Top 19 'Gravel-and-Ghost-Town' Cycling Trails to explore in America's Forgotten Backcountry - Goh Ling Yong
There's a special kind of magic that happens when your tires leave the pavement. The hum of the road disappears, replaced by the satisfying crunch of gravel under rubber. It’s a sound that signals a departure—not just from the city, but often, from the present moment. For those of us who chase this feeling, the ride is about more than just mileage; it's about discovery.
This isn't just about finding a new path; it's about uncovering old ones. We're talking about routes that whisper tales of boom and bust, of prospectors chasing dreams and families building lives in the harshest of landscapes. America's backcountry is littered with these echoes—ghost towns, abandoned mines, and forgotten railroad grades that serve as monuments to a bygone era. Combining the thrill of gravel cycling with the allure of history creates an experience that’s part athletic endeavor, part archeological expedition.
So, air up your tires and pack your sense of adventure. We're about to pedal through time, exploring 19 of the most captivating gravel and ghost town cycling trails across America. These are the places where every pedal stroke takes you deeper into the story of the nation's forgotten corners.
1. The Alpine Loop, Colorado: High-Altitude Hauntings
Connecting the historic mining towns of Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City, the 65-mile Alpine Loop is the undisputed king of high-altitude gravel. This is not a ride for the faint of heart. You'll grind your way over two 12,000-foot passes, Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass, on rugged 4x4 roads that demand respect and low gears.
The reward is a breathtaking panorama of the San Juan Mountains and a direct portal into Colorado's silver rush. The route is littered with the skeletal remains of mines, mills, and tramway towers. The highlight is the perfectly preserved ghost town of Animas Forks. Park your bike and wander through the vacant Victorian homes, imagining the lives of the hardy souls who once called this unforgiving landscape home.
Pro-Tip: This is a summer-only route, typically open from late June to September. A gravel bike with at least 45mm tires and climbing gears is essential. Be prepared for extreme weather changes, even in July.
2. Bodie & The Eastern Sierra, California: Ghosts of the Gold Rush
Nestled in the high desert east of the Sierra Nevada, Bodie State Historic Park is one of America's best-preserved ghost towns. While you can't ride through the protected town itself, the surrounding network of gravel and dirt roads offers an incredible journey into the past. Start near Mono Lake and ride the historic Bodie Railway Grade for a relatively flat warm-up.
From there, a web of BLM roads can take you on a multi-day bikepacking adventure through a landscape of sagebrush and solitude. You’ll pedal past countless abandoned mine shafts and the lonely ruins of smaller mining camps that once supported the booming town of Bodie. The sense of isolation here is profound, a stark reminder of the "Wild West" that once was.
Pro-Tip: Water is extremely scarce. Plan your route meticulously and carry more water than you think you'll need. The best seasons are late spring and early fall to avoid the brutal summer heat and winter snow.
3. The Custer Motorway, Idaho: Remote Backcountry Adventure
For the truly adventurous, the Custer Motorway in Central Idaho is a rugged and remote challenge. This historic 35-mile route connects the ghost towns of Custer and Bonanza with the town of Stanley. Built in the late 1870s to service the booming gold and silver mines of the Yankee Fork Mining District, it's now a primitive road that tests both rider and equipment.
The ride follows the beautiful Yankee Fork of the Salmon River, passing old mining dredges, crumbling cabins, and forgotten cemeteries. The ghost towns of Custer and Bonanza offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with several buildings still standing. It’s the kind of epic adventure Goh Ling Yong often writes about, where the journey itself is the destination.
Pro-Tip: This is true backcountry. Cell service is non-existent. Pack tools, extra food, and a water filter. A satellite messenger is highly recommended. A mountain bike or a gravel bike with wide, durable tires is a must.
4. Terlingua, Texas: Mercury Mines and Desert Vistas
On the edge of Big Bend National Park lies Terlingua, a ghost town that has found a second life as a quirky, artsy outpost. The area is a gravel cyclist's paradise, with endless dirt roads winding through the starkly beautiful Chihuahuan Desert. The history here is tied to mercury (or "quicksilver") mining, which boomed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Explore the ruins of the Chisos Mining Company, wander through the historic cemetery, and then pedal out on Old Maverick Road into the national park. The remnants of old mining operations are scattered across the landscape, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Chisos Mountains. The ride is a lesson in resilience, both of the people who worked here and the desert ecosystem itself.
