On vacation I was able to find gravel in the Holly Shelter Game Land located north of Wilmington, NC. The Holly Shelter Game Land is public woodlands & wetlands on 75,000 acres with areas for hiking, bird-watching & hunting. All roads were open to cyclists when I visited.

Quick stats for 36 mile route

• Rode with Jack, a local for half the ride.

• 34 miles (detour at mile 13 lessened the overall mileage)

• 253 ft climbing

• Gravel was a mix of sand, mushy sand, gravel and some sections of grass.

• At mile 13 I had turn back because the road was washed out over multiple sections and Jack warned me that alligators and snakes are abundant. I did not venture into the water.

• Temps in upper 70’s at start to mid 90’s with high humidity

Quick stats for 39 mile route

• Solo explorer ride

• Parked at the Holly Shelter Gun Range, but the parking lot is limited access during business hours. Parking is available at the start point on the route.

• 39 miles

• 379 ft climbing

• Gravel was a mix of sand, mushy sand, gravel and some sections of grass.

• Temps in upper 60’s at start to upper 90’s with high humidity and no tree coverage

Photos from 34 miles completed

Photos from 39 mile route