Story Inn and Village – Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower loop from Story
Story Inn and Village – Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower loop from Story
4.8
(3461)
18,580
riders
Story Inn and Village – Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower loop from Story
05:30
92.6km
860m
Gravel riding
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
83 m
Story Inn and Village
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
30.2 km
Dug Hill
Highlight • Summit
70.7 km
Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
87.8 km
Nebo Ridge Trail North Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
92.6 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
49.0 km
30.6 km
6.75 km
3.27 km
2.99 km
115 m
Surfaces
41.5 km
33.9 km
17.2 km
164 m
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Elevation
Highest point (280 m)
Lowest point (170 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Thursday 25 June
28°C
18°C
78 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a truly demanding gravel biking experience that rewards your effort with incredible views, the Story Inn and Village – Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower loop from Story is definitely worth your time. This is a difficult 57.6-mile (92.6 km) gravel biking route with a significant 2807 feet (855 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 29 minutes to complete. It's best suited for experienced gravel bikers with very good fitness who are ready for a challenging day on the bike, exploring some of the best gravel biking routes near Story Inn.
What to expect on Story Inn and Village – Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower loop from Story
This route plunges you deep into the rugged "Little Smokies" topography of Indiana, offering a constant immersion in dense hardwood and deciduous forests. You'll navigate rolling hills and deep valleys, experiencing the region's characteristic "punchy climbs and fast descents." The highlight is undoubtedly the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower, a 110-foot steel structure built in 1936. Climbing its 133 metal steps rewards you with panoramic views of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, Lake Monroe, and up to 20 miles in any direction. Be prepared for the terrain; while primarily gravel, sections like Tower Ridge Road can be rough, with potholes and washboarding, making for a demanding ride that might even require you to push your bike on steeper, looser sections.
Planning your visit
The route starts from the charming Story Inn and Village, which serves as a convenient trailhead. The gravel roads can be challenging, especially after heavy rains when soft spots and washouts might develop, so check conditions before you go. The scenery is beautiful year-round, but the fall foliage gravel biking Story Inn area offers is particularly spectacular. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for this route, but always be prepared with enough water and supplies for a long, strenuous ride.
Trail details
- Distance: 57.6 miles (92.6 km)
- Elevation gain: 2807 feet (855 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 5 hours and 29 minutes
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