Motorcycle Rides and Roads provide you with best ride routes and roads for motorcycle trips in all 50 of the United States. On those days when you just want to go out and cruise along the highway and byways this is where you want to look first. This guide gives you most popular motorcycle tourism spots to shop and visit in America. | |
We have compiled here some of the best motorcycle roads / routes for all states in US. Be sure to add in comments and reviews at the end of the articles if you have been there and have some tips and other advice for fellow riders. | |
Cruising Alabama’s roads is a great way to experience this state’s well-known Southern Charm. Riders will find that the many routes that crisscross this beautiful state are dotted with small quaint towns and lots of historic sites. There are also some really fun rides, as well, especially in the mountains and canyons of this state’s northeastern section. Motorcyclists looking for a ride that offers snaking turns and sweepers will find what |
|
they are looking for in the Lookout Mountain Parkway, also known as Alabama State Route 89. This route, which is located in northeastern Alabama, is not only a fun ride, but a beautiful one, as well. In fact, Lookout Mountain Parkway was chosen as one of the most scenic drives in America by Readers Digest. The starting point of this route begins in Gadsden. Motorcyclists who happen to be in this area in August will encounter one of America’s more unusual events, as this town serves as the beginning of The World’s Longest Yard Sale, which runs from Gadsden to Hudson, Michigan. Alabama’s portion of the sale alone typically boasts more than 1,000 vendors. After leaving Gadsden, motorcyclists will encounter some really nice sweepers and rolling roads during the beginning portion of this route. To add some nice twisties to this route, bikers can take a side journey onto Route 176, just north of Dog Town. Route 176, which is also known as the Little River Canyon Parkway, is a 12-mile twisting piece of asphalt that runs along the rim of scenic Little River Canyon. After this little diversion, riders can then rejoin the parkway via Alabama Route 35 North. From here, the parkway continues on with more twists and turns all the way into Georgia. Highway 25 in the central Alabama region is a fun 18-mile ride that includes a large number of horseshoe curves, inclines, declines and switchbacks, as well as some straightaways. It is also not far from the Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum, which houses over 1,200 vintage motorcycles and racecars. Visitors to this museum will find motorcycles on display that range in age from 1902 to current-year makes. This museum is located in the Barber Motorsports Park, off of I-20, east of downtown Birmingham. To get to Highway 25 from the museum, go through Leeds for about three miles until you see the sign marking the beginning of this rural route. Cheaha Mountain Skyway, also known as Route 281, is a nice scenic route in Eastern Alabama that also offers some sweepers. It can be picked up off of Interstate 20 via US Hwy 431. While in this area, look for CottaQuilla Road, a piece of asphalt known for its twisties. CottaQuilla Road is a challenging seven-mile twisted piece of asphalt that runs between Highway 21 in Jacksonville to Highway 9. Riders will encounter lots of tight switchbacks and S-turns on this road, which is also known as Country Road 57. In addition to its many nice motorcycle roads, Alabama is also the site of numerous rallies and shows. The Faunsdale Bike Rally is held in the spring and the fall. All participants must be 18 or older. This is possibly due to the fact that one of this rally’s events is a midnight ‘Breezy Ride,” which is –ahem – clothing optional. Harley owners can look forward to Alabama’s State HOG Rally, which is held in the spring in Pelham. |
|
Alaska’s prime riding season may be a short one due to its climate, but with this state's awe-inspiring majestic natural beauty, it certainly is sweet. For many riders, cruising through one of America’s last remaining frontiers is high on their list of dream rides. Motorcyclists who decide to take on Alaska's roads, however, should always be on the alert, as large mammals, such as moose, bear and caribou, sometimes wander unexpectedly into the path of bikes. |
|
Another equally dangerous hazard on Alaska's routes is the large number of motor homes that often clog the roadways or will move unexpectedly into the path of a motorcyclist when their drivers become distracted by this state's gorgeous scenery and wildlife. | |
