Rides & Routes

In the world’s toughest motorcycle riding competition, riders tackle 1,000 miles in 24 hours. That is the equivalent of riding from Miami to Nashville or San Antonio to Denver. 

If you are new to long distance motorcycle riding, then there are a few things you need to learn before you get started. Never attempt a long distance ride without doing the prep work, no matter how spontaneous you want to be. 

Work through this guide so that you are ready whenever the call of the road gets too strong, and you want to head out on your own epic long distance motorcycle adventure. 

There are few things in life more exhilarating than scenic motorcycle trips. The call of the open road is hard to ignore. As the seasons begin to change and the colors of autumn arrive, there’s no better time to break out the map in search of an exciting destination.

If you love fall scenery, you are probably looking for the best routes for motorcycle trips this time of year. Let’s take a look at a few that you won’t want to pass up.

The Best Motorcycle Trips for Viewing Stunning Fall Foliage

It’s hard to beat motorcycle trips where you can soak in the gorgeous colors of the fall foliage. Here are some of the best destinations for autumn rides.

Beartooth Highway

Beartooth Pass starts in the town of Red Lodge, Montana and takes motorcyclists on a journey across 68 miles into Wyoming and the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. This is one of the most popular stretches of paved road in the Rocky Mountains among motorcycle enthusiasts. It offers stunning vistas and steep switchbacks, glacier-laden peaks, waterfalls, and expansive forests. This twisting, beautiful journey through the Rockies takes riders up to 10, 974 feet, and should definitely be added to every rider’s top 10 list.

Pig Trail Scenic Byway

The northwestern section of Arkansas is known by many riders as the mother load of awesome motorcycle roads. At the top of the heap is a 19-mile stretch of pavement called Pig Trail. It follows Arkansas 23 and passes through a twisting tunnel of foliage in the Ozark and Boston Mountains. Among the highlights of the Pig Trail is the charming Victorian town of Eureka Springs, with tons of shops, restaurants, and lodging to take advantage of. Riders love the exhilarating hairpin turns and breath-taking scenery, so we recommend that you head to the Ozarks sooner rather than later.

Tail of the Dragon

This ride is only 11 miles long, but features 318 curves. It’s a stretch of U.S. Highway 129 that borders Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee before dipping into North Carolina. Although it’s the shortest ride on this list, its thrilling curves with names like Wheelie Hell, Brake or Bust Bend, and Copperhead Corner will challenge your riding skills and the fall colors will inspire you.

Blue Ridge Parkway

This iconic ride along the spine of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains actually connects Great Smoky Mountain National Park in North Carolina with Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It’s a long 469-mile ride that is often referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive”. It boasts amazing views with plenty of places to stop, along with a diverse variety of wildlife and foliage to enjoy as you motor along in the laid-back atmosphere.

Three Sisters

Often referred to as Twisted Sisters, this 100-mile loop through the Texas Hill country might just change your preconceptions of the Lone Star State. Three Sisters takes riders up jagged hills, through canyons, and provides ample wide open views from multiple vistas. This ride is best taken during autumn when the temperature is cooler and the trees have begun to change colors. This is as good as it gets, with clear rivers and twisty mountain curves, allowing you to experience Texas at its most beautiful. Just be aware that there aren’t many places to stop so you’ll need to gas up before hitting the road.

Pacific Coast Highway

PCH is really the quintessential American road trip. If this dream-like ride isn’t already on your bucket list, add it immediately. It stretches for 655 miles from Seattle to San Diego, California, and is truly some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Autumn is the ultimate time to experience this ride, as the winding pavement takes you through forests ablaze with vibrant red and orange of changing leaves. You certainly don’t want to miss the 123 mile stretch of PCH between Monterey and Morro Bay, where riders will pass through Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea, as well as the historic Hearst Castle. With the sun on your back and a warm breeze in your face, it’s hard to beat a trip down the PCH.

