1. Tail of the Dragon, North Carolina
Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, North Carolina offers a thrilling motorcycle ride with 318 curves within an 11-mile stretch, set against the stunning backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains. Motorcyclists from across the nation and around the world congregate here to test their riding skills and enjoy the scenic terrain.
While visiting, don't miss the chance to view and photograph the iconic Tree of Shame, adorned with motorcycle parts from those who've underestimated the Dragon's intricacy. This ride is an opportunity to join a passionate community of riders who share tales and support one another's quests for the ultimate ride.
2. Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway unfurls along the California coastline, offering an unrivaled motorcycle journey. With each curve and crest, a panorama of the Pacific Ocean welcomes riders, serving a feast for the eyes and the soul. As you throttle along Highway 1, prepare for a sensory experience—the fresh ocean breeze, the rhythmic crash of waves, and the untouched landscapes.
Navigating the twists and turns through Big Sur presents a test of your riding dexterity and treats you to striking views. Stop at the Bixby Bridge to capture a photo of this architectural wonder set against the backdrop of dramatic sea cliffs. Further south, the laid-back vibes of beach towns like Santa Cruz and Malibu shift your journey from a natural exploration to a cultural one, where surf culture reigns.
Whether it's the solitude of mist-covered mornings or the vibrant sunset as you reach the outskirts of Los Angeles, riding the Pacific Coast Highway is about embracing freedom, the open road, and curiosity about what lies around the next bend.
3. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway, stretching from Virginia to North Carolina, treats travelers to some of the most spellbinding landscapes in the eastern United States. This 469-mile route provides a relaxing ride enveloped within the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a journey through the Appalachian highlands' biodiversity, culture, and history.
Riding this roadway offers an escape into serenity, with each turn offering new scenery—sometimes a panoramic view of broad valleys, other times a close-up of ancient rock formations. Fall turns the parkway into an artist's palette, showering the canopy in fiery shades of autumn.
The parkway meanders through diverse ecosystems and past weatherworn landscapes that house numerous hiking trails and waterfalls. Several pull-offs allow riders to stop, stretch, and soak in the stunning vistas or explore photography. Culture thrives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, with local music, arts and crafts peeking out in vibrant mountain communities.
Whether it's chasing the sprawling views at Linn Cove Viaduct, navigating the fuzzy lines between skies at Waterrock Knob, or exploring the colonial tales at the Peaks of Otter, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a soulful motorcycle experience—guiding travelers through an extraordinary expedition where each mile tells a story and every turn reveals a new mystery to unravel.
4. Route 66, Illinois to California
Kickstart your journey on Route 66, exploring the rich history and unique Americana culture across eight states. From classic diners and quirky roadside attractions to stunning landscapes, Route 66 offers a glimpse into parts of the nation that maintain whispers of times past while hosting today's spirited endeavors.
Starting in Chicago, Illinois, the "Mother Road" stretches over 2,400 miles to Santa Monica, California, providing a journey through America's heartland. Visit emblematic locations such as the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum in Pontiac, Illinois, where vintage signs and classics pay homage to the road's golden days.
As you motor onwards, the scenes transform from busy urban expanses to serene rural landscapes. Engage with repair shops and motels that beckon with nostalgic flair and motor courts that hint at the marvels of mid-century Americana design. Every state portrays its character:
- Missouri's gentle, rolling hills
- The rugged, arid planes of New Mexico
Icons of the road, like the Ariston Cafe and the charming Blue Whale of Catoosa art piece in Oklahoma, offer perfect picturesque stops. Detours prove tempting with alluring paths that lead to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon or destinations such as Las Vegas.
Riding Route 66 on a motorcycle offers a freeway and invites a reflective state of mind, celebrating individualism and diversity. This route stands testament to grassroots America, echoing tales from the past that shape journeys for novel explorations.
5. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Nestled in Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road stands as a marvel of engineering against Montana's untamed wilderness. This dramatic roadway, carving through the Rocky Mountains and affording riders unrivaled vistas, is a must-ride for aficionados of the two-wheeled tour.
From the outset at West Glacier, your ascent will be accompanied by views of deep, lush valleys spreading between majestic peaks. The travel up to Logan Pass exposes broad shoulders of rock and dense curtains of pine trees. Be prepared to share this space with local wildlife; sightings of mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and if lucky, the American black bear, add a sense of adventure to your expedition.
Having been completed in 1932, the route is a historical testament and has been granted National Historic Landway and National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark statuses. Plunging into tunnels etched directly from alpine rock or skirting precipices that oversee immense drops, the road encapsulates engineering prowess and nature's overwhelming framework.
Summer reigns as the prime time to traverse this breathtaking route, typically from early June to mid-October when the road is clear of snow and the full length is accessible. Stop at the many pullouts, breathe clean high-altitude air, and capture photos that will stand as monuments to your journey.
A trip across Going-to-the-Sun Road isn't simply a testament to a motorcyclist's skill but an initiation into the magnificence that travel by bike can bestow. Whether it's the pause for fresh huckleberries by tranquil streams or catching the dusk light breaking over jagged peaks, this road promises a journey filled with grandeur and introspective solitude.
6. The Beartooth Highway, Montana to Wyoming
Venturing out on the Beartooth Highway is an exhilarating journey through some of the most spectacular and rugged landscapes America has to offer. Spanning approximately 68 miles, the highway begins near the town of Red Lodge, Montana, climbing steep trails and unraveling through the Absaroka and Beartooth ranges. The climb reaches its zenith at the breathtaking Beartooth Pass, an impressive elevation of nearly 10,947 feet1.
Dubbed "the most beautiful drive in America" by journalist Charles Kuralt, this route offers more than just your average scenic drive—it is an odyssey that challenges and rewards, marked by sharp turns and sprawling vistas. Pouring into distinct views of towering peaks, untamed wilderness, and expansive plateaus littered with an array of vivid alpine flora, the highway honors its travelers with a feast for both the eyes and the soul.
As riders ascend, each switchback and summit presents an opportunity for dramatic panoramas of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and lush meadows. The raw scenic power continues beyond the pass as you descend toward Cooke City and Silver Gate, gateways to Yellowstone National Park's less frequented northeastern entrance.
Complementing its breathtaking environment, the road also intersperses valuable insights into geological features like glacial lakes, forested valleys, and vast plateaus. Pullouts along the Highway offer rest spots and snippets of interpretative lore, filling in curious minds about the geological and historical context that shapes this magnificent aria of nature.
Naturally, due to its high altitudes and snow susceptibility, Beartooth Highway is typically accessible only from Memorial Day through mid-October2. Riding its entirety, bikers are advised to come prepared for dynamic weather changes, making certain every twist and turn becomes an embracing chapter of their high-altitude motorcycle saga.
Thus awaits the traveler bold enough to tackle Beartooth Highway's peaks and troughs, a pilgrimage set high upon America's roaring beltway—an engineer's miracle etched across Montana's sky-touch realms and Wyoming whispers, a frontier journeyed and felt deeply as metal meets mountain breath in celestial dance.
7. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
Traverse the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 440-mile route connecting Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. This scenic parkway offers motorcyclists a serene ride beneath a lush canopy of oak, pine, and maple trees. The route is steeped in history, passing through landscapes dotted with antebellum homes, Native American sites, and Civil War landmarks.
The parkway's refined pavement and minimal commercial distractions create a meditative environment for riders. Historical markers and descriptive waysides along the route provide a glimpse into the region's rich past. Attractions like the ancient Pharr Mounds, the Sunken Trace, and the Windsor Ruins enhance the journey through time.
Seasonal changes paint the historic byway in vibrant colors, from wildflower-filled springs to fiery autumns. The Natchez Trace Parkway offers a refreshing escape from the clutter of modern life, allowing riders to reconnect with nature and themselves.
Navigating the trace, riders can pause at picturesque spots to enjoy the scenic beauty and reflect on the journey. Whether camping under starry skies or simply taking in the serenity of the surroundings, a motorcycle ride through the Natchez Trace Parkway promises an unforgettable experience.
8. San Juan Mountain Skyway, Colorado
Embark on a breathtaking expedition through the heart of the Colorado Rockies on the San Juan Mountain Skyway. This extraordinary route presents a thrilling adventure with sharp curves and steep gradients, threading through towering peaks, historic towns, lush aspen groves, and wildflower-filled alpine meadows.