One of the best motorcycle routes in Alaska is the 127-mile Seward Highway, which has been designated a National Forest Scenic Byway and an Alaska Scenic Byway. This road links the cities of Seward and Anchorage and features elevation changes, twisties and sweepers. Bikers on this road will ride past glaciers, gorgeous bays and fjords, lakes and scenic valleys. In the Chugach State Park, the Seward Highway follows the shorelines of Turnagain Arm, where bikers may be able to spot beluga whales in the sea or spy Dall sheep or mountain goats along the road or on nearby cliffs. Sterling Highway is a 138-mile link between Moose Pass and Homer on the Kenai Peninsula. Two portions of this roadway have been designated as State Scenic Byways. The northern section travels between Sterling Wye and Skilak Lake, while the southern portion connects the Homer Spit and Anchor Point. This is a beautiful ride past the Cook Inlet, Kenai Lake, the Kenai River, and through the gorgeous Skilak Lake Special Management Area. Riders looking for a road that features some nice twisties and sweepers should head to Hatcher Pass, which is approximately 50 miles north of Anchorage. This 49-mile road can be reached either by Parks Highway in Wasilla or the Glenn Highway, near Palmer. Be forewarned that the road does close in the winter and some sections are still dirt or may not always be in the best of conditions. Some of Alaska’s roads should be left to only experienced, brave and, possibly, a little crazy riders. One of the most infamous is the 495-mile Dalton Highway, which has been featured on the show "Ice Road Truckers." Dalton Highway is a sometimes paved, sometimes gravel affair that runs between Fairbanks and Deadhorse in the Prudhoe Bay area. Riders attempting this long journey should know the gas mileage of their bikes and carry extra fuel, as there are no services for the 240 miles between Coldfoot and Prudhoe Bay. Any cyclist attempting this road should also be aware that the cell phone coverage in this area is often spotty or non-existent. Although Alaska doesn't have a lot of rallies, it does have at least one for Harley lovers. The State HOG Rally is held in June, in Palmer, Alaska. |
|
Arkansas has many entertaining and scenic roads for bikers, including some real twisty affairs through the beautiful Ozark and Oachita Mountains. This state also has great roads for just cruising or for enjoying a day’s outing in Arkansas’s wine country. State Route 23 is probably this state’s most popular ride with motorcyclists, especially the section known as the Pig Trail Scenic Byway.This section of road, which connects the town of Ozark with Brashears, is 19 miles of tantalizing twisties and switchbacks |
|
through thick tunnels of trees. Riders need to be very careful and not push their limits, as this road can be unforgiving with sheer drop-offs in some areas. Highway 7, which is also known as Scenic Byway 7, travels the entire length of the state from Louisiana in the south to Missouri in the North. As it makes its way through the state, this 290-mile road travels through the Ozarks and Ouachita mountains, stream valleys and dense forests. This beautiful byway was named by Car and Driver Magazine as one of the nation’s top ten driving experiences. But Scenic Byway 7 is not just a pretty road. It also features lots of nice twisty and rolling sections, as well as elevation changes that serve to keep everything interesting. The Talimena National Scenic Byway is another pretty motorcycle ride with some great elevation changes, long rolling sections, and sharp curves. This is a 55-mile ride through the Oachita National Forest that takes bikers across state lines from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas. This drive runs along the ridgeline of the mountains and provides beautiful vistas of the valleys below. Riders will especially enjoy this route during the fall when the hills are ablaze in colors. Yet another one of Arkansas’s many beautiful roads is the Sylamore Scenic Byway, which is also known as Highway 14. This is a very scenic 57-mile route that cuts through the southeast corner of the Ozark National Forest. Riders can pick up this route in Calico Rock by taking Highway 5 to Highway 14. They will then stay on this road until it ends in Marshall. Riders looking for a real technical ride with tight steep switchbacks should seek out Arkansas 155, which takes visitors up to Mt. Nebo State Park, a camping area popular with motorcyclists. This is a short, but sweet six-mile run to the top of Mt. Nebo, which rises to 1,350 feet above sea level and has gorgeous views of the Arkansas River Valley. Highway 123 is another road for twisty lovers. Motorcyclists can reach this 15-mile road from a town called Lurton, which