San Juan Mountain Skyway

If you’re looking for a ride that offers the ultimate scenery, the Colorado Rocky Mountains rank second-to-none, and the San Juan Mountain Skyway is considered the best of the best. This circular 236-mile path will take you through the southwestern Colorado mountain towns of Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, and Durango. The road climbs to an elevation of 14,000 feet, passing through red rock canyons, hot springs, and historic mining towns, with inspiring mountain views along the entire route. Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are especially glorious as the colors of fall arrive.

Cherohala Skyway

Located in the western portion of North Carolina, the Cherohala Skyway extends all the way into remote parts of Eastern Tennessee. This route doesn’t offer the extreme twists and turns of the nearby Tail of the Dragon. But considering that it’s four times longer, it’s actually preferred by most riders planning a trip in North Carolina. This easy ride is 45 miles long, making it a joy to see during the beautiful autumn months.

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive

This one takes us through Wisconsin. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive curves through sloping hills, steep ridges, and beautiful lakes. Kettle Moraine’s incredible views were created by glacial movement millions of years ago. The route boasts amazing foliage in fall, and the plentiful variety of restaurants and shops we give you tons to do as you enjoy the brilliant colors.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Built in the 1930s, this route unfurls for 444 miles from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi. Before becoming the Natchez Trace Parkway, it served as a migratory trail for Native Americans and buffalo. The ride will take you past Civil War battle sites and ghost towns, as well as parts of the original Natchez Trace Indian Trail. Don’t worry about stops signs (there aren’t any) or trucks (they are not allowed) as you make the journey from state to state.

Peak to Peak Highway

This ride might be a mere 60 miles long, but it combines plenty of sensational twists with some of the most astounding scenery you’ll find on the planet. The mountain vistas will dazzle you as the road crests the Continental Divide in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. The valleys are glacier-cut and the switchbacks meander through thick forests to alpine meadows ablaze with colors from a Monet painting.

Peak to Peak extends north along Highways 72 and 7, then drops down to Estes Park. There’s plenty of wildlife to see there, including elk and moose. So keep to a safe speed, because hitting one of these huge animals will definitely ruin your day. We suggest packing your hiking books so that you can take a break from riding and walk a scenic trail inside the park. Or even take along some camping gear for weekend motorcycle trips.

Coastal Route One

U.S. Route 1 in Maine, from Brunswick to Machias is a quintessential New England experience. It’s 167 miles of paved two-lane that winds through picturesque seaside villages and a landscape dotted with historic lighthouses. The road features both sweeping curves and long open sections. Just beware of moose and other wildlife that can appear out of nowhere.

Tunnel of Trees

This motorcycle paradise is ranked among the Midwest’s most scenic roads. Located in Michigan, The Tunnel of Trees is part of the M-119, and winds under a canopy of leafy trees that burst into incredible colors in the fall. It starts in Harbor Springs and runs for 20 miles along a spectacular bluff that overlooks Lake Michigan, and features some especially sharp twists at Horseshoe Curve and Devil’s Elbow. Be sure to treat yourself to the unique food and shops along the way.

U.S. Highway 101

This highway is also known as the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. It treats riders to a scenic tour of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. The ride from Olympia to the Oregon border is about 350 miles, and from there the road continues down the Pacific coast. You’ll get to enjoy the colors of the season as well as the colorful ocean tide pools, ancient forests, and alpine meadows, all part of the region’s diverse ecosystem.

The Most Beautiful Time of Year to Ride

Autumn is the time of year when Mother Nature is at her best. The experience of motorcycle trips in the fall is like no other. As temperatures get cooler and colors change, you’ll be inspired to pack your gear and head out to the best places to ride motorcycles.

We encourage you to take advantage of the beauty of the autumn and set out on the road to adventure. No matter where on this list you choose to explore, you’ll be making memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime. Never been on a big ride before? We’ve got you covered with 10 tips for your first cross country motorcycle trip.

