The best gravel rides in the Lesser Caucasus

Gravel bike trails in the Lesser Caucasus are generally considered challenging. All routes listed in this guide are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation gains and varied terrain. For example, the View of Lisi Lake – Gravel segment passable 45mm tyres dry loop from დელისი covers nearly 70 km with over 1800 meters of elevation gain.

You can expect a diverse range of terrain, including rolling hills, scenic lakeside paths, and challenging dirt tracks. Many routes offer panoramic views, such as those overlooking Tbilisi Sea and Lisi Lake, and traverse both open landscapes and forested sections. Routes like the Rolling Hills Dirt Path – Monument to David the Builder loop from სამედიცინო უნივერსიტეტი are characteristic of the region's varied surfaces.

Yes, the Lesser Caucasus offers several long-distance gravel biking routes. The longest route in this guide is the Gravel loop from Bolnisi, which spans nearly 90 km and typically takes over 7 hours to complete. Another substantial option is the View of Lisi Lake – Gravel segment passable 45mm tyres dry loop from დელისი, at almost 70 km.

The region is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. While riding, you might encounter stunning viewpoints like View of the Lesser Caucasus and Batumi or explore unique geological formations such as the Symphony of Stones. Other highlights include the dramatic Birtvisi Canyon and historical ruins like Ruins of Old Khot Village.

Yes, all the gravel bike routes featured in this guide are circular loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the View of Tbilisi Sea from the hill – Lakeside Path loop from მარჯანიშვილი and the View of Saburtalo – View of Lisi Lake loop from ვაჟა-ფშაველა.

While specific seasonal data isn't provided, the mention of routes being 'passable with 45mm tyres in dry conditions' suggests that spring, summer, and early autumn would generally offer the most favorable weather for gravel biking. These seasons typically provide drier trails and more comfortable temperatures for exploring the region's varied terrain.

The gravel biking routes in the Lesser Caucasus are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars from over 5 reviews. Riders often praise the challenging nature of the routes, the diverse landscapes, and the panoramic views, particularly those overlooking bodies of water like Tbilisi Sea and Lisi Lake.

Absolutely. All five routes in this guide are classified as difficult, catering to experienced riders seeking demanding challenges. The View of Lisi Lake – Gravel segment passable 45mm tyres dry loop from დელისი, with its significant distance and elevation, is a prime example of a route designed for advanced gravel bikers.

Yes, several routes provide stunning views of the region's lakes. The View of Tbilisi Sea from the hill – Lakeside Path loop from მარჯანიშვილი offers expansive views of Tbilisi Sea, while the View of Lisi Lake – Gravel segment passable 45mm tyres dry loop from დელისი and View of Saburtalo – View of Lisi Lake loop from ვაჟა-ფშაველა both feature Lisi Lake.

Yes, the Lesser Caucasus region is dotted with historical sites. While riding, you might be able to visit places like the Tatev Hermitage or the ruins of Askana Castle. These sites offer a glimpse into the rich history of the area, often set against beautiful natural backdrops.

The Lesser Caucasus is characterized by significant elevation changes. The routes in this guide feature substantial climbs, with some like the View of Lisi Lake – Gravel segment passable 45mm tyres dry loop from დელისი boasting over 1800 meters of ascent. Even shorter routes, such as the Rolling Hills Dirt Path – Monument to David the Builder loop from სამედიცინო უნივერსიტეტი, include nearly 700 meters of climbing.