Pro-Tip: The best time to ride is from October to April. Summer temperatures are dangerously high. The terrain is rocky and punctuated by sand traps, so wide tires (47mm+) and tubeless sealant are your best friends.
5. The Ghost Town Trail, Pennsylvania: Coal Country Chronicles
The name says it all. This 46-mile rail trail in western Pennsylvania is a perfect entry point into gravel and ghost town exploration. Following the former Blacklick Creek and Cambria & Indiana rail lines, the trail is mostly crushed limestone, making it accessible for most gravel bikes.
The "ghosts" here are the former coal mining towns that flourished and then vanished when the mines closed. The trail is dotted with historical markers and the ruins of coal-processing facilities and company towns like Wehrum, once home to 2,000 people and now completely gone. It’s a poignant ride that tells the story of America's industrial heartland.
Pro-Tip: The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it great for a long day ride or a casual overnighter. The town of Ebensburg at the eastern terminus is a great base of operations.
6. The Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan: In the Heart of Copper Country
The Upper Peninsula's Keweenaw Peninsula was the site of America's first major mineral rush—for copper, not gold. The legacy of this boom is a stunning landscape of rocky shorelines, dense forests, and countless ghost towns and abandoned copper mines.
Create your own adventure by linking together gravel roads, seasonal two-tracks, and historic railroad grades. Ride the Quincy Mine area overlooking Houghton, or explore the ruins around the old town of Mandan. For a truly epic ride, tackle the remote and rugged Mandan Road, an old rail grade that takes you deep into the peninsula's wild northern tip.
Pro-Tip: Black flies and mosquitoes can be intense from late spring to mid-summer. The best riding is in the late summer and early fall when the bugs have subsided and the autumn colors are spectacular.
7. The Mickelson Trail, South Dakota: Black Hills Gold
Stretching 109 miles through the heart of the Black Hills, the George S. Mickelson Trail follows the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington Northern rail line. While much of it is smooth crushed stone, it provides access to a region steeped in gold rush lore and dotted with historic sites.
The trail passes near legendary towns like Deadwood and Lead, where you can still feel the echoes of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. The real gems for ghost town hunters are the smaller, off-trail sites of former mining camps. Use the trail as a spine to explore the endless gravel forest service roads that branch off into the hills, searching for forgotten cemeteries and mine ruins.
Pro-Tip: The trail has a user fee, so be sure to purchase a pass. With over 100 bridges and 4 rock tunnels, the scenery is constantly changing and spectacular.
8. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR), New Mexico Section
The legendary GDMBR is the pinnacle of backcountry bikepacking. The New Mexico section, particularly the stretch from Grants to Silver City, is a masterclass in remote, high-desert riding and ghost town discovery. You'll pedal through a vast, empty landscape that was once home to bustling mining operations.
The route passes through the Gila National Forest and by the famous "Gila Cliff Dwellings," but the real ghost town experience is found near the Black Range. The ride takes you near the remnants of towns like Chloride and Kingston, which were silver mining boomtowns in the 1880s. The sense of history and solitude is immense.
Pro-Tip: This is a serious undertaking. Resupply points are few and far between. You must be self-sufficient with water, food, and mechanical skills. A GPS device with the route pre-loaded is non-negotiable.
9. Grafton, Utah: The West's Most Photographed Ghost Town
Just a short, scenic gravel ride from the town of Rockville, outside Zion National Park, lies Grafton. Settled by Mormon pioneers in 1859, the town was ultimately abandoned due to persistent flooding and isolation. Today, a handful of beautifully preserved buildings, including a schoolhouse and several homes, remain.
The ride itself is short and not overly challenging, making it a perfect half-day excursion. The iconic shot of the Grafton church with Zion's majestic cliffs in the background is worth the trip alone. It's a quiet, reflective place that served as a filming location for a scene in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Pro-Tip: Combine this ride with a visit to Zion National Park. The best light for photography is in the late afternoon. Please be respectful of the preserved buildings and the historic cemetery.
