The Bavington 50 gravel route includes some of the best and most accessible gravel roads in the Pittsburgh area. The route center is Hillman State Park, colloquially referred to by local mountain bikers as Bavington (the name of a town near the park). The route takes you on many of the wonderful gravel, farm, and country roads in northwest Washington County, PA and some in the northern panhandle of West Virginia.
This post contains the following sections:
- Bavington 50 Route Profile
- Bavington 50 Gravel Roads Video
- The Hub’s Take on the Bavington 50
- Route Notes
- Bavington 50 Gravel Route Map
- Directions to Route Parking
- Post Activity Aprés Suggestions
Bavington 50 Route Profile
- Mileage: 48.78 miles
- Elevation: 5,492 feet (Strava) / 4,365 feet (Ride with GPS)
- Surface Estimate: 50-60% gravel / 40-50% pavement
- Gravel Category: 1-3 (See Industry Standard Guide to Gravel Summary)
- Bike Suggestion: Gravel
- Tire Suggestion: 700×32 or greater
- Fuel Stops: No
Bavington 50 Gravel Roads Video
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The Hub’s Take on the Bavington 50
We ride this route or a variation of it often. It is approachable and easily accessible to Pittsburgh. Make no mistake, there are some tough climbs, but nothing too crazy in length. The gravel roads are in pretty decent shape with limited rough stuff, ruts, and potholes. You also get a fair amount of very lightly traveled pavement for some respite. We are biased, but the Bavington 50 Gravel Route is one of our favorites in the area.
Route Notes
Bavington is leased by the PA Game Commission, and operates as State Game Lands. Cycling in the game lands is subject to Game Commission regulations. Check out The Hub’s post explaining the regulations and best practices during hunting season(s). To avoid conflict with hunters, the start/finish is near a bridge that used to pass over Raccoon Creek. Parking is also available, when accessed in accordance with the Game Commission regulations, at the “Bavington Haul Road Trail Head” lot and the “Old Model Airport Trailhead” lot.
Bavington 50 Gravel Route Map
Directions to Route Parking
Post Activity Aprés Suggestions
Many riders stop at either the Bavington Roadhouse or Coal Tipple Brewery post-ride. The Hub has yet to stop by the roadhouse, but hear that the burgers are great and craft beer selection is pretty decent. The brewery is housed in the Kramer Greenhouse, along with a winery and shop with small bites and other provisions. The feel of having a brew there is akin to having one at a picnic or in the backyard.
The Hub hopes that you enjoy some of our home gravel! If you liked the route summary, please share it with your friends and family. Also, make sure you keep up-to-date on all The Hub’s content by following us on social media (links on the top and bottom of this page), and by entering your info into the Newsletter signup (to the right and bottom).