Riders climb out of Ridgway, spiraling upward to breathtaking elevations like Red Mountain Pass at over 11,000 feet. The town of Ouray, known as the "Switzerland of America," offers a picturesque welcome with Victorian homes nestled against steep mountainsides. Silverton, a former silver mining camp, charms visitors with its antiquated mystique and serene isolation.
The San Juan Mountain Skyway ignites the senses with wind-bearing symphonies at every mile. Each curve and pause presents an opportunity to witness the unfolding geological narratives and shifting landscapes. The route is a cradle within which dynamics of person, bike, and vista intertwine, creating an all-encompassing serenade.
Riding along the San Juan Mountain Skyway is about grasping the exhilarating threads that connect riders to the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies. It is a sacred journey that leaves an indelible imprint on the soul, a crowning byway that showcases the magnificence of the American West.
9. The Twisted Sisters, Texas
Delve into the heart of Texas Hill Country with the Twisted Sisters route, comprised of Ranch Roads 335, 336, and 337. This trio of roads cascades through about 100 miles of undulating landscapes, offering an exhilarating challenge with tight curves, steep climbs, and rapid descents.
The Twisted Sisters serve as a robust testing ground for handling skills, where every mile counts and every turn tests throttle acumen. The route provides panoramic vistas of:
- Limestone cliffs
- Sprawling ranch lands
- Verdant fields adorned with wildflowers in spring
Local wildlife, such as deer, longhorn cattle, and occasional wild turkeys, accentuate the landscape.
Stopping by The Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop in Leakey allows riders to immerse themselves in the culture of camaraderie among bikers. Riding the Twisted Sisters is not just about conquering sharp turns; it's about the stories gathered along the way and shared over cold drinks at the end of a thrilling ride.
The Twisted Sisters route is deeply entwined with the spirit of Texas motorcycle culture. Each road in this hallowed triangle brings riders closer to mastering the capricious spirit of Hill Country, imbuing the journey with heart-pumping excitement and a gratifying sense of freedom found only on the open road.
10. The Dragon's Tail, Tennessee to North Carolina
The Dragon's Tail, nestled between Tennessee and North Carolina, is a pinnacle of motorcycle routes. This 11-mile journey boasts more than 300 sinuous curves that test riders' skills and nerves. The road mimics a mighty dragon's path through the lush forests and rugged peaks of the Smoky Mountains.
For seasoned riders, The Dragon's Tail offers not just a challenge, but an encounter with ethereal Appalachian beauty. The verdant canopy and pristine streams provide tantalizing rewards for those who conquer the trail's hairpin curves and tight turns.
Photo enthusiasts find opportunities around every bend, with landmarks like the elusive 'Tree of Shame' serving as a magnetic checkpoint. Road camaraderie thrives here, with fellow bikers acknowledging the shared challenge and gathering post-ride at local hangouts to swap stories and advice.
Running 'The Dragon' is less about charting miles and more about measuring mettle—one exhilarating curve at a time. The spirit of motorcycling manifests truly on this serpentine splendor, promising riders an unforgettable adventure that leaves spirits soaring and challenges cherished.
These iconic motorcycle routes offer distinct blends of challenges and scenic beauty, providing riders with unforgettable journeys that resonate long after the ride is over. Whether winding through mountain passes or stretching across historic landscapes, these roads showcase the best of American motorcycling culture and the thrill of the open road.
Each route has its own unique characteristics that appeal to different types of riders:
- The Natchez Trace Parkway offers a serene, history-rich ride through the heart of the American South.
- The San Juan Mountain Skyway challenges riders with high-altitude twists and turns amidst the stunning Colorado Rockies.
- The Twisted Sisters provide a demanding test of skill and endurance in the rugged Texas Hill Country.
- The Dragon's Tail is a legendary route that pushes riders to their limits with its unrelenting curves and breathtaking Appalachian scenery.
No matter which route you choose, embarking on one of these iconic journeys is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So gear up, rev your engine, and prepare to experience the quintessential American road trip on two wheels.