is located at the intersections of Highway 7 and Highway 123. From Lurton, a rider just needs to take Highway 123 north to Mt. Judea, where the fun soon begins. Route 123 is a technical road chockfull of tight switchbacks and curves. One indication that a biker is about to hit a craven bit of asphalt is a sign at the beginning of 123 that prohibits trucks, while also warning them with another sign that reads, “Impassable Hairpin Turns Ahead.” This is also a pretty ride but most riders never get the chance to take their eyes off the road to enjoy the scenery. Arkansas riders can also look forward to a number of exciting motorcycle shows, rallies, races and events during the year. One of the state’s biggest rallies is the Bikes, Blues and BBQ Motorcycle Rally, which is held in Fayetteville, Arkansas in September. This event features live music and lots of great motorcycle-related activities. The promoter of this event is also hosting a sister rally in June, the Bikes, Babes and Bling Rally, which it is advertising as the first all-women’s rally. |
|
With wide-open roads that carve through lonely deserts, beautiful forests, and magnificent canyons, Arizona offers some of the best motorcycle rides and awe-inspiring scenery in the Southwest. One of the most scenic and interesting roads in Arizona, and perhaps the nation, is the 82-mile State Route 89A, which connects Flagstaff to Prescott. This road offers riders a grab bag of popular features -- switchbacks, twisties, unworldly beauty, |
|
elevation changes, plus open stretches to let the mind unwind and the throttle out. State Route 89A meanders through a surprising variety of terrain, from Flagstaff's forests and mountains to cactus-studded deserts to Sedona's spectacular red rock formations and gorgeous canyon. Riders will also find interesting towns on this route, including Jerome, Sedona and Prescott, in which to stop and visit. This road's only drawback is its popularity with tourists, as there are times when it can be very congested. | |
The Coronado Trail or US 191 is another route that provides excellent elevation changes, plenty of twists and turns, approximately 400 hair-raising switchbacks, and gorgeous scenery as it cuts through the Apache National Forest. This road, which is located on Arizona's eastern edge, starts in Eager and roams south to Clifton. The Coronado Trail is another road that covers a wide variety of terrain, including both dramatic desert and mountain settings. Lovers of nostalgia will surely want to cruise Old Route 66. Arizona’s portion, which is the longest original section of the road still remaining, stretches from Arizona’s eastern border to its western one. The road passes through, among other things, quaint old towns such as Oatman, where wild burros wander the streets looking for handouts, and the Petrified Forest National Park. Another can’t miss ride in Arizona is a trip to one of America’s most iconic sites, the Grand Canyon via Route 67, which is also known as the Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway. Motorcyclists begin this ride from the town of Jacob Lake Arizona and travel through Kaibab National Forest before reaching the stunning panoramic landscapes of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. Riders should check the weather forecast and whether or not this road is open during winter months before heading out, as the North Rim sits 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim and can experience harsh weather conditions. Riders in the Phoenix area are lucky to have one of the state's best rides nearby. Known as Tortilla Flat by some and the Apache Trail by others, this road begins just outside of Phoenix in Apache Junction and takes riders through some soul-cleansing desert and mountain landscape to Canyon Lake. This nice little road features some nice twisties set against a backdrop of cactus and sage. Hungry bikers can stop in the small town of Tortilla Flat, which resembles something out of an old Western movie, for a quick bite to eat. Arizona is also the site of a number of large bike rallies and rides. One of the most popular events is Arizona Bike Week, which roars into Scottsdale, Arizona in the spring. This event typically features rides, competitions, and several well-known musical acts. |
|
California proves that the old adage, “You can’t have it all,” is wrong. With roads that skim past gorgeous coastline, twist through the mountains, and travel into endless vistas of open desert, the Golden State pretty much has everything a motorcyclist would want. With such a large state and so many types of roads, it is hard to choose a few, but there are a few standouts. One of the best riding roads in California is surprisingly close to the perpetually |
|
clogged and stagnated streets of Los Angeles. The Angeles Crest Highway, as this portion of California State Route 2 is known, is 66 miles of curving, weaving asphalt. This road begins in La Canada Flintridge and snakes its way to Wrightwood through the Angeles National Forest, north of Los Angeles. This fun road boasts serious twisties and elevation gains. | |
Motorcyclists looking for a technical road along the Sonoma Coast that is only suitable for experienced riders should point their bike towards Stewarts Point-Skaggs Spring Road. Riders can pick up this approximately 35-mile road near Lake Sonoma. It is very important for bikers not to be lulled into complacency by this road’s relatively easy first ten miles, as this route is known for its wicked curves and fast sweepers. It also has a reputation for biting those riders who fail to give it the respect that it deserves. A side note that should be addressed here is the fact that one of the most beautiful drives in all of California, the 17-Mile Drive in the Pebble Beach area, is off limits to motorcycles, so don’t plan on visiting this road unless you have a cage. To the north of Yosemite and the west of San Francisco lies challenging Sonora Pass, which is also known as CA 108. This 79-mile is steep, full of twisties, sharp turns, sweepers, and unexpected turns that you only see after you’ve crested a hill. Because it is also narrow with sheer drop-offs, it is not forgiving to novice riders who have overestimated their skill levels. Riders can pick up 108 from Sonora and ride it until its junction with US-395. Not to be outdone by its southern half, northern California has a large number of great roads, as well. Highway 36, for instance, announces it means serious business with a sign that declares that there will be snake-like curves for the next 140 miles. That’s right, 140 miles of twisties. This road which heads west from Red Bluff to the coast is not only curvy, it also has elevation changes and so many hills that crest and then dip sharply away that you will think you are on an actual roller coaster. But Highway 36 isn’t just a beauty of a ride, it also offers beautiful scenery, as well. Of course, California also is the site of a number of biker rallies and events, including the West Coast Memorial Day Bike Run, which roars into the Riverside National Cemetery to honor our nation’s fallen veterans. This event typically draws approximately 7,500 motorcycles. Bikers in Northern California have the Redwood Run, which is held in June and attracts thousands of bikers to enjoy three days of motorcycle-related activities and live musical acts. |
|
For motorcyclists, Colorado is a little slice of heaven on earth. Few places in the United States can rival this state for mile after mile of exciting, as well as beautiful roads – many of which are in the magnificent Rockies. Some of these routes seem as if they could continue climbing straight into the sky. Check ahead before tackling some of Colorado’s higher roads, which may be unexpectedly closed due to late or early snowfalls. | |
Why not start at the top, right? Mt. Evans Highway, also known as State Route 5, is the highest paved road in the United States. A word of warning, its 14,264-foot altitude may cause some people to get dizzy. From the summit of this road, riders will be looking down at the surrounding mountain peaks. This road is not for the faint of heart as it is narrow, has sharp switchbacks and sheer drop-offs without guardrails. Mt Evans Highway boasts some of the most stunning scenery in Colorado, which is saying a lot. In addition, riders may see mountain goats, bighorn sheep or elk while traveling this route. To get to this spectacular road, riders can take I-70 west from Denver to Route 103 in Idaho Springs. From Idaho Springs, it is about 12 miles to Mt Evans Highway. Riders looking for a spectacular ride that is not as high, but only for the brave should head over to Independence Pass, which is a twisty, narrow road between Aspen and Twin Lakes. This 42-mile route, which is also known as Colorado 82, tests a rider’s nerves with switchback after switchback and frightening drop offs without guardrails. Just to make it even more interesting, some portions of Independence Pass even narrow down to one lane. For a nice break from this technical road, riders can stop and explore the ghost town of Independence near the top of this pass. To get to Independence Pass from Denver, riders can take I-70 west to State Route 24, which they will then take past Leadville to State Route 82. The 108-mile section of San Juan Skyway that stretches from Durango to Montrose is another favorite with motorcyclists. This road, which is also known as US-550, is infamous for having some really twisty sections with sheer drop-offs and no guardrails, especially the portion known as the Million Dollar Highway that is located between Ouray and Silverton. The small towns scattered along this route, such as Telluride, Silverton and Ouray, are known for having some biker-friendly restaurants and accommodations, as well. Another route that is beloved by motorcyclists is US 6 over the Loveland Pass. This road, which sits at 11,990 feet, is loaded with tight switchbacks and sweepers and has a steady steep 6.7-percent grade. Taking US 6 is an alternate to going through I-70’s Eisenhower Tunnel. The Loveland Pass route is a scenic 19-mile ride that takes riders along the side of the Dillon Reservoir and across the Continental Divide. Unlike other high roads in Colorado, Loveland Pass remains open during the winter, but it should only be ridden with great care during this time of the year. Of course, Colorado's most famous road is probably Pikes Peak Highway in Colorado Springs. This is a 19-mile ride with switchbacks, steep drop-offs and no guardrails. Some of Pikes Peak Highway, which summits at 14,110 feet, is unpaved. While it may be hard for riders to tear themselves away from these and other equally great roads, Colorado hosts a large number of rallies and other events to tempt them away from a day or two of riding. One of the best events in Colorado is the American Salute Rally, which was formerly known as the Cripple Creek Salute Rally. This event is traditionally held in the small town of Cripple Creek, although it did move to Winter Park for one year in 2010. This three-day event is held in August and features a large ride – approximately 5,000 bikes -- in honor of the military. The American Salute Rally also features numerous vendor booths and live musical acts. |
|
Beautiful and bucolic Connecticut is crisscrossed with roads that weave through picturesque countryside and charming New England towns. Motorcyclists will find that while this state’s coastal plain and central valley are relatively flat, parts of Connecticut are hilly, especially its northwestern region. In addition, Connecticut boasts 250 miles of beautiful Long Island Sound shoreline. Motorcyclists looking for a scenic back route into New York City that is also |
|
interesting and truck-free will enjoy winding Merritt Parkway. The natural beauty of this road, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is enhanced by approximately 70 ornamental Neo-Classical and Modernistic bridges. This 37-mile road stretches from the town of Greenwich to the town of Stratford. Riders in northern Connecticut looking for a scenic ride through bucolic farmland and pretty forests will enjoy cruising along Route 197/190, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing and the countryside is ablaze with color. Motorcyclists can pick up this route from North Woodstock by heading west on Route 197. After about 25 miles, the road changes to 190. Riders will continue on 190, which will cross the Connecticut River, before ending at Route 159, near the town of Enfield. For those riders who enjoy hilly rides, the following 102-mile loop, which starts in Granby and ends in Canaan, boasts elevation changes, as well as twisties and beautiful scenery. To begin this route, motorcyclists take Route 20 west from Granby to Winsted. Route 20 will cross through beautiful Tunxis State Forest during this portion of the ride. When riders reach Winsted, they will then get on Route 44, heading west. In the village of Lakeville, riders will need to get on Route 41 south until they reach the town of Sharon, where they will then head south on Route 4 to Cornwall Bridge. From here, motorcyclists will take Route 7 south along the Appalachian Trail to New Milford, where they will turn onto Route 45 north to return to Cornwall Bridge. Finally, motorcyclists return to Route 7 and head north to this loop’s end point in Canaan. Like Merritt Parkway, Connecticut State Route 169 has earned an America’s Byways designation. This 32-mile route takes riders through classic New England countryside and charming villages, and it is yet another of Connecticut’s roads that are especially gorgeous in the fall leaf-changing season. Motorcyclists begin this route south of Lisbon and head north past Pomfret -- and its beautiful churches that date to the 1800s – and Woodstock before ending their ride at the Massachusetts-Connecticut border. State Route 146 is a beautiful, 12-mile winding coastal route that has been designated as a state scenic road. This is a narrow road that takes riders past marshlands and through the seaside towns of Guilford and Branford. While in Branford, motorcyclists may want to take a break from their two-wheeled steeds to climb aboard one of the cruise boats that can take them around the pretty Thimble Islands, which are also sometimes referred to as the Hundred Islands. Motorcyclists in Connecticut can enjoy a number of rides, rallies and shows during the year, including the Connecticut State HOG Rally. This three-day event is held in Bristol and features music and lots of vendor booths. |
|
Although Delaware is the second smallest state in the nation, it manages to pack a lot into a little package. Within this state’s 2,044 square miles are 17 state parks, a designated America’s Byway, as well as a number of fun and scenic roads perfect for a day’s outing on the bike. Delaware’s Brandywine Valley area provides a nice setting for a motorcycle journey. One of thebest ways to enjoy this pretty area is to take a ride on the Brandywine |
|
Valley Scenic Byway. This 12-mile route begins at the Pennsylvania State line on Delaware 52, which is also known as Kennett Pike. In Wilmington, this road changes names to Pennsylvania Avenue, but riders should remain on it on until they reach Delaware 100, which is also known as Montchanin Road. Motorcyclists will continue on this road for another five miles before this route ends at the Pennsylvania State line. The Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway takes riders past charming historic villages, gorgeous country estates, pretty rivers, andpicturesque countryside. In addition to all of this beautiful scenery, this area is also home to a lot of hilly little roads that boast hard corners, lots of curves, and rolling roller coaster stretches. Some of the best little side roads in this area include Thompson’s Bridge, Smiths Bridge Road, Adams Damn Road, and Route 230. Route 9, which is also known as the Coastal Heritage Scenic Byway, is an excellent motorcycle ride that skirts the Delaware Bay Coast and travelsthrough farmlands, forests, wetlands and several wildlife preserves. This is an approximately 50-mile ride on a two-lane road that stretches from New Castle to just south of the Dover Air Force Base. Route 9 boasts some nice long straights, as well as switchbacks and some twisties. A word of caution, riders may encounter high-standing water onthis road if the tides are high or if there have been storms in the area. US-113 is another pretty ride that takes motorcyclists from Milford, Delaware, through the pretty DelMarVa Peninsula, and to Pocomoke City in Maryland. DelMarVa stands for Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, which are the three states that all occupy a portion of this large peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. This 75-mile route is fairly straight, but it is very scenic, especially as it travels through the Pocomoke River State Forest and Redden State Forest. In addition to some nice motorcycle roads, the Delaware area isthe site of a number of shows, rallies and rides throughout the year, including the Delmarva Bike Week in September. This large, three-day event is actually held in Ocean City, Maryland, but is located on the same peninsula as Delaware. |
|
It's not just kids and spring breakers who pine for sunny Florida. Bikers, too, love this state's typically bike-friendly weather, especially during the winter months, and its miles of scenic open roads. One of the most well-known and popular routes in Florida is The Loop, which is located about 30 minutes from Daytona Beach and offers picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Loop begins in Ormond Beach on John Anderson Drive and |
|
proceeds north under an archway of large trees. Riders turn left on High bridge Road and cross the bridge and the Halifax River. At Walter Boardman Road, riders once again turn left and head to Old Dixie Highway, where they make another left to head back to the route's starting point in Ormond Beach. A word of warning: The Loop can be extremely congested during Daytona Beach's Biketober Fest and Bike Week. Although many people consider Florida to be a relatively flat state, it does actually offer some roads with hilly inclines and twisting turns. The Sugarloaf Mountain Ride, which is located in central Florida, is one such route. Two roads, Old Country Road 561 and Old Country Road 455 combine to make a loop around Sugarloaf Mountain, which is the highest point on the Florida peninsula. Motorcyclists will undoubtedly enjoy the elevation changes and twists and turns this route will throw in their path, as well as spectacular views of Lake Apopka. |