rural roads & byways
Cycling The Unpaved Roads of Loudoun County
By Matt Shaffer
With the largest and oldest intact network of unpaved roads in the United States, Loudoun County roads hold interest and value to many enthusiast groups, from cycling to pony driving. Some of its roads date back to the 1700s and have contributed significantly to Loudoun’ s history. In 2020, the County’ s 300-year-old rural road network received recognition as a valuable historic asset, as the
Virginia Department of Historic Resources( VDHR) declared the roads officially eligible for listing on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
Currently, over 250 miles of gravel roads exist in western Loudoun County; they meander through beautiful landscapes, natural features, and Civil War sites, and meet up with historic bridges and mills, cideries, breweries and wineries. Miles of unpaved roads remain in their original configuration, shaped by centuries of travel and the migration and settlement patterns of the county’ s early populations. Today’ s travelers on these roads can view Loudoun’ s landscape much as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries.
So where are all these gravel roads and how do you find them? The Loudoun County Office of Mapping and Geographic Information has developed an application enabling users to view the unpaved roads of Loudoun. The app is an online map that allows users to comment on roads they travel. This will in turn help staff keep the map updated to current conditions. County road surfaces can change quickly from asphalt to gravel, so the map will help travelers plan their bike, riding or running paths. The map also indicates whether unpaved roads are public or private, and the entity responsible for its maintenance.
To see this and other online Loudoun County apps check out Loudoun. gov / geohub. There you will find other helpful apps as well. Explore Loudoun has information for county and town park systems along with history and scenic rivers. Leesburg Area Parks, Smart Planning Apps, Tools for Well-Being, Public Safety, and Optimizing Your Commute are just a few of additional resources available.
Championing for Gravel Roads
When it comes to good times on the gravel this group is the real deal. A typical Sunday for the“ Gravel Rats” includes 25-30 miles of breathtaking scenery, fellowship and wellness.
BikeLoudoun is one of several organizations working to advocate for these unpaved treasures and to create greater awareness of their
18 wander I spring • Summer 2021