8 Epic Motorcycle Rides Across America We Can't Wait to Take
What makes a road great for motorcyclists? Depending who you ask, it could be scenery, skill-testing twists and turns, or diversions such as historic sites and museums of iconic bikes that can turn a day of riding into the highlight of a longer trip. We spoke to avid riders and combed sites including MotorcycleRoads.com to find some of the nation's best routes to explore on two wheels once the coronavirus lockdowns end and it feels right to head out on the road again.
1. Natchez Trace Parkway | Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi
This classic route spanning more than 400 miles in three states is ideal for riders who want to cruise and enjoy the pines, magnolias, and moss-draped oaks — it's mostly flat and straight. The bigger draw might be the many sights along the way. "The route has historical connections to Civil War battle history, as well as parts of the Natchez Trace Indian Trail," says Dave Gott, manager at American Legend Rider. "It's also a very scenic route, and if you need a break at any point, there's plenty of biker-friendly bed-and-breakfasts as well."
Can't-miss stop: Stop in the Mississippi town of Tupelo to pay homage at Elvis Presley's birthplace and childhood church.
2. Beartooth Highway | Wyoming and Montana
This iconic 68-mile pass isn't known for quaint towns or relaxing cruising. What you will get is a dizzying climb and descent, abundant twists and turns, and some of the nation's most dazzling mountain scenery. "You can make a pit stop or two to photograph the scenic mountain lakes or to make a few snowballs deep into summer," says Melanie Musson, an insurance expert for AutoInsurance.org and an avid motorcycle rider. "There's a possibility you may see wildlife like mountain goats, grizzly bears, or black bears. And since you'll cross through so many habitats on your climb, there will always be a zone of abundant wildflowers." The pass is typically open from the end of May through mid-October, but check weather conditions before you go, since snow is possible well into June.
Can't-miss stop: At the western end of Beartooth Pass, Yellowstone National Park beckons. Close to the entrance is Lamar Valley, a prime spot to spy bison, elk, bears, and even wolves.
3. Tail of the Dragon | Tennessee
The imposing-sounding Tail of the Dragon might be the most famous (or infamous) motorcycle route in the country. At just 11 miles, it's not long, but it packs in 318 curves in that short stretch. Make no mistake: The road is well maintained, but there are steep drop-offs and hair-raising hairpin turns aplenty, and most years see at least a couple of fatal crashes. "The ride is challenging, yet thrilling, and takes you through the mountains facing switchbacks and elevation changes, which as a sport bike rider is music to my ears," says Jason Lotoski, founder of Tonit, an app that connects motorcyclists. "This ride is one to add to your bucket list for sure."
Can't-miss stop: The road skirts the southwestern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Slow down on a trail and take in the stunning mountain vistas before or after your ride.
4. The Blue Ridge Parkway | Virginia and North Carolina
In the mood for a more relaxed Applachian excursion? Sprawling 469 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway has a 45 mph speed limit and gentle curves that make this ride ideal for beginners or anyone who wants to slow down and enjoy the view. "The parkway has breathtaking scenery, innumerable curves that make the ride interesting, the roadway is well-kept, and perhaps most important of all, there are no traffic lights or stop signs," says Mike Grady, a motorcycle expert with MOTORCYCLEiD. "There are plenty of connecting roads off the parkway for access to lodging and restaurants."
Can't-miss stop: Hop off the parkway in quirky Asheville, North Carolina, where the staggering Biltmore Estate is the most notable of many tourist draws. If you're willing to go further afield, Grady recommends the rare motorcycle collection at the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, about 40 minutes west of Asheville.
5. Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway | South Dakota
The Badlands are ideal for a motorcycle trip that combines stunning scenery, challenging roads, and plenty of places to hop off a bike to explore. You'll find it all on the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, a 70-mile route with some of South Dakota's most iconic sights. It encompasses the famous Needles Highway, one of the best stretches for motorcyclists who want to twist and turn their way through Mother Nature. "Needles Highway features spectacular natural rock needle formations that rise to the sky. While you're in the area, swing by the small town of Sturgis, which turns into a motorcycle mecca every August," Musson says. "No biker's life is complete without some time spent in Sturgis during bike week."
Can't-miss stop: You'll be spoiled for choice along this route, where sights include Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Wildlife lovers will want to explore Custer State Park, one of the nation's largest state parks and home to bison, antelope, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.
6. Loess Hills National Scenic Byway | Iowa
If Iowa seems like a state better left off your motorcycle bucket list, the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway may change your mind. Far from flat, this 220-mile route in the state's southeastern corner undulates along sweeping grasslands, forests, and scenic farmland near the Missouri River. As RoadRunner notes, anyone up for a longer ride can take a number of side loops, yet the route is just fine for beginners, with relatively tame curves and elevation changes, plus little traffic.
Can't-miss stop: Hop off your bike at the Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek to learn about how the Loess Hills were formed, take a hike, or watch for hawks and other wildlife from the 45-foot observation tower.
7. Lake Michigan Circle Tour | Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan
This 1,100-mile route follows scenic state routes that loop around Lake Michigan. Notable sights include Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes and Mackinac Island, Wisconsin's quaint Door Peninsula, and Chicago's Navy Pier and Soldier Field. If you'd rather shortcut across the lake, you can do it on the S.S. Badger, a four-hour car ferry between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Can't-miss stop: Milwuakee's Harley-Davidson Museum is an obvious stop for any motorcyclist, and the museum's Tim McCormick says it's a jumping-off point for plenty of routes. "Our proximity to Chicago and the beginning of Route 66 means a lot of folks will start that epic road trip here on campus before they roll their Harley-Davidson across the country. There are also loads of day-trip options for launching or landing a ride from the museum to explore Wisconsin's rustic roads and beautiful scenery."
8. Going-to-the-Sun Road | Montana
According to the National Park Service, you can drive all of Going-to-the-Sun Road in just two hours. But we recommend you stop — again and again. This breathtaking 50-mile route through Glacier National Park offers unparalleled mountain scenery that makes it worth a special summer trip. Barbara Ann Mealer, author and avid motorcyclist, calls the road a "must-ride" but cautions that riders "need to plan to get off those bikes and take a few hikes while in Glacier. It has a little bit of everything for nature lovers." Plan this trip for summer or early fall, because snow renders it inaccessible the rest of the year.
Can't-miss stop: Leave plenty of time to explore Logan Pass, the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun. Look out for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears in the alpine meadows while hiking to nearby Hidden Lake.
Now it's time to get out there on your bike and ride.
Don't have a road worthy touring or adventure bike? We've got the best.