I was asked last week what sets Hastings County apart from other cycling destinations in Ontario.

So many scenes flashed before my eyes: silent gravel roads flanked by fall colour canopies, unexpected wildlife encounters, the crunch of tires on perfectly-textured backroads, uninterrupted for hours. Remote enough to feel like an escape, close enough that civilization is never too far when you need it.

1: Old Hastings Road, the Hella Hastings. 2: Phillips Road, Daley Driver

We’ve always said Hastings County reminds us of Vermont—the Vermont we fell in love with back in 2017 when we first rode the Green Mountain Gravel Growler. That same mix of challenging terrain, pastoral beauty, and genuine rural hospitality.

You don’t need to cross the border to find that magic.

🍁
If you’re not heading to Vermont this fall—whether because of tariffs, security concerns, or just a desire to explore closer to home—we see you, and we have a plan. Hastings County delivers everything you’re missing: the quiet roads, the epic climbs, the sense of true adventure, and that feeling of discovering something special that hasn’t been overrun yet.

Here are my top three favourite fall rides in Hastings County that’ll give you all those Vermont vibes without the border crossing:

Daley Driver 32km | 246m elevation | 88% unpaved

Hastings County Gravel: Daley Driver
A quick and dirty thirty.
BoQ Adventure Cycling ClubLaura Voskamp

Perfect for a morning or late afternoon adventure with classic gravel character. Short drive from Belleville, but feels remote with flowy off-road trails and hilly farmsteads all within a bite-sized package.

Cow Country 117km | 929m elevation | 64% unpaved

Bay of Quinte Gravel: Cow Country
Cows, cows, everywhere: cows.
BoQ Adventure Cycling ClubLaura Voskamp

The route for when you have a perfect fall day, unencumbered by appointments. You’ll get your elevation in, but it’s rewarding variety with vistas every way you look.

Hella Hastings 350km | 2679m elevation | 57% unpaved

The “Hella Hastings” 350
We set off on our second – now officially annual – fall tour in October 2018 from our bike shop in Belleville.
BoQ Adventure Cycling ClubLaura Voskamp

Our flagship Vermont alternative: built after our first Green Mountain Gravel Growler attempt, this is a true epic for those ready to commit to bikepacking.

Happy riding! We'd love to see what you get up to this long weekend: tag us on IG at @bayofquinte.bike to share your rides.

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