The Plains – CrossPlains Long is a 41.3-mile loop starting in The Plains, with 2,740 feet of climbing. About 22.8 miles (55%) are on gravel or dirt roads and 18.5 miles are paved. The longest unpaved stretch runs 4.0 miles on Bull Run Mountain Road near Landmark.
Route snapshot
What to expect
This loop spreads its gravel evenly across the ride: 11.6 gravel miles in the first half and 11.2 in the second. Along the way it links Landmark, Rectortown and Bunker Hill.
The course tops out at 1,073 feet around mile 5.3 and drops as low as 414 feet. Expect 14 climbs of 80 feet or more; the biggest gains 499 feet over 1.7 miles starting near mile 35.7. The steepest quarter-mile averages about 14.2% near mile 4.3. At roughly 66 feet of climbing per mile, we rate it intermediate.
- 4.0 miles of continuous gravel on Bull Run Mountain Road near Landmark.
- More unpaved stretches on Young Road and Rock Hill Mill Road.
- 55% of the distance is on gravel or dirt.
- Paved connectors include Hopewell Road, Landmark School Road, Halfway Road, Zulla Road and Old Carters Mill Road.
- A steep pitch of about 14.2% near mile 4.3. Choose gears that let you stay seated on loose gravel.
- At 41.3 miles, plan your water and food before you leave The Plains.
Ride notes. Start and finish in The Plains. These are working farm roads shared with horses, tractors and local traffic: slow down and pass wide around horses, and see VeloSafe for more. Gravel changes with the weather, so expect loose stone after a fresh grading and soft spots after heavy rain. Spring and fall are our favorite seasons out here.
Elevation and surface
Gravel sections
Unpaved stretches of half a mile or more, in riding order:
- Mile 4.4–8.4 (4.0 mi): Bull Run Mountain Road — near Landmark
- Mile 10.6–12.8 (2.2 mi): Logans Mill Road
- Mile 14.8–17.9 (3.1 mi): Coon Tree Road, Burrland Lane
- Mile 18.4–22.0 (3.6 mi): Young Road, Old Carters Mill Road
- Mile 23.1–24.5 (1.4 mi): Crenshaw Road — near Rectortown
- Mile 26.8–27.5 (0.7 mi): Five Points Road
- Mile 29.2–31.1 (1.9 mi): Young Road
- Mile 32.0–35.1 (3.1 mi): Rock Hill Mill Road
- Mile 35.7–38.5 (2.8 mi): Bust Head Road
Photos from the route
Photos taken along this route on our rides.
Get the route
Surface data comes from Ride with GPS. Road names come from OpenStreetMap. Gravel roads change with weather and maintenance, so check conditions before you ride and follow our VeloSafe guidance on rural roads.
