Strambecco rates the Best Gravel Events Southeast 2025 based on various factors, including reputation, route quality, location, rider feedback, and the overall uniqueness of the event or race. Spanning North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi — Southeast terrain features of Strambecco’s best list varies but include many events navigating parts of the Appalachian Mountains along with rolling hills, rich river valleys, and high flat plateaus. States in the lower part of the region offer significantly flatter terrain amidst beaches, swamps, and wetlands.
If we had to select the best of the Best of the Best Gravel Events Southeast 2025, we’d start with the Belgian Waffle Ride – Asheville, which is part of the Belgian Waffle Ride Series, a North American series offering some of the world’s most highly respected and well-organized gravel events/races. The idea of the Series was conceived initially with the advent of “the most unique cycling event in the country,” the Belgian Waffle Ride California (San Diego). BWR California is well known among cycling enthusiasts and pros as one of the most difficult bicycle races in the US at 146 miles, 40 of which are off-road sectors. BWR events are unique because they are classic, long bicycle races that feature various off-road sectors emulating the pave or cobblestones of Europe, making the varied terrain a challenge for riders’ technical skills, equipment, endurance, luck, and versatility. Billed as the “Hell of the East,” BWR North Carolina is no exception. The fourth Annual Belgian Waffle Ride North Carolina (Asheville) will take place on June 22 at Kanuga Resort near Asheville, which is an incredible destination nestled on 1,400 stunning acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Also, check out Strambecco’s Guide to Asheville for outdoor athletes.
We’d also recommend the Southern Cross Gravel grinder in Georgia, or the events six-part Southeast Gravel Series, which takes place throughout South Carolina.
Strambecco does not list every event. We strive to identify and review events that are special and noteworthy. If you have suggestions on other events we should consider or review, please get in touch with us here or send us a note at editors@strambecco.com.
Nestled in the mountains of Oconee County, South Carolina, the Race to Valhalla stands as the most demanding course in the six-part Southeast Gravel Series. This late spring event takes advantage of…
Nestled on a sprawling 2000-acre hunting preserve, the Gravel Battle of Sumter Forest delivers deceptively challenging terrain across South Carolina’s Piedmont region. Part of the Southeast Gravel Series, this event has evolved…
Born from the legendary 1206 rescue of infant Norwegian King Haakon Haakonsson, Birkebeinerrittet has evolved from its cross-country skiing origins into one of Norway’s most prestigious cycling challenges. Established in 1993, this…
The season finale of the Southeast Gravel Series takes place on a 2,500-acre historic plantation in South Carolina, where riders navigate 70% unpaved roads across terrain that shifts from smooth gravel to…
Set against the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, BWR North Carolina has earned its nickname “The Hell of the East” for good reason. This is arguably the hilliest event in the entire Belgian…
Part of the Southeast Gravel Series, the Tryon Gravel Gallop delivers the most challenging route in the entire series. The long course spans 77 miles with 7,400 feet of elevation gain, while…
