Unison Gravel 66K is a 40.6-mile loop starting in Unison, with 3,571 feet of climbing. About 24.3 miles (60%) are on gravel or dirt roads and 16.3 miles are paved. The longest unpaved stretch runs 3.9 miles on North Fork Road, Shelburne Glebe Road and Fox Manor Drive.
Route snapshot
What to expect
This loop spreads its gravel evenly across the ride: 13.5 gravel miles in the first half and 10.8 in the second. Along the way it links Gleedsville, Aldie and Middleburg.
The course tops out at 796 feet and drops as low as 273 feet. Expect 13 climbs of 80 feet or more; the biggest gains 363 feet over 1.9 miles starting near mile 12.5. The steepest quarter-mile averages about 7.3% near mile 36.3. At roughly 88 feet of climbing per mile, we rate it intermediate.
- 3.9 miles of continuous gravel on North Fork Road, Shelburne Glebe Road and Fox Manor Drive.
- More unpaved stretches on Turkey Roost Road, Beaverdam Bridge Road and Leith Lane.
- 60% of the distance is on gravel or dirt.
- Passes the historical marker for the Battle of Aldie.
- Paved sections on Snickersville Turnpike, James Monroe Highway and Little River Turnpike, busier roads. Ride single file and stay alert.
- Paved connectors include Saint Louis Road, Turkey Roost Road, Watermill Road and North Fork Road.
- A steep pitch of about 7.3% near mile 36.3. Choose gears that let you stay seated on loose gravel.
- At 40.6 miles, plan your water and food before you leave Unison.
Ride notes. Start and finish in Unison. 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 0.0–1.8 (1.8 mi): Unison Road, Saint Louis Road
- Mile 3.0–6.6 (3.6 mi): Turkey Roost Road, Beaverdam Bridge Road, Leith Lane, Hibbs Bridge Road
- Mile 9.6–13.4 (3.9 mi): North Fork Road, Shelburne Glebe Road, Fox Manor Drive
- Mile 15.1–18.1 (3.0 mi): Loudoun Orchard Road, Mount Gilead Road, Hogback Mountain Road, James Monroe Highway
- Mile 18.4–19.2 (0.8 mi): Gap Road — near Gleedsville
- Mile 19.8–21.2 (1.4 mi): Oatlands Mill Road, James Monroe Highway — near Gleedsville
- Mile 22.4–25.7 (3.3 mi): Tail Race Road — near Aldie
- Mile 28.1–30.6 (2.5 mi): Carters Farm Lane
- Mile 30.8–32.6 (1.7 mi): Parsons Road, Landmark School Road
- Mile 35.9–38.1 (2.2 mi): Snake Hill Road, Pot House Road
Photos from the route
Photos taken along this route on our rides.
Get the route
Surface data comes from Strava. 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.
