The United States is a massive country, stretching almost 3,200 miles from Portland, ME, to Portland, OR, and over 1,600 miles from Mustang Island, TX, to Caribou Lake, MN. With so much geographic diversity and so many fantastic routes, narrowing down the best motorcycle rides in the country can be challenging. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best motorcycle rides in the USA that showcase the breathtaking beauty and exhilarating twists and turns of the American road.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Stretching along the California coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway offers riders stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, winding roads, and charming coastal towns.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
The Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic route that connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, offers riders a stunning journey through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.
3. Tail of the Dragon (North Carolina to Tennessee)
Known as one of the country’s most challenging and exhilarating motorcycle rides, the Tail of the Dragon boasts an astonishing 318 curves in just 11 miles.
4. Beartooth Highway (Montana to Wyoming)
The Beartooth Highway, a 68-mile stretch of US Highway 212, offers riders a breathtaking journey through the Beartooth Mountains, climbing to an elevation of nearly 11,000 feet.
5. San Juan Skyway (Colorado)
The San Juan Skyway, a 236-mile loop in southwestern Colorado, takes riders through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, offering stunning views of jagged peaks, historic mining towns, and vibrant autumn foliage.
6. Twisted Sisters (Texas)
The Twisted Sisters, a 100-mile loop in the Texas Hill Country, is a favorite among sport bike riders for its tight curves, steep hills, and rollercoaster-like thrills.
7. Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi to Tennessee)
The Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile route that stretches from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, offers riders a journey through the heart of the American South.
8. Mohawk Trail (Massachusetts)
The Mohawk Trail, a 69-mile route in western Massachusetts, is one of the oldest scenic routes in the country, offering riders a journey through the heart of the Berkshire Mountains.
9. Peak to Peak Highway (Colorado)
The Peak to Peak Highway, a 55-mile route that winds through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, offers riders stunning views of snow-capped peaks, mountain forests, and historic mining towns.
10. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway (Oregon to Idaho)
The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, a 213-mile route that follows the Snake River along the Oregon and Idaho border, offers riders a journey through the deepest river gorge in North America.
Tips For Long Motorcycle Trips
Before you just hop on the bike and roll, here are a few tips for taking a long motorcycle trip. As always, check your gear and your bike out before you hit the road. Be sure you have your service done. You’ll want to do this a fair amount of time before your scheduled departure in case you find something that needs repaired. Depending on what time of year it is, you might find it difficult to get your bike into the shop! Some trips are long enough that they will require you to get an oil change while on the road. Mind your mileage and find a shop when it’s due.
Your gear needs change for a longer ride too. You should pack extra riding gear. Remember to plan for the worst, but hope for the best. Even in summer, the desert or mountains can get dangerously cold at night when foul weather strikes. Or a rainstorm can blow in and change the name of the game in a jiffy. You should bring along some water and high energy food to keep yourself fueled up for the ride. On that note, watch that gas gauge! If you’re not sure where the next station is, fuel up! A rule of thumb we follow is when one stops for gas, everyone tops off.
See You Out on the Road!
When riding the best motorcycle rides in the USA, always prioritize safety. Wear appropriate gear, ride within your limits, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. By following these guidelines and respecting the road and your fellow riders, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the beauty and excitement of America’s best motorcycle rides. Sign up for our FREE rider benefit kit today so you can be part of The Law Tigers Team. That way, you’ll never ride alone.