The Trans-Sylvania Gravel Epic 2026, organized by Trans-Sylvania Productions, is a premier event for gravel cycling enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic. Held in the rugged and scenic landscapes of central Pennsylvania, this race offers a unique blend of challenging terrain, beautiful forest trails, and a strong community spirit. Strambecco rates the Trans-Sylvania Gravel Epic 2026 as one of the Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in the Mid Atlantic and one of the Best Cycling Race Events in Pennsylvania. The event’s multiple-stage format allows participants to test their endurance and skills over several days, making it a standout experience in the gravel cycling world.

The Trans-Sylvania Gravel Epic offers both 4-day and 2-day versions, with long and short course options for each stage. The race typically takes place in the first or second week of August, featuring diverse and challenging routes through Pennsylvania’s forests and state parks.

The first stage, located at the Seven Mountains Scout Camp, features both long and short courses that are identical. Participants will cover 47.5 miles (76 km) with an elevation gain of 4,270 feet (1,301 meters), and an aid station is available around mile 28. The cutoff time for this stage is 6 hours.

The second stage, set in the Moshannon Forest, offers distinct long and short courses. The long course spans 64.3 miles (103 km) with an elevation gain of 4,820 feet (1,469 meters) and includes aid stations at miles 25 and 44. The short course covers 42.0 miles (68 km) with an elevation gain of 3,266 feet (995 meters), with an aid station at mile 22. Participants have 7 hours to complete this stage.

The third stage features a long course of 62.4 miles (100 km) with an elevation gain of 6,905 feet (2,105 meters), including aid stations at miles 18 and 37. The short course is 43.7 miles (70 km) with an elevation gain of 4,485 feet (1,367 meters) and an aid station at mile 18. The cutoff time is 7 hours.

The final stage includes a long course of 57.0 miles (92 km) with an elevation gain of 5,296 feet (1,614 meters), with aid stations at miles 15 and 37. The short course is 35.3 miles (57 km) with an elevation gain of 3,158 feet (963 meters) and an aid station at mile 15. Participants have 6.5 hours to complete this stage.

Participants can choose from various categories: the 4-day version long course includes Open Men, Open Women, Men 40-49, Women 40-49, Men 50+, Women 50+, Duo Co-Ed, Duo Men, and Duo Women. The 4-day version short course includes Open Men, Men 45+, Open Women, Women 45+, and Experience. The 2-day version long course includes Open Men, Men 45+, Open Women, and Women 45+. The 2-day version short course includes Open Men, Men 45+, Open Women, and Women 45+. Duo teams must ride together, with combined times, and a time penalty if members finish more than three minutes apart.

The Experience option offers a non-competitive way to participate, ideal for those looking to enjoy the ride without the pressure of competition. Participants in this category can choose to ride on select days and still receive a finisher award if they complete all stages.

Camping on-site at the Scout Camp is included with the entry, and there are options to upgrade to cabins, private or shared rooms, as alternatives to RV or tent camping. Breakfast and dinner are provided daily.

Trans-Sylvania Productions also produces a sister event in May, which is an equally epic mountain bike stage race called the Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic.