Top US Motorcycle Rides

1. Tail of the Dragon, Tennessee

Traveling the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee offers an exhilarating riding experience with 318 curves over 11 miles. Known for its sharp turns, this route attracts motorcycle enthusiasts for the thrill and beauty as it snakes through the lush Appalachian Mountains. While its popularity means you won't often have the road to yourself, the camaraderie with fellow riders enhances the journey.

For safety, gear up properly:

Helmet
Gloves
Protective clothing

Always respect the road's challenges to fully enjoy this spectacular stretch of American highway.

Motorcycle riders lean into the sharp curves of the Tail of the Dragon, a legendary road in Tennessee known for its 318 turns in just 11 miles. The lush Appalachian Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for this thrilling ride.

2. Pacific Coast Highway, California

Riding the Pacific Coast Highway in California is synonymous with freedom on two wheels. From the sun-kissed vineyards in Ventura County to the architectural elegance of the Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur, each mile serves as a picturesque frame to this live-action painting. This route demands your attention with its mix of challenging twists and high-speed stretches that cater to every style of rider. Making frequent stops at overlooks or stepping onto sandy beaches is recommended for absorbing the full breadth of what the Pacific Coast Highway offers.

Be mindful of the fog that can cloak the road, especially as you approach the northern segments near Mendocino. This atmospheric phenomenon, though visually captivating, can reduce visibility significantly. To capitalize on the scenic vistas, try to plan your ride for late spring or early summer when weather conditions are generally clear.

An unforgettable trip on the Pacific Coast Highway showcases the adventurous spirit typified by California's endless horizon and an appreciation for nature's persistent ability to awe and inspire those who travel on a motorcycle. Always remember to check road conditions ahead of your journey, gear up for varied climates, and keep your camera ready; the opportunities for photos are endless.

A motorcycle rider cruises along the Pacific Coast Highway in Big Sur, California, with the rugged coastline and crashing waves providing a breathtaking backdrop. The iconic Bixby Creek Bridge can be seen in the distance, adding to the picturesque scene.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

Spanning the scenic beauty of Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a serene motorcycle journey that stitches together the vibrant foliage of the Appalachians with historical landmarks and the peaceful ambiance of the rural countryside. Known as "America's Favorite Drive," this 469-mile route serves as a ribbon of road that showcases an incredible array of biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes from the Great Smoky Mountains to Shenandoah National Park. The slow-paced drive, with its limit of 45 mph, encourages motorcyclists to indulge in the journey rather than hurry through to the destination.

As you forge your path along this carefully maintained parkway, each season paints the canvas of ridgelines and valleys with its unique palette. Cultural waypoints along the Blue Ridge Parkway offer enriching pit stops:

Mabry Mill, one of the parkway's most photographed gristmills situated in Virginia
Folk art centers which embellish parts of North Carolina, allowing bikers a glimpse into the Appalachian culture and heritage

For motorcyclists, this journey also tests the adequacies of curves and elevation changes; a blend not too demanding but enough to keep one engaged with the ride both tactically and mindfully.

So, while plotting this cross-state adventure, prepare for spontaneous weather shifts by layering up. Remember to tune your ride as well, as the elevated altitudes could press your machine just as much as they inspire your senses. Remaining ever-mindful of your surroundings isn't merely good advice for safety—it's essential for capturing the spontaneous wildlife sightings from deer crossings to hawk flights.

A motorcycle rider navigates a curve on the Blue Ridge Parkway, surrounded by the vibrant colors of autumn. The road weaves through a tunnel of brilliant fall foliage, creating a stunning visual experience.

4. Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming

The journey along Beartooth Highway is an elevated expedition cutting through Montana and Wyoming, cresting at almost unimaginable heights as you traverse from Red Lodge to the doorstep of Yellowstone. Handling your machine on this twisting roadway offers panoramic views so extensive, they seem dreamed up—yet every glorious mile is exhilaratingly real.

Starting in the charming small town of Red Lodge, your throttle begins to engage in a dance with nature as you ascend rapidly through a series of switchbacks. Climbing elevation ensures magnanimous views of the Beartooth Mountains, where the surroundings almost theatrically flip between sweeping alpine vistas and the intimate, rugged terrain.

Riding what Charles Kuralt once proclaimed the "most beautiful road in America," becomes a persuasive challenge for your riding skills as well as a test of composure when hit by unguarded awe at every sharp turn. It's a vivid altercation between man, machine, and the sheer scale of nature's architectural prowess.

As you descend to the northeastern portal of Yellowstone National Park, the environment takes on a raw, primal aesthetic. Stands of wind-twisted trees and expansive plateaus guide you gently back from the heights above to the abundant natural serenity around Yellowstone's volcanic graces.

To traverse this famed Beartooth Highway is to string along a historical chronicle of geological artwork shaped by ice, wind, and time—fostered by summer's warmer touch or winter's fierce cold embrace. It's both a personal challenge and a display of nature's vast capacities.

Always keep in mind when venturing into this high-altitude experience: Respect the limits dictated both by the road and the confident automotive craft. Preparation for incremental weather conditions and temperature fluctuations will ensure both safety and enjoyment.

A motorcycle rider navigates a series of switchbacks on the Beartooth Highway, a high-altitude mountain pass in Montana and Wyoming. The rugged peaks of the Beartooth Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, with the road clinging to the mountainside.

5. Route 66 – The Historic Route

Route 66, affectionately known as the Main Street of America or the Mother Road, holds a special place in the American consciousness. This historic highway, running from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, stretches an impressive 2,448 miles. It stands as a symbol of America's enduring lure of the open road.

A journey along Route 66 is to step back in time and embrace the heart of Americana. The route's alignment may have shifted over the decades and parts have succumbed to the march of progress, but the nostalgic charm of this legendary road persists through restored gas stations, colorful murals, quirky roadside attractions, and vintage motels.

What truly makes Route 66 remarkable is its catalogue of iconic landmarks, each telling a story of a bygone era:

The starting point in Chicago with the Art Institute and Navy Pier
The poignant murals and rich history entrenched in the old lead mining town of Galena, Kansas
The Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, offering unparalleled whimsical photo ops
The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, inviting visitors to leave their mark with spray paint on a row of half-buried vintage cars
The neon glow of the Blue Swallow Motel in New Mexico, a beacon for weary travelers since 1939
The Wigwam Village Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, where visitors can bed down for the night in a concrete teepee—a delightful retro accommodation choice reflective of the Mother Road's inviting quirkiness
The endpoint in Santa Monica offering the sun-drenched pleasures of the Pacific shores with its bustling pier and lively beach scene

Anyone venturing down Route 66 will discover scenic landscapes and historic sites; they encounter a living diorama of American culture and history, a roadway stitched with stories of dreams, migration, hardship, and hope. It offers continuous stimulation for both the eye and the mind—and on a motorcycle, there's the added thrill of engaging all senses as one cuts through the lingering breeze of past adventures.

A motorcycle rider stops at a vintage gas station along Route 66, capturing the nostalgic charm of this historic highway. The classic architecture and faded signs evoke a bygone era of American road trips.

6. The Three Sisters, Texas

For those who relish the thrill of tight turns and sweeping landscapes, the Three Sisters route in Texas presents a challenging test of skill. Also known as the Twisted Sisters, this 100-mile circuit stitches together three distinct ranch roads: 335, 336, and 337. The route meanders through the rustic charm of the Texas Hill Country, near Leakey, offering a taste of the region's rugged beauty.

Embarking on this journey immerses you in an abundance of sharp curves characteristic of the Hill Country's untamed terrain, with uphill climbs and steep descents that will keep your adrenaline pumping. The route is like a dance between your bike and the road—a rhythmic push and pull that's intoxicating.

As you ride along this course, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery in the spring or fiery leaves in the fall, giving each twist of the journey a picturesque backdrop. The vistas, occasionally featuring scudding deer or lazy cattle peeking through thickets, create scenes reminiscent of an old western novel.

The Three Sisters is a staple route not merely for its winding allure but for the challenge it poses even to seasoned riders. Elevation changes without warning, and blind corners unveil more lateral twists that demand concentration. Strategic braking and leaning become an art rather than mere maneuvers.

Casual pit stops are recommended along this ride, whether for a break at a scenic overlook to reflect or to rehydrate at local hideaways where fellow bikers swap tales of the road. These interludes also provide photographers ample frame-worthy views to capture.

Before embarking on the Three Sisters, ensure your bike is in top condition for the tight curves. It's advised to start early in the morning to avoid the brunt of the Texas heat and potential traffic.

Packed with breathtaking views, thrilling routes, and hearty stopover spots, the Three Sisters ride etches a testament to your biking journey, blending exhilarating twists and an appreciation for the genuine Texas landscape into one rugged ride.

Motorcycle riders navigate the tight curves and elevation changes of the Three Sisters route in the Texas Hill Country. The rugged landscape is dotted with lush greenery and the occasional glimpse of cattle grazing in the distance.

7. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

Carving through Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road is a pilgrimage for those seeking to become one with nature from the seat of a motorcycle. Stretching 50 miles, this paved path meanders over Logan Pass, revealing an array of sky-touching peaks, verdant valleys, and remnants of ancient glaciers—it's a ride through awe-inspiring terrain.

This roadway is an engineering marvel, etched into mountainsides. On clear days, the sun filters through the towering pines, casting a checkered shade onto the road. The route presents challenges with its hairpin turns, requiring riders to hug their machines tightly and match their speed to the curves.

Springtime reveals fields showcasing nature's botanical mastery, with colorful blooms that invite poetic pauses. As the winter thaw retreats, iron-gated passageways sculpt tunnels through the snow, echoing seasonal rebirth. Every mile promises postcard-worthy panoramas, with mountains reflected perfectly in mirror-like glacial lakes, their hues shifting with the changing light.

Approaching Logan Pass, the highest accessible point by road at 6,646 feet, you can feel the wind carrying whispers of ancient tribal passages. Here, the divide between mountain reverie and ground-firm reality mingles in the high-altitude air.

Even riders not typically partial to stopping might find it irresistible to dismount and explore the hiking paths that wind through massive cedars and whispering aspens. Subalpine meadow lookouts offer spots for quiet reflection, where the wind softens to a gentle breeze.

The route isn't merely about scenic beauty; nuances in temperature and color take their turn throughout the journey. Morning rides might greet you with glaciers glistening under clouds, while later, you may find yourself in clear, sun-drenched zones.

Open from late June through October, weather permitting, Going-to-the-Sun Road beckons motorcyclists with its irresistible allure. On routes like these, where wildlife may appear fleetingly and geographic grandeur bears down in breathtaking proximity, the ride transcends mere tourism.

When the hunger for altitude and the thirst for untouched natural beauty calls, Going-to-the-Sun Road answers. Remember to check your tires, prepare for temperature changes, and chart your stops—then submit freely to the turns and canyon embraces this iconic road offers.

A motorcycle rider navigates the winding curves of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana. The road hugs the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, glacial valleys, and pristine wilderness.

8. Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee and North Carolina

The Cherohala Skyway is a scenic byway that blends the rustic charm of eastern Tennessee with the grandeur of western North Carolina. Stretching 43 miles, this route is named after the Cherokee and Nantahala national forests it winds through, offering a backdrop of soaring peaks and panoramas draped in natural beauty.

Starting in Tellico Plains, a quaint embarkation point with a pioneer spirit, you'll throttle open into lush woodlands gradually ascending into the highlands. The Tennessee portion coils around mounting elevations, offering glimpses into the mountain's soul through the trees that change colors with the seasons. This leg of the journey is tranquil and less traveled, with pristine beauty and minimal traffic.

As you cross into North Carolina, prepare to be amazed. With most of its course cruising above 4,000 feet and peaking over 5,400 feet at Santeetlah Gap, the ride becomes a floating fantasy traversed through cool breezes and invigorating switchbacks. Expansive viewpoints, like the one at Hooper Bald, offer a reward for the journey, with horizons that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Both states shelter azure skies that seem to rain down on you at welcoming overlooks, where you might catch sight of wandering wildlife—Canada geese touching down gracefully or turkeys sidestepping across the path.

Cherohala isn't just about epic vistas and creature sightings; human fingerprints delicately guide its side stories. Testimony hums at simple outposts like Indian Boundary, which, beyond its picnic-perfect lake and camp sites, spins tales of earlier times and woven heritages.

Both sunset seekers and early risers find something atop this byway—the promise of an unrushed path revealing what might be found when one rides to exhale, gaining moments of reflection along the miles ridden.

Before surrendering to the descent through chasmed stacks unfurling into Robbinsville, riders can reverse their gaze, taking in a rearview glance of the traveled heights. The Cherohala Skyway stirs that wandering ember housed within every soul, knowing that the ongoing journey reverberates with the spirit of the open road.

Motorcycle riders cruise along the Cherohala Skyway, a scenic byway that winds through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests in Tennessee and North Carolina. The road is surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage, creating a stunning visual experience.

9. The Overseas Highway, Florida

Nestled between the pulsating Atlantic Ocean and the serene Gulf of Mexico, the Overseas Highway is a testament to human ingenuity and the alluring thrill of island-hopping from the saddle of a motorcycle. As Route 1 leaps off the mainland of Florida and sketches a line through the tropical blues of the ocean, those who ride it find themselves flirting with the edges of two vast waters, a journey as enchanting as it is sun-drenched.

The vast expanse begins just south of Miami, in the balmy stretches that soon give way to a series of bridges and causeways—all 113 miles of it leading to the tranquility of Key West. Picture the allure of endless azure above meeting the myriad shades of sea below—a corridor of blue bifurcated by your steady humming engine.

Each key you pass has its own personality, inviting stops that are as diverse as they are idyllic.

Key Largo marks where the continent falls away and early hints of Caribbean culture begin to permeate, from the laid-back vibe at beachside cafes to the world-renowned coral reefs that beckon beneath the waves.
Further along, the historic Seven Mile Bridge—just shy of seven miles—offers a view unlike any other. Here is where modernity meets the mythic, the long stretch providing vistas of infinite water both threatening and reassuring in its untamed magnitude.
The larger-than-life quest draws you onward, through Marathon, home to lovely beachside restaurants and conservation sites like the Turtle Hospital, passing whispers of pirate lore until finally reaching festive Key West, the Southernmost Point in the continental U.S. Here, Cuban cigars waft their smoke, Hemingway's cats roam with an air of ownership, and the mellifluous threads of Jimmy Buffett tunes seem to tie the streets together.

This journey is about more than miles; it's about vibrant moments allowing riders to drink deep from a cup of wild, windblown freedoms. Each bridge crossed and island touched holds its own rhythm—an orchestra witnessed at every lean of your bike, under every rev of your engine.

That said, the Overseas Highway demands respect—for the unpredictable ocean breezes and for your own throttle control. One must ride with an eye on weather changes, ensuring experiences as refreshing as they are responsible.

More than just concrete and cables, more than mere transitions from island to iconic island, riding the Overseas Highway becomes an odyssey bound by boundless vistas and continuous sea-song whispers tempting you further into the sunlit indulgence of The Keys' embrace.

A motorcycle rider cruises along the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys, with the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico stretching out on either side of the road. The iconic Seven Mile Bridge can be seen in the distance, connecting the islands of the Keys.

10. Independence Pass, Colorado

Set against the backdrop of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Independence Pass serves as a breathtaking overlook that transforms a motorcycle ride into a journey through altitude and aspiration. Along Highway 82 between Aspen and Twin Lakes, the world seems vividly redrawn beneath revolving tires, blending nature's artistic fervor with rugged alpine origins.

Riding Independence Pass is no ordinary expressway jaunt. Prepare to engage in a symphony of switchbacks, where each elevating twist lifts you closer to the sky. At 12,095 feet, the pass is only traversable outside the winter months, typically accessible from Memorial Day to early October.¹

Start your journey in Aspen, a charming ski town flush with Victorian-era charm and bustling with cafes and shops. The route then presents searing vistas acting as archways to long-forgotten tales, etched in the slants among white-water gushes unscrolling downhill.

Climbing further, encounter segments of this pass that offer harmonic exposures — strands woven across sparking creeks and valleys that cut sharply beneath adventurous views born against oscillating pineries.

However captivating the views, riders must navigate this transcendent byway with respect, conscious of the demanding traction and balance required against the elements. Gear mindfully, escorting brake-check and tire-thread oaths across each cliff-side chapter.

Upon surmounting the winds and bands of highway, descend upon Twin Lakes—a serene culmination, these shock-blue mirrors as reflective of the sky as the roaming eyes could glean. Here, the journey's end speckles stir pace-bound decants, offering a moment of respite.

As your ride glissades, inventory your senses at spine-catch instants while summits call crescent down bends. The road ribbons, clinched in timing, marvel at the draped folds of alpine memoirs, thresh heart reveille veins traced horizontal. Let the exhales of altitude carol the readiness of your motor passage, imprinting bold across Independence Pass, a testament to the spirit of the storied roadway.