November 6, 2024
Explore the top 10 motorcycle routes in the USA: these routes offer breathtaking scenery, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable adventures for every rider in 2024.
The USA offers some of the most breathtaking motorcycle routes, from coastlines and mountain roads to iconic highways. For riders looking for adventure, scenic views, and twisting roads, these top 10 motorcycle routes provide unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or planning your first tour, these routes capture the diverse landscapes and culture of America, delivering on the thrill and freedom that make motorcycle touring so popular.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia to North Carolina
- Distance: 469 miles
- Best Season: Spring and Fall
The Blue Ridge Parkway is known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” and for motorcyclists, it’s a dream route. Winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains, it offers gentle curves, minimal traffic, and stunning mountain vistas. In the fall, the foliage adds a spectacular display of colors, making it one of the most picturesque routes in the country.
2. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) – California
- Distance: 655 miles (San Francisco to San Diego)
- Best Season: Spring through Fall
California’s Pacific Coast Highway is a coastal wonder, providing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as it hugs the coastline. Riders enjoy steep cliffs, ocean breezes, and charming coastal towns along the way. Highlights include Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Barbara, with plenty of stops for photos and fresh seafood.
3. Tail of the Dragon – North Carolina and Tennessee
- Distance: 11 miles
- Best Season: Spring and Fall
While short, the Tail of the Dragon packs a punch with 318 curves in just 11 miles. This route through the Great Smoky Mountains is famous among motorcyclists for its challenging twists and turns. It’s an exhilarating experience best suited for skilled riders, and the scenic views make every curve worthwhile.
4. Beartooth Highway – Montana and Wyoming
- Distance: 68 miles
- Best Season: Summer (due to snow closures)
The Beartooth Highway is one of the highest paved roads in the US, reaching nearly 11,000 feet in elevation. It takes riders through alpine landscapes, rugged peaks, and pristine lakes between Red Lodge, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park. This thrilling route offers twists, hairpin turns, and some of the most dramatic scenery you’ll find in the country.
5. Route 66 – Illinois to California
- Distance: 2,448 miles
- Best Season: Spring through Fall
No list of motorcycle routes would be complete without Route 66. Known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 takes riders through eight states, capturing the heart of America with its retro diners, historic landmarks, and quirky roadside attractions. It’s the ultimate journey for riders wanting a nostalgic tour through American history.
6. Going-to-the-Sun Road – Montana
- Distance: 50 miles
- Best Season: Summer
Located in Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road offers jaw-dropping views of glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. This route is known for its narrow, winding paths and dramatic vistas, making it both thrilling and visually rewarding. With elevations exceeding 6,600 feet, it’s a route best ridden on clear summer days.
7. The Three Sisters (Twisted Sisters) – Texas Hill Country
- Distance: 100 miles
- Best Season: Spring and Fall
For those looking for a Texas-sized adventure, the Three Sisters loop through the Texas Hill Country is a must. Consisting of Ranch Roads 335, 336, and 337, this route delivers rolling hills, deep canyons, and challenging curves. It’s famous for its scenic beauty and is one of the best-known motorcycle routes in Texas.
8. Natchez Trace Parkway – Mississippi to Tennessee
- Distance: 444 miles
- Best Season: Spring and Fall
The Natchez Trace Parkway offers a smooth, relaxing ride through lush landscapes and historic sites from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. With a speed limit of 50 mph and minimal traffic, it’s ideal for riders looking to take their time and soak up the beauty of the Southeast. Stops include Civil War battlefields, ghost towns, and Native American history.
9. Skyline Drive – Virginia
- Distance: 105 miles
- Best Season: Fall
Located in Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is a peaceful, scenic route that runs parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Its overlooks, wildlife viewing areas, and moderate curves make it perfect for a leisurely day of riding. The fall colors here are stunning, making it a prime choice for autumn touring.
10. Lake Superior Circle Tour – Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ontario
- Distance: 1,300 miles
- Best Season: Summer
The Lake Superior Circle Tour offers riders the chance to circle the largest freshwater lake in the world. This route travels through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ontario, offering views of lakefront cliffs, waterfalls, and dense forests. With its unique blend of natural beauty and charming small towns, it’s a long but rewarding journey.
Ready to Hit the Open Road?
These top 10 motorcycle routes in the USA offer a variety of experiences, from challenging mountain roads to serene coastal highways. Each of these routes provides a unique way to experience America’s diverse landscapes, whether you’re after the historic charm of Route 66 or the adrenaline-packed curves of the Tail of the Dragon. So pack your gear, fuel up, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
