Gravel Cycling in Alachua County: Exploring Rural North Florida

Alachua County offers some of the best gravel cycling in North Florida. With its network of rural farm roads, rolling terrain, and beautiful countryside, it's a gravel rider's paradise just minutes from downtown Gainesville.

Best Gravel Routes

The area around Newberry and High Springs offers miles of well-maintained gravel roads through farmland, pine forests, and along scenic creeks. The Dudley Farm Historic State Park area has particularly beautiful rural roads with old Florida charm.

Gear Recommendations

A gravel bike with 38-42mm tires is ideal for these roads. Tubeless setup is recommended to handle the occasional sandy section. Carry extra water and a repair kit — services are limited in rural areas.

Route Planning

Use apps like RideWithGPS or Strava to plan your route. Many gravel roads connect to paved roads, allowing you to create mixed-surface loops. Start with shorter routes (15-20 miles) and build up as you learn the area.