There’s nothing like the feel of the wind on your face while driving down the road in the summertime. But better yet is the view when you’re riding down a scenic drive, be it coast or inland. Riders can take all their favorite accessories around the world and explore long and short trails alike, challenging their riding skills and taking in spectacular views.  It’s hard to know where to start when looking for a new drive to take, but this list encompasses some of the best drives all over the world.

Historically, motorcycles do great on tours, and adventure bike rentals have gone up in the last few years. It’s important for a rider to be prepared for international travel. If a rider wants to take an international trip with their motorcycle, it’s a good idea to have an international driver’s license. There is more information here about how to obtain one. Several states, including Maine, have laws prohibiting wheelies, or “raising wheel.” It’s a good idea to check international laws before embarking on a trip overseas with a bike.

You got the motorcycle, you’ve got the gear, now all you need is somewhere to ride. We take a look at 11 of the best motorcycle rides on the planet; rides that every motorcycle enthusiast should try once in their lifetime:

1. Sardinia, Italy

Traveling down both coasts and inland by motorcycle enables the rider to truly see the island. These trips are fairly short, only taking a couple hours at most to reach the end, but short trips mean riders can lengthen their tour with fun stops along the way. To tour the eastern coast of Sardinia, start in Olbia and follow SS125 south toward Tortoli. With good pavement, the breathtaking views of the coast are interspersed with tiny villages and even a castle! Along the way, there is a town called Genna Silana to stop for coffee. Tourists will find some great hiking trails, too, if riders want to stretch their legs. To tour Central Sardinia, take SS 198 from Tortoli toward Lanusei. Keep following that road through Gairo Vecchia and Osini, then follow the signs for Scala di San Giorgio. The last part of the trip to the top of the mountain is a tough ride in a forest, but worth the five minutes of roughness for the view at the end.There are few places to stop along the way, so make sure to fill up and have a bite to eat before leaving Tortoli. To tour western Sardinia, take SP 105 from Alghero to Bosa. This part of the trail is only 28 miles, but there are huge cliffs and perfect views all along the way. The road is clean and clear of traffic most of the time, too.

2. San Miguel de Allende to Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico

One of the shorter trips on the list, traveling along 51 is about a 30-40 minute drive. The landscape is beautiful, and tourists will begin at what has been heralded as the most beautiful city in the world, San Miguel de Allende. When riders reach Dolores Hidalgo, the site of the beginning of Mexico’s independence, they will have plenty of sightseeing opportunity. Visit the church, the museums, and the monument, and then have lunch or dinner and a siesta.

3. The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada

This trail is 187 miles long, with all the curves a motorcyclist could want. It’s almost a complete circle along the coast of Cape Breton Island, starting at Buckwheat Corner and traveling west. The trail goes through tiny sea towns and fishing villages, looping north, east, and back south, finishing at St. Ann’s. There are so many places to stop along the way, with Celtic music and heritage to explore and wonderful hiking trails. The ocean is never far from view, and the road is generally in good condition.

4. The Great Ocean Road, Australia

This trail curves from Melbourne to Peterborough and was built in the 1920s. The best way to travel the road is over several days, although the trip is possible in only one. The seacoast and amazing landscape are visible, including Shipwreck Coast, and there are many beaches where riders could take a break for surfing. Riders can view the limestone rock formations, and they should make sure to stop at a pub along the way.

5. Cape Town Circuit, South Africa

In order to cover the 1050 miles on this circuit, the riders start north along the western coast of South Africa, before heading east. The loop back to Cape Town can be completed in one or two weeks, depending on how much riders want to tour the area. Take the trail all the way to Addo National Park, and find some great curves and turns along Route 62. Don’t forget your camera, and pick up some South African wine as you head back to Cape Town. Riders will want to fit in some tourism when they get back to the city, including a hike up Table Mountain (take a cable car back down). For a taste of Irish cuisine, visit The Dubliner downtown, and visit the colorful houses in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, along with the market.