10. The Magruder Corridor, Idaho/Montana: The Ultimate Wilderness Ride
Stretching 101 miles through a vast, roadless area between Idaho and Montana, the Magruder Corridor is one of the most remote and challenging routes in the Lower 48. It follows a primitive road along the divide between the Selway and Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness areas.
This corridor was historically used by the Nez Perce tribe and later by prospectors and miners. Along the route, you’ll find the remnants of the remote Elk City and Orogrande mining districts. The real "ghost" here is civilization itself. You are truly on your own, immersed in a landscape that has changed little in the last century.
Pro-Tip: This is for expert bikepackers only. Plan for a 3-4 day trip and be completely self-sufficient. Bear spray and proper food storage are mandatory. The road is rough, and a bike with suspension is recommended.
11. The Apache Trail, Arizona: A Historic Stagecoach Route
Just east of Phoenix, the historic Apache Trail (State Route 88) offers a spectacular, albeit challenging, ride. The most famous section is a 22-mile gravel stretch that winds precipitously through the Superstition Mountains, offering jaw-dropping views of Canyon Lake and the desert landscape.
This route was originally a stagecoach trail used to transport materials for the construction of the Roosevelt Dam. Along the way, you'll pass the Goldfield Ghost Town (a tourist reconstruction, but fun) and can stop at Tortilla Flat, a former stagecoach stop with a population of 6. The ride feels like a true expedition into the Old West.
Pro-Tip: The road is narrow, winding, and shared with vehicles, so ride with caution. It's best tackled on a weekday to avoid traffic. Avoid this route in the summer; the heat is extreme and there is no shade.
12. Virginia City to Carson City, Nevada: The V&T Grade
Experience the heart of the Comstock Lode by riding the old Virginia & Truckee (V&T) Railroad grade. While the official multi-use path is still in development, adventurous riders can piece together a route on dirt roads and trails that parallel the historic line from the boomtown of Virginia City down to the state capital, Carson City.
Virginia City is a living historical landmark, but the surrounding hills are filled with the true ghosts—hundreds of abandoned mine shafts, headframes, and the ruins of massive ore-processing mills in towns like Gold Hill and Silver City. The high-desert landscape is stark and beautiful, and the sense of mining history is palpable.
Pro-Tip: The area is a maze of dirt roads. Use a mapping app like Gaia GPS or Ride with GPS to plan a viable route. Be aware of private property and stay on designated roads.
13. Greenbrier River Trail, West Virginia: Appalachian Echoes
This magnificent 78-mile rail trail is one of the most beautiful and remote on the East Coast. It follows the Greenbrier River through pristine forests and past quaint, isolated towns. The gravel surface is well-maintained and the grade is nearly flat, making it accessible to most riders.
The ghost town element here is more subtle. The trail passes through the sites of former logging camps and railroad towns that vanished when the timber industry declined. The beautifully restored depots in towns like Marlinton and Cass (home of the Cass Scenic Railroad) speak to a busier time, while the quiet stretches in between whisper of the communities that time forgot.
Pro-Tip: There is no cell service for most of the trail's length. It's an ideal route for a multi-day, self-supported bikepacking trip, with designated campsites along the way.
14. South Pass City, Wyoming: Oregon Trail Outpost
Ride through the heart of Oregon Trail country to the beautifully preserved ghost town of South Pass City. This was the site of Wyoming's first major gold rush, and at its peak, it was a bustling city of thousands. Today, it's a state historic site with over 20 original buildings.
The best way to experience it is on a gravel loop from the nearby town of Atlantic City (itself a near-ghost town). The ride takes you through the wide-open sagebrush plains of the Great Divide Basin. You'll pedal on the same ground as pioneers, prospectors, and Pony Express riders, a truly humbling experience.
Pro-Tip: The wind in Wyoming is legendary. Be prepared for a tough battle, and check the forecast before you head out. Late summer offers the most stable weather.
15. The Oregon Outback: High Desert Solitude
Not a single trail, but a legendary 364-mile bikepacking route that bisects Oregon's vast and empty high desert. The route is primarily on gravel and low-traffic paved roads, taking you through a landscape of sagebrush, volcanic tablelands, and alkali flats.
