The Best Motorcycle Rides
From inside a car, you could never come this close to the beauty of nature.
More than 700,000 motorbike owners in Canada and over 8 million in the US, it’s clear that many enthusiasts are on the lookout for the perfect motorcycle excursions. Motorcycle touring offers a unique sense of freedom and adventure as you explore the great outdoors from the back of your bike.
Riding a motorcycle allows you to experience the elements in a completely different way. You can feel the temperature changing as you ride, and the anticipation of the first raindrop on your face can be both exhilarating and daunting. The twists, turns, slopes, and dips of the road make for an exciting journey.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable motorcycle ride in the United States, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 routes for 2023. These routes offer stunning scenery, an exciting level of adventure, and, of course, plenty of exhilarating twists and turns. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a novice, these routes are sure to satisfy your thirst for adventure on two wheels.
The 10 Best Motorcycle Rides in North America
1. San Juan Mountain Skyway
- COLORADO (CO-550)
- LENGTH: 129 Miles
- RIDE TIME: 3 Hrs
The San Juan Mountain Skyway is a breathtaking motorcycle route that travels through several mountain passes that soar more than 11,000 feet above sea level. This challenging road of switchbacks and hairpin curves passes through a number of interesting locations, some without guardrails.
The route includes the iconic “Million Dollar Highway”, a 25-mile stretch that connects Silverton, Colorado, and Ouray, Colorado. This portion of the ride is widely considered one of the best motorcycle rides in the United States.
The San Juan Mountain Skyway, often referred to as the “Switzerland of America”, offers riders the chance to experience the stunning red rock canyons, breathtaking river basins, hot springs, and picturesque mountain peaks.
It’s important to note that the snow lingers in this area well into the spring and returns early in the fall, so it’s best to plan your ride for July or August to avoid any weather-related issues. Nonetheless, the San Juan Mountain Skyway is a bucket-list-worthy ride for any motorcycling enthusiast seeking an unforgettable adventure on the open road.
2. Green Mountains, Vermont
- Vermont (Route-100)
- LENGTH: 250 Miles
- RIDE TIME: 4 Hrs 55 Mins
Vermont, a state located in the northeastern region of the United States, derives its name from the Green Mountains. These mountains, which belong to the Appalachian Mountain range, are the oldest and tallest in the state.
The range, which spans from the Massachusetts Berkshires to Canada, is best characterized as a North-South running ridge. Motorcyclists who ride through the Green Mountains will pass through idyllic New England communities, rolling farmland, and woodland paths adorned with picturesque red barns, covered bridges, and traditional Holstein cattle.
The highest peak in the range is Mount Mansfield, which is located in northern Vermont and reaches a height of 4,393 feet. For motorcyclists seeking an unforgettable ride through some of the most scenic countryside in the United States, a trip through the Green Mountains is an absolute must-do.