6. Tail of the Dragon, North Carolina, USA

This is a very short drive, but there are over 300 curves in the short distance (11 miles!) of trail. Riders will travel the border of the Great Smoky Mountains on US 129, starting in North Carolina and ending in Tennessee. The mountains offer scenic views and beautiful forests, and along the way, you can find the Tree of Shame, covered in smashed up parts from motorcycles that were damaged on their tours of the Tail of the Dragon.

7. Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii, USA

In the 60 miles of road from the Kipahulu Forest in Hana to Kahului, there are over 600 turns. Experienced riders should also watch out for the 60-some bridges with only one lane, but the gorgeous views and greenery is all worth it. Hana is isolated and not very developed, so the tropical paradise mostly remains untouched. Along the way, stop at the Hasegawa General Store, built in 1910 and featured in 1961 in the song by Paul Weston.

8. Nurburgring, Germany

This is one of the longest permanent race tracks (although one of the shorter routes listed here) in the world, known worldwide as The Green Hell. Riders travel 12.8 miles with no speed limit and one-way traffic. Riders can pay a toll and drive around Nurburg and the castle there. The route is difficult, but the mountain views along the way are worth it. Sounds like a blast!

9. El Camino de la Muerte, Bolivia

Starting in La Paz around 12,000 feet, the road climbs to 15,000 feet before descending to Coroico. It was built in the 1930s and is one of the only ways to get from La Paz, one of the nation’s capitals and the government seat, down to the foothills. Years ago, hundreds of people died on this trail every year because of the gravel and the hairpin turns cliff side without guardrails. This is what gave the treacherous road its nickname, “The Death Road.” Since 2008, the road has been paved, making it less dangerous, but still nerve-wracking to twist along the mountain unprotected. Before leaving La Paz, riders can do some sightseeing at the many museums and cathedrals.

10. Los Caracoles Pass, Chile

This is a section of one of 40 border crossings between Argentina and Chile, and probably the most dangerous. The Paso de los Libertadores is full of switchbacks down the mountain, and there is always a lot of traffic. It is wise to travel slowly and safely. That is where the pass gets its name; Los Caracoles means “the snails.” Along the way, view the magnificent statue Cristo Redentor de los Andes, a statue erected to commemorate the peace finally reached between the two countries.

11. Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom

Traveling the 270 miles from Kendal to Whitney is a one-day trip, but riders could stretch this into a longer excursion with tourist stops. Enjoying a pint after a long day’s ride at a pub in northern England sounds like the perfect way to finish the drive. Along the way, visit Hawes, a small market town and the home of the Wensleydale Creamery. Leeds is also nearby (with Leeds Castle), Ripon, and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

These are some fantastic places to visit. Riders have a ready-made bucket list now, with the advice to enjoy them in the sunniest of weather. These roads take travelers around the world, with short and long trips, tons of curves and straightaways, and the best vistas the world has to offer. Ready for the best motorcycle rides in the world? Zoom, Zoom!

Are you one of the many motorcycle enthusiasts who dream of riding across the country on Route 66? This iconic ride is something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. But the question remains: What do you do when you finally reach the Pacific Coast? Don’t worry. Your epic ride doesn’t have to end when you see the ocean. In fact, some of the best motorcycle routes in the country are scattered throughout the western United States. Are you ready to gear up and ride off into the sunset? Whether you’re riding with your significant other, your closest friends, or making a solo journey, we’ve got you covered.

In this post, we’ll reveal the best motorcycle rides in each of the three west coast states–California, Oregon, and Washington.

[Read more…] about Beyond Route 66: The Best Motorcycle Routes on the West Coast

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There’s nothing like the feeling of waking up to clear skies and taking the bike out for a ride. Between your favorite local back roads and a few good friends to share the road with, what could be better?

The one thing that might top this is taking a trip to check out the best motorcycle roads in the United States!

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