s funny, because despite my several decades of gravel exploration, I still don’t tire of the anxious anticipation I get when I enter another new year of prospecting off-the-beaten path backroads.
Now having done a ridiculous amount of these gravel riding exploratories, I thought I’d offer up a couple Ohio venues that can make for some pretty easy one-tank trips, places that will most definitely be pleasing to both the seasoned gravel grinder and the gravel novice alike.
But before I get to the destinations, let me offer a few tips, especially for those of you who have never dabbled in this dirty side of cycling.
We’ll talk about the bike first.
For non-tarmac cycling a mountain bike would be the easiest way to get into this genera of cycling, and that’s because mt. bikes have nice wide tires, low centers of gravity and stable frame geometries, all of which can help you to comfortably negotiate most public gravel roads.
And no worries about front fork suspension if you don’t have it.
What’s more, and as I discovered long ago, rear suspension isn’t necessary on all but a handful of public gravel roads - found mostly in mountainous states like CO, NV and CA.
Now as far as road bikes on gravel go, you can do it, but at the bare minimum you’ll need your steed fitted with 28c tires.
I ride 40c gravel tires on my gravel bike, which is essentially a modified road bike configured with wider stays to accommodate the wider tires.
Go narrower than 28c (and maybe even at 28c) you’re risking the potential for flats, wash-outs and crashes.
Hybrid bikes also work as long as the tires are 28c or wider.
Note: Whatever bike you use, make sure your brakes and shifting systems are working properly.
Nothing worse that going down a steep, one-lane gravel hill only to find that your brakes aren’t grabbing (I’ve been there), or conversely going up a steep gravel hill and discovering that your shifting system is jumping, skipping or is totally out of adjustment (been there to).
Second, make sure to carry tools, tube, pump and enough water and food to last the length of your anticipated ride.
Finally, have a phone or a cycling computer with GPS for navigation, because many backcountry gravel roads don’t even have signage.
You’re going to find that gravel riding venues are typically in sparsely populated places with no stores, gas stations, signage nor bike shops - which is precisely why I love it.
Thus, gravel riding usually means you’re on your own!
Okay, now to two beautiful Ohio counties that make for great gravel riding venues.
Knox County Ohio
Part of the glaciated Allegheny Plateau region, Knox County
is composed of gently to moderately rolling countryside in addition to miles of flat farm country.
Here you’ll find several day’s worth of outstanding gravel riding thoroughfares, with several previously established routes like the DogGann33, Honey Run Routes, Homer Gravel and Bladensburg North and South, all of which can be accessed via the web for virtual maps, ridewithgps downloads and tons of trip planning information.
For maps, GPS downloads and beta go to
https://www.ohiogravelgrinders.com/knox-county gravel road maps
Coshocton County Ohio
Coshocton Co. gravel riding is a bit different than Knox Co. in that this area’s got more steep and precipitous climbs and descents.
Coshocton’s gravel thoroughfares are also chock full of gently rolling hills where you’re rewarded with a plethora of quiet stream valleys and miles and miles of woodland forests and farmlands.
Here you’re going to find that the established loop routes are typically 30-60+ miles in totality, which means that you’ll need to be self-sufficient, fit and experienced in doing long, endurance-type gravel road rides.
For more information including GPS downloads and virtual maps go to https://www.komoot.com/guide/3495478/gravel-biking-in-coshocton-county
So don’t you think it’s about time to take a ride on the wild side…on Ohio’s gravel backroads?