Gravel Day
October 4, 2025
Gravel Day offers unique adventures for Pelotonia participants on the scenic, gravel roads of beautiful Southeast Ohio.
Gravel Day Riders can select from 11-, 25-, and 48-mile looped cycling route options through the hills of Athens County.
NEW for 2025: introducing the Trail Run/Hike! Gravel Day’s newest adventure will offer a 3.5-mile looped route through the picturesque property of Snow Fork Event Center, with runners and hikers able to complete the route multiple times if additional distance is desired!
Participants may opt to challenge themselves to both ride and run/hike at Gravel Day. For this option, Riders will first complete their selected cycling route then enter the 3.5-mile Trail Run/Hike course.
100% of participant-raised funds support innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC – James.
2025 Gravel Day Routes
Google Maps links and elevation profiles are now available by using the icons below!
Ride with GPS route collection for Gravel Day 2025 is available here.
Please note: Routes are subject to change based on safety protocol and conditions. All routes may be adjusted within +/- 2 miles before Gravel Day.
Sat 10/04
Nelsonville Loop Route
11 Miles
Want to try out gravel riding? This introductory loop route includes a mix of paved and gravel roads but will challenge you with an elevation gain of 900 feet. Riders should be sure to properly prepare prior to Gravel Day to ensure a great experience!
Sat 10/04
Nelsonville Loop Route
25 Miles Winding through the hills of Athens County, this loop route is an exciting challenge for all Riders, with a total elevation gain of over 1,600 feet. Riders should be sure to properly prepare prior to Gravel Day to ensure a great experience!
Sat 10/04
Nelsonville Loop Route
48 Miles Riding through the hills of Athens County, this loop route is a true adventure and very challenging option for experienced Riders. This ride will feature multiple sections of climbing with a total elevation gain of over 4,200 feet.
Sat 10/04
Trail Run/Hike
3.5 Miles Gravel Day’s newest adventure features a 3.5-mile looped route through the scenic Snow Fork Event Center property. Runners and Hikers can complete the course as many times as they wish between 10am to 2pm.
Register for Pelotonia 2025 today!
RegisterGravel Day Experiences
Kick off Gravel Day Weekend with the Pelotonia community
- Immerse yourself in the Gravel Day experience by joining us at Snow Fork Event Center for a community gathering on Friday evening, October 3, from 6:00-9:00pm.
- Enjoy acoustic music, food, drinks, and s’mores by the campfire to come together ahead of Saturday morning.
- All participants and supporters are welcome to attend, setting the stage for an incredible weekend in southeast Ohio.
RSVP for Friday NightKick off Gravel Day Weekend with the Pelotonia community
Camping & Accommodations
Car & Tent Camping
One vehicle may unload and set up your campsite, then will be asked to nearby overnight parking—unless you're camping inside your car.
Reserve Campsite
Camping Equipment Rentals
Hocking Hills Outdoors offers camping equipment rentals, including setup so your campsite is ready for fun when you arrive!
Camping Equipment
Hotels & Vacation Rentals
If you’d prefer to stay off-site, there are plenty of great hotels and vacation rentals within the Nelsonville & Hocking Hills regions.
Gravel Day Camping
We’re excited to again offer Gravel Day participants the opportunity to camp on-site at Snow Fork Event Center. Campsite reservations must be made through this link by September 19, and a few things to keep in mind:
- All sites are primitive – no power is available on-site, but quiet generators are allowed. Please plan accordingly!
- Portajohns will be available in the camping area, and a shower trailer will be available nearby.
- No nearby water access will be available.
- Carry in/carry out – anything that comes into the campsite with you should also be taken out. Please be respectful of the Snow Fork property and be sure that no trash is left behind.
- No glass, weapons or pets are allowed at any campsites.
- While there are no “quiet hours” or strict noise ordinances, please be respectful of your fellow campers who want to rest up before their big day!
- Campsites will be available for check-in starting anytime AFTER 3pm on Friday, October 3.
- All campsites must be packed up and vacated by 7pm on Saturday, October 4.
Click HERE to reserve your campsite by September 19!
Tent & Car Camping - $25 per night
These sites allow you to set up a tent within your allocated space.
- 400 square foot primitive site (20'x20')
- One vehicle may pull up to unload and set up your campsite, then will be asked to move to a nearby area for overnight parking unless you are camping inside your car (to ensure we have plenty of space for everyone!)
- Small trailers are allowed as long as you can fit everything within your site.
Want to camp but don't have your own equipment? Our friends at Hocking Hills Outdoors have a limited number of campsite set-ups available for rent - and they'll even set things up for you on-site at Snow Fork to be ready when you arrive! To reserve campsite equipment, please fill out the request form HERE and a representative from Hocking Hills Outdoors will contact you.
RV Camping - $50 per night
If RV camping is more your style, this is the option for you!
- 1000 square foot primitive site (20'x50')
- One RV, Motorhome, or vehicle with a camper is permitted per campsite
- Tents and Awnings can also be set up, as long as they fit within the designed space
- No electricity or water hookups
Off-Site Lodging and Accommodations
If you prefer to stay off-site, there are plenty of great hotels and vacation rentals within the Nelsonville and Hocking Hills regions. Check out the resources below to find the perfect spot for your stay:
Gravel Day FAQ
Gravel Day FAQ
When is Gravel Day 2025?
Gravel Day will take place on October 4, 2025.
Is there an age requirement to participate in Pelotonia Gravel Day?
The minimum age to ride or volunteer is 14; however, any age can participate in Pelotonia as a Challenger.
Can I register for Ride Weekend in addition to Gravel Day?
Yes! Riders can participate in both Ride Weekend and Gravel Day. Riders' fundraising commitment will increase based on the Ride Weekend route that they select. High Rollers ($5,000 fundraising minimum) will be able to participate in both events at no additional commitment increase.
Can I ride my road bike in Gravel Day?
Some more current road bikes (likely sold in the last five years) allow for more robust tires which is key for safety and the best experience during Gravel Day. The minimum tire width we would recommend is 35mm. Hardtail mountain bikes would also be a great option that would allow for better handling, more robust tires and a really fun experience.
All Frequently Asked Questions
Download 2025 FAQFour Common Rider Myths Debunked: Watch the New Video!
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