For motorcycle enthusiasts, the thrill of the open road is unmatched, especially when it winds through some of the most scenic landscapes the United States has to offer. From breathtaking coastal routes to majestic mountain passes, the U.S. boasts an array of drives that promise unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or a bit of both, these top scenic drives are perfect for anyone looking to hit the road and embrace the beauty of America on two wheels.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
Stretching 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a motorcyclist’s dream. Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this route offers sweeping vistas, winding curves, and abundant wildlife. Riders can enjoy the changing scenery from dense forests to open meadows, with numerous overlooks to stop and soak in the views. The parkway also connects two major national parks: Shenandoah in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
Running along California’s coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and charming coastal towns. Starting from Monterey and stretching south to Morro Bay, this route covers iconic spots like Big Sur and Bixby Creek Bridge. The PCH provides a perfect blend of challenging twists and scenic beauty, making it a must-ride for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Tail of the Dragon, North Carolina and Tennessee
Renowned for its 318 curves in just 11 miles, the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap is a bucket-list ride for motorcyclists. Located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, this road offers a thrilling experience with tight turns, switchbacks, and elevation changes. It’s surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, providing a lush, green backdrop to this exhilarating ride.
Route 66, Illinois to California
Historic Route 66, often called the “Main Street of America,” offers a nostalgic journey through the heartland of the U.S. Spanning from Chicago to Santa Monica, this iconic road passes through eight states, showcasing classic Americana. Riders can explore small towns, vintage diners, and quirky roadside attractions, experiencing a piece of American history along the way.
Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming
The Beartooth Highway, also known as US Route 212, is a high-altitude road offering breathtaking views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. Stretching from Red Lodge, Montana, to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, this 68-mile route features steep climbs, hairpin turns, and elevations reaching nearly 11,000 feet. Riders can enjoy panoramic vistas, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Located in Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile stretch that crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. This engineering marvel offers stunning views of glacial valleys, rugged peaks, and cascading waterfalls. The narrow, winding road and numerous switchbacks provide an exciting ride, while the scenic beauty makes it truly unforgettable.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic drive that follows the historic path used by Native Americans, European settlers, and soldiers. Stretching from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, this road offers smooth, well-maintained pavement, gentle curves, and beautiful landscapes. Riders can explore historic sites, scenic overlooks, and lush forests along the way.
Cherohala Skyway, North Carolina and Tennessee
The Cherohala Skyway spans 43 miles between Robbinsville, North Carolina, and Tellico Plains, Tennessee. This scenic byway climbs to over 5,400 feet in elevation, offering spectacular mountain views, sweeping curves, and well-maintained roads. Riders can enjoy the tranquility of the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, with numerous pull-offs to take in the vistas.
San Juan Skyway, Colorado
The San Juan Skyway is a 233-mile loop through southwestern Colorado’s rugged mountains. This scenic byway passes through historic towns like Durango, Silverton, and Telluride, offering stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. Riders can experience thrilling switchbacks, high-altitude passes, and vibrant fall foliage, making it a perfect ride for any season.
The Three Sisters (Twisted Sisters), Texas
Located in the Texas Hill Country, the Three Sisters (RR 335, 336, and 337) are a trio of ranch roads known for their challenging twists and turns. This 100-mile loop offers a mix of tight curves, elevation changes, and scenic vistas. Riders can enjoy the rugged beauty of the Hill Country, with its rolling hills, clear rivers, and abundant wildlife.
Needles Highway, South Dakota
Part of the Black Hills, the Needles Highway (SD Highway 87) is an awe-inspiring route featuring narrow tunnels, sharp turns, and impressive granite spires. Stretching 14 miles through Custer State Park, this road offers unique rock formations, scenic overlooks, and opportunities to spot bison and other wildlife. It’s a short but thrilling ride with unparalleled natural beauty.
Overseas Highway, Florida
Connecting the Florida Keys, the Overseas Highway (US Route 1) is a 113-mile drive over a series of bridges and causeways. Riders can enjoy stunning ocean views, turquoise waters, and tropical scenery. Highlights include the Seven Mile Bridge and the journey’s end in Key West. This route offers a unique experience of riding over the ocean, with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and water activities.
Pikes Peak Highway, Colorado
The Pikes Peak Highway is a 19-mile road that ascends to the summit of Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s most famous mountains. This route offers steep climbs, tight turns, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. At the summit, riders can enjoy panoramic vistas stretching over hundreds of miles. The high-altitude ride and dramatic scenery make it a thrilling adventure.
Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
Following the course of the Mississippi River, the Great River Road is a scenic byway that spans 10 states and over 2,000 miles. Riders can explore charming river towns, historic sites, and diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rolling farmland. The route offers a mix of straightaways and gentle curves, making it a relaxing and picturesque journey.
Skyline Drive, Virginia
Skyline Drive runs 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This road features numerous overlooks, winding curves, and abundant wildlife. Riders can enjoy the park’s natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring historic sites. The drive is especially beautiful during the fall when the foliage is at its peak.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112) is a 34-mile scenic drive through New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Known for its stunning fall foliage, this route offers beautiful forested landscapes, mountain views, and the Swift River. Riders can enjoy smooth pavement, gentle curves, and numerous scenic pull-offs, making it a favorite for leaf-peepers and nature enthusiasts.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
While not in the U.S., the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is close enough to be a worthy mention for North American riders. This 185-mile loop around Cape Breton Island offers breathtaking coastal views, rugged cliffs, and charming fishing villages. The road features a mix of challenging twists and scenic straightaways, with plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
Part of the San Juan Skyway, the Million Dollar Highway (US Route 550) is a 25-mile stretch between Silverton and Ouray. Known for its dramatic scenery and hair-raising turns, this road offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls. Riders should be prepared for steep drops, narrow lanes, and no guardrails, making it an exhilarating and unforgettable ride.
Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington
The Olympic Peninsula Loop (US Route 101) is a 329-mile drive around Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. This scenic route offers diverse landscapes, including temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and the Olympic Mountains. Riders can explore Olympic National Park, with its pristine wilderness, scenic overlooks, and abundant wildlife. The loop provides a mix of challenging curves and relaxing straightaways.
Tunnel of Trees, Michigan
M-119, known as the Tunnel of Trees, is a 20-mile stretch along the Lake Michigan shoreline. This narrow, winding road is flanked by dense forests, creating a natural canopy over the pavement. Riders can enjoy beautiful lake views, charming small towns, and the serene beauty of northern Michigan. The route is especially picturesque in the fall when the leaves change color, making it a favorite for autumn rides.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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