Quaker Hill Gravel

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Pawling, NY, US

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Route Overview

Alin Bota

modern explorer

30 mi.

2,745 ft.

This multi-surface route traverses quiet backroads on Quaker Hill along the New York and Connecticut border. It features scenic lakes and vistas, horse farms, about 30% dirt roads, and plenty of climbing.

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Route Details

The route begins in Pawling, NY. You begin with climbing Quaker Hill and then turning onto some @photo[amazing dirt roads](14952931) that gently descend for several miles. Not the smoothest dirt roads you'll encounter, so this challenge will have you grinning by the time you make it to Quaker Lake. There is a private beach on the north end of the lake with a @poi[nice spot](110725292) to take in the @photo[scenic view](14952924) right on the road itself. Shortly beyond that the road is closed to vehicles due to a @photo[landslide](14952731) a few years ago where half of the road surface washed into the ravine. However, cyclists and pedestrians can pass thru this point safely. After a few more miles is the challenging dirt climb of @slice[Byrds Hill](d,15013.7,16465.8) (400ft gain, 9% avg. gain, 13% max gain). Then some nice paved descending and meandering backroads until you reach @poi[Spring Lake](110656501)- another @photo[beautiful spot](14952722) nestled below the Quaker Hill ridge. After passing thru the small town of Sherman, CT, you'll begin climbing back up Quaker Hill. Near the top of Briggs Hill Rd is a @slice[short section](d,27910.7,28217.5) that averages over 11% grade for several hundred feet of elevation gain. After some more rough dirt on Game Farm Rd is the fast paved descent on Wakeman Hill Rd. One last short section of dirt on Chapel Hill Rd before a @poi[beautiful west-facing view](110656504) opens up at a high point on Quaker Hill. Following this is some fast descending back towards the starting point in Pawling.

* There is @poi[free public parking](110656506) in Pawling near the train station (Metro-North Railroad, Harlem Line)
* Recommend minimum 38mm wide tires at lower pressure
* During @photo[peak fall foliage](14952925) in October this route is incredible
* Some of the dirt roads are @photo[unmaintained in winter](14952724) and can be @photo[icy](14952734)
* @poi[Water](110656503), @poi[food](110656502), and @poi[restrooms](110656503) can be accessed about halfway thru the route in Sherman, CT

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Quaker Hill Gravel

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