The best gravel rides around Les Enfers

The gravel biking trails around Les Enfers primarily cater to moderate and difficult skill levels. While there are no routes specifically classified as 'easy' in our selection, there are 11 moderate routes that offer a good challenge without being overly strenuous, alongside 16 difficult options for experienced riders.

For beginners, we recommend looking at the moderate-difficulty routes. One such option is the Restaurant Le Theusseret on the Doubs – Doubs Suspension Bridge loop from Soubey. This 20.4-mile (32.8 km) trail offers a scenic ride through the Doubs river valley with manageable elevation changes, making it a good starting point for those new to gravel biking in the region.

Gravel bike trails in Les Enfers vary significantly in length and duration. For instance, the Doubs Valley – St. Ursanne Stone Bridge loop from Ocourt is a challenging 19.3-mile (31.1 km) route that typically takes around 2 hours 40 minutes. Longer, more demanding rides like the Doubs Valley – Doubs loop from Le Bémont cover 37.6 miles (60.6 km) and can take over 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

The terrain around Les Enfers is diverse, characterized by river valleys, particularly along the Doubs, rolling pastures, and extensive forested sections. You'll encounter a mix of natural paths and established tracks, with common elevation changes ranging from moderate climbs to more challenging ascents. The region offers a true gravel experience with varied surfaces.

Many routes offer stunning views of the Doubs Valley. For example, the Doubs Valley – St. Ursanne Stone Bridge loop from Ocourt features the historic St. Ursanne Stone Bridge. Additionally, the region is home to natural attractions like the Bief Waterfall and the dramatic Échelle de la Mort gorge, which can be explored as part of your ride or as nearby detours.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Les Enfers are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the St. Ursanne Stone Bridge – Doubs loop from Le Bémont, which is a challenging 33.4-mile (53.7 km) ride, and the Jura pastures – Mont Soleil Wind Farm loop from Saignelégier, covering 33 miles (53.2 km) through open pastures.

The best seasons for gravel biking in Les Enfers are typically spring, summer, and early autumn. During these months, the weather is generally more favorable, and the trails are less likely to be affected by snow or ice, which can be common in the Jura region during winter. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

The gravel biking routes in Les Enfers are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.9 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 200 gravel bikers have explored the area using komoot, often praising the varied terrain, the beauty of the Doubs Valley, and the challenging yet rewarding climbs.

While specific pubs or restaurants directly on every trail are not detailed, many routes pass through or near small towns and villages in the Jura region. For example, the Restaurant Le Theusseret on the Doubs – Doubs Suspension Bridge loop from Soubey explicitly mentions a restaurant, suggesting opportunities for refreshments. Planning your route to include stops in towns like Soubey or St. Ursanne is recommended.

Yes, the region around Les Enfers features several beautiful natural attractions. You can find serene lakes such as Étang de la Gruère, Étang Plain-de-Saigne, and Étang de Bollement. These are excellent spots for a break or to extend your trip with a short walk, like the La Gruère Lake and High Moor Circular Trail.

Experienced riders looking for a challenge will find plenty of difficult routes. The Doubs Valley – Doubs loop from Le Bémont is a prime example, covering 37.6 miles (60.6 km) with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the St. Ursanne Stone Bridge – Doubs loop from Le Bémont, which also features substantial climbing over its 33.4 miles (53.7 km).