The "ghosts" of the Outback are the scattered, sun-bleached remains of homesteads from the early 20th century. These settlers were lured by the promise of free land but were ultimately defeated by the harsh, arid climate. Riding past these lonely cabins and windmills is a powerful meditation on the ambition and fragility of the American dream.
Pro-Tip: The route is best ridden from north to south to take advantage of prevailing winds. The section through the Fremont-Winema National Forest is particularly beautiful. Plan your water and food resupplies with extreme care.
16. The Flint Hills Nature Trail, Kansas: Prairie Phantoms
Stretching 117 miles across eastern Kansas, this is the state's longest rail trail. It takes you through the heart of the Flint Hills, one of the last remaining expanses of tallgrass prairie in North America. The ghosts here aren't of miners, but of the small agricultural towns that slowly faded as the railroads declined.
You'll ride through and past numerous small towns, some thriving, others with just a few occupied houses and a collection of empty storefronts. It’s a different kind of ghost town experience—less dramatic than a mining camp, but just as poignant. The ride is a beautiful, contemplative journey through America's heartland.
Pro-Tip: The trail surface can vary from crushed limestone to larger ballast, so a bike with 40mm+ tires is recommended. The prairie is exposed, so be prepared for sun and wind.
17. Thurmond, West Virginia: The Heart of Coal Country
Located deep in the New River Gorge, Thurmond was once a booming railroad town, a critical junction for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. In its heyday, it was the richest town in West Virginia, with more coal money flowing through its banks than anywhere else. Today, its commercial row stands largely empty, a perfectly preserved ghost of the industrial age.
You can ride the gravel Southside Junction Trail along the river to get a feel for the area's isolation and beauty. For a more challenging ride, explore the network of steep gravel roads that climb out of the gorge, leading to the sites of forgotten coal camps and mining operations.
Pro-Tip: The main street in Thurmond is still an active railroad track. Be extremely cautious. The area is now part of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
18. Saline Valley, California: Deep Desert Ghosts
For the most extreme and self-reliant adventurers, Saline Valley Road on the edge of Death Valley National Park is a bucket-list ride. This is a grueling, 100-mile route through one of the most remote and inhospitable places in the country. The road is notoriously rough, requiring a sturdy bike and expert handling skills.
The rewards are immense solitude, otherworldly desert scenery, and access to a rich mining history. The route passes the ruins of the Saline Valley Salt Tram, an engineering marvel that carried salt over the Inyo Mountains. You can also explore the remnants of several old mining camps that are slowly being reclaimed by the desert.
Pro-Tip: Do not attempt this ride alone or without extensive desert travel experience. A high-clearance 4x4 support vehicle is almost mandatory. Carry at least two days' worth of extra water.
19. The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, Washington: The Old Milwaukee Road
This epic cross-state trail follows the former route of the Milwaukee Road railway. While the western, more developed section is popular, the eastern section from the Columbia River to the Idaho border offers a true backcountry ghost town experience.
You'll ride through the channeled scablands, a unique and starkly beautiful landscape carved by ancient floods. The trail passes through numerous ghost towns and abandoned railroad sidings like Renslow and Beverly. The highlight is the abandoned Renslow Trestle over the Columbia River. The sheer scale of the landscape and the ambition of the railroad are awe-inspiring.
Pro-Tip: The trail surface in the eastern section is rough and undeveloped, with deep ballast in many places. Wide tires (2.0" or wider) are highly recommended. Water is non-existent for long stretches, so plan accordingly.
Your Turn to Hit the Trail
Exploring these trails is about more than just checking off a list. It's about connecting with the land, engaging with history, and challenging yourself in beautiful, remote places. It’s a reminder that the story of a place is written not just in history books, but in the dusty tracks and silent ruins left behind. I know my own adventures on these forgotten roads, much like the ones I read about on Goh Ling Yong’s blog, have become some of my most cherished memories.
These 19 routes are just a starting point. America's backcountry is filled with countless other stories waiting to be discovered by two wheels. So get out your maps, plan your next adventure, and go find them.
Now, I want to hear from you. Which of these trails is calling your name? Or do you have a favorite gravel-and-ghost-town ride that I missed? Share your stories and suggestions in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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