Gravel & Bikepacking

The Gravel Ride Up Spruce Knob (GRUSK) is West Virginia’s premier annual gravel bikepacking festival, held on the slopes of the Mountain State’s highest peak. Organized by MountainRides LLC, the event celebrates its 10th year in 2026 and has become a cornerstone gathering for Mid-Atlantic cyclists — a weekend to reconnect, camp under the stars, and ride some of the best high-country gravel in the north-central Mon.

This route is a slightly modified version of the official event course, beginning atop Spruce Knob rather than at Experience Learning’s event basecamp, with a few additional refinements along the way. While it can be ridden anytime, the full experience is found at the July festival weekend: come for the gravel, stay for the party.

Starting as high as possible, the opening miles roll fast and scenic as the route descends toward Green Bank, passing through the Green Bank Observatory, where massive telescopes dominate the landscape and electronics must be turned off, and crossing the Hosterman swinging suspension bridge. Midway through, the memorable climb to Bickle Knob delivers panoramic views before mellow miles along the Blackwater Canyon Trail. The final 45 miles return with sustained rollers and a steady rise back toward the summit, where a sunset arrival creates a truly unforgettable finish!

Logistically, resupply appears roughly every 35 miles through Davis; after that, expect about 65 miles without services to the finish. Camping options are abundant, including established campgrounds, primitive sites, and extensive backcountry opportunities. For those traveling lighter, lodging is available in Durbin (mile 65), Alpena (99), Parsons (132), Thomas (145), Davis (148), and at Laurel River Club B&B (173).