Gravel riding in these hills is rewarding and real — and inherently risky. Please read this before you use the routes, the trailhead, or this site.
Assumption of risk. Gravel cycling is inherently dangerous. These routes involve motor-vehicle traffic, loose and uneven surfaces, steep climbs and descents, low-water crossings, wildlife, off-leash dogs (common on rural roads), and remote stretches with no cell service or assistance. You are solely responsible for your own safety, fitness, skills, equipment, and choices, and by using these routes you knowingly accept and assume all risks.
No warranty on routes or data. All maps, distances, elevations, surface details, difficulty ratings, and conditions are provided “as is” and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. Conditions change without notice due to weather, washouts, construction, and road or gate closures. Route files are hosted on Ride with GPS, a third-party service we do not control. We make no warranties and are not responsible for errors, omissions, or your reliance on this information.
Difficulty ratings are estimates. The Green, Blue, Black, and Double Black tiers are our subjective judgments offered to help you choose a route. They are not guarantees of safety, road conditions, or suitability for any particular rider.
Roads, property, and access. Routes follow public roads and may pass private property or public conservation land. You are responsible for obeying all traffic laws, respecting private property, gates, and posted signs, and confirming that any road or crossing is legal and open. Portions cross Missouri Department of Conservation land at Flag Spring Conservation Area — follow all posted area regulations and wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.
Trailhead and parking. The Elk River Hills Trailhead and its parking are made available for public recreational use, free of charge, and are used entirely at your own risk.
Limitation of liability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Franklin Jennings, Rowdy Mott, Elk River Hills Campground, the Elk River Hills Gravel Circuit, and the organizations and agencies that cooperate with the project assume no liability for any injury, death, property loss, or other damage arising from use of these routes, the trailhead, the facilities, or this website. Cooperating agencies and organizations do not endorse the routes and assume no responsibility for them.
Be prepared. Many routes have no services for long stretches. Carry water, food, tools, and a way to call for help; check the weather; and tell someone your plan before you ride.
By using these routes, the trailhead, or this site, you acknowledge and agree to the above.
Elk River Hills Gravel Circuit
