Explore America's Best Motorcycle Roads: Scenic Views, Historic Routes, and Unforgettable Adventures
Exploring the United States on a motorcycle is an exhilarating way to experience the country's natural beauty. With endless miles of open road, diverse landscapes, and picturesque views, the US offers some of the best scenic routes for motorcycle touring. This article will guide you through the top scenic routes for motorcycle touring in the US, highlighting the main attractions and essential tips for your journey.
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The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile road that winds through the Appalachian Mountains. This scenic route connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Known for its beautiful views and peaceful landscapes, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and charming small towns. This road is perfect for a leisurely ride, allowing you to soak in the stunning scenery.
Picture Courtesy: blueridgeparkway.org
California's Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, stretches 655 miles from Leggett in the north to Dana Point in the south. This route is famous for its dramatic coastal views, taking riders through iconic destinations like Big Sur, Monterey, and Malibu. The rugged cliffs, ocean waves, and breathtaking sunsets make the Pacific Coast Highway a must-ride for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Picture Courtesy: roadtripusa.com
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Tail of the Dragon is a legendary route. This 11-mile stretch of US 129 boasts 318 curves, making it a favorite among motorcyclists. Located at the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Tail of the Dragon offers a thrilling ride through a forested area, providing an exciting challenge for riders who love twists and turns.
Picture Courtesy: gtplanet.net
Located in Glacier National Park, Montana, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile route that crosses the Continental Divide. This road offers stunning views of glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and towering peaks. The narrow, winding road provides an exhilarating ride, especially during the summer months when the road is fully open. It's a perfect route for those who appreciate high-altitude scenery and dramatic landscapes.
Picture Courtesy: thewanderingqueen.com
Historic Route 66, known as the "Main Street of America," stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. This iconic road offers a nostalgic journey through classic Americana. While much of the original route has been replaced by modern highways, many sections remain intact, allowing riders to explore vintage motels, diners, and roadside attractions. Route 66 is perfect for those who enjoy a blend of history and scenic beauty.
Picture Courtesy: cdn.britannica.com
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The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic 444-mile route that follows a historic path used by Native Americans and early European settlers. This route connects Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, offering a peaceful, scenic ride through lush forests, farmland, and historic sites. The parkway is known for its smooth pavement and light traffic, making it ideal for motorcycle touring.
Picture Courtesy: nps.gov
The Beartooth Highway, also known as US 212, is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the US. This 68-mile route runs from Red Lodge, Montana, to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The road takes riders over the Beartooth Pass, which reaches nearly 11,000 feet in elevation, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, alpine plateaus, and pristine lakes.
Picture Courtesy: fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov
The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile National Scenic Byway that winds through the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. This route offers sweeping curves and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The elevation changes along the road provide a diverse riding experience, from lush valleys to high mountain ridges.
Picture Courtesy: fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov
Following the course of the Mississippi River, the Great River Road spans 3,000 miles through 10 states, from Minnesota to Louisiana. This route offers a mix of scenic beauty and cultural heritage, allowing riders to explore the river's diverse landscapes. From the rolling hills of the Upper Midwest to the bayous of the Deep South, the Great River Road provides a unique and memorable motorcycle touring experience.
Picture Courtesy: fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov
Skyline Drive stretches for 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. This route offers beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially in the fall when the leaves change color. With many overlooks, hiking trails, and opportunities to see wildlife, Skyline Drive provides a peaceful and picturesque ride. It's ideal for those looking to enjoy a tranquil and scenic motorcycle tour.
Picture Courtesy: blog.ktz.me
Plan Your Route: Research road conditions, weather, and points of interest.
Wear Proper Gear: Use a helmet, protective clothing, and gloves.
Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water and take regular breaks to avoid dehydration, especially in warm weather.
Check Your Bike: Ensure your motorcycle is in good condition. Check tire pressure, oil levels, and brakes.
Pack Essentials: Use saddlebags or a top case for tools, a first-aid kit, and extra clothing.
Touring the US on a motorcycle offers an unparalleled way to experience the country's diverse landscapes. Whether you prefer coastal views, mountain roads, or historic routes, there's a scenic road for every rider. Plan your journey, gear up, and enjoy the ride on these top scenic routes for motorcycle touring in the US.
10 Best Scenic Motorcycle Touring Routes in US
| Route | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1.Blue Ridge Parkway | Virginia and North Carolina | Appalachian Mountains, Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, overlooks, hiking trails |
| 2.Pacific Coast Highway | California | Coastal views, Big Sur, Monterey, Malibu |
| 3.Tail of the Dragon | North Carolina and Tennessee | 318 curves, forested area |
| 4.Going-to-the-Sun Road | Montana | Glacier National Park, glacial lakes, alpine meadows |
| 5.Route 66 | Illinois to California | Historic Americana, vintage motels, diners |
| 6.Natchez Trace Parkway | Mississippi to Tennessee | Historic path, lush forests, farmland |
| 7.Beartooth Highway | Montana and Wyoming | Beartooth Pass, snow-capped peaks, alpine plateaus |
| 8.Cherohala Skyway | North Carolina and Tennessee | Panoramic mountain views, elevation changes |
| 9.The Great River Road | Minnesota to Louisiana | Mississippi River, diverse landscapes |
| 10.Skyline Drive | Virginia | Blue Ridge Mountains, fall foliage, overlooks |
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Blue Ridge Parkway - Virginia and North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile road that winds through the Appalachian Mountains. This scenic route connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Known for its beautiful views and peaceful landscapes, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and charming small towns. This road is perfect for a leisurely ride, allowing you to soak in the stunning scenery.
Picture Courtesy: blueridgeparkway.org
Pacific Coast Highway - California
California's Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, stretches 655 miles from Leggett in the north to Dana Point in the south. This route is famous for its dramatic coastal views, taking riders through iconic destinations like Big Sur, Monterey, and Malibu. The rugged cliffs, ocean waves, and breathtaking sunsets make the Pacific Coast Highway a must-ride for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Picture Courtesy: roadtripusa.com
Tail of the Dragon - North Carolina and Tennessee
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Tail of the Dragon is a legendary route. This 11-mile stretch of US 129 boasts 318 curves, making it a favorite among motorcyclists. Located at the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Tail of the Dragon offers a thrilling ride through a forested area, providing an exciting challenge for riders who love twists and turns.
Picture Courtesy: gtplanet.net
Going-to-the-Sun Road - Montana
Located in Glacier National Park, Montana, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile route that crosses the Continental Divide. This road offers stunning views of glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and towering peaks. The narrow, winding road provides an exhilarating ride, especially during the summer months when the road is fully open. It's a perfect route for those who appreciate high-altitude scenery and dramatic landscapes.
Picture Courtesy: thewanderingqueen.com
Route 66 - Illinois to California
Historic Route 66, known as the "Main Street of America," stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. This iconic road offers a nostalgic journey through classic Americana. While much of the original route has been replaced by modern highways, many sections remain intact, allowing riders to explore vintage motels, diners, and roadside attractions. Route 66 is perfect for those who enjoy a blend of history and scenic beauty.
Picture Courtesy: cdn.britannica.com
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Natchez Trace Parkway - Mississippi to Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic 444-mile route that follows a historic path used by Native Americans and early European settlers. This route connects Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, offering a peaceful, scenic ride through lush forests, farmland, and historic sites. The parkway is known for its smooth pavement and light traffic, making it ideal for motorcycle touring.
Picture Courtesy: nps.gov
Beartooth Highway - Montana and Wyoming
The Beartooth Highway, also known as US 212, is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the US. This 68-mile route runs from Red Lodge, Montana, to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The road takes riders over the Beartooth Pass, which reaches nearly 11,000 feet in elevation, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, alpine plateaus, and pristine lakes.
Picture Courtesy: fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov
Cherohala Skyway - North Carolina and Tennessee
The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile National Scenic Byway that winds through the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. This route offers sweeping curves and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The elevation changes along the road provide a diverse riding experience, from lush valleys to high mountain ridges.
Picture Courtesy: fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov
The Great River Road - Minnesota to Louisiana
Following the course of the Mississippi River, the Great River Road spans 3,000 miles through 10 states, from Minnesota to Louisiana. This route offers a mix of scenic beauty and cultural heritage, allowing riders to explore the river's diverse landscapes. From the rolling hills of the Upper Midwest to the bayous of the Deep South, the Great River Road provides a unique and memorable motorcycle touring experience.
Picture Courtesy: fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov
Skyline Drive - Virginia
Skyline Drive stretches for 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. This route offers beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially in the fall when the leaves change color. With many overlooks, hiking trails, and opportunities to see wildlife, Skyline Drive provides a peaceful and picturesque ride. It's ideal for those looking to enjoy a tranquil and scenic motorcycle tour.
Picture Courtesy: blog.ktz.me
Tips for Motorcycle Touring
Plan Your Route: Research road conditions, weather, and points of interest.
Wear Proper Gear: Use a helmet, protective clothing, and gloves.
Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water and take regular breaks to avoid dehydration, especially in warm weather.
Check Your Bike: Ensure your motorcycle is in good condition. Check tire pressure, oil levels, and brakes.
Pack Essentials: Use saddlebags or a top case for tools, a first-aid kit, and extra clothing.
Conclusion
Touring the US on a motorcycle offers an unparalleled way to experience the country's diverse landscapes. Whether you prefer coastal views, mountain roads, or historic routes, there's a scenic road for every rider. Plan your journey, gear up, and enjoy the ride on these top scenic routes for motorcycle touring in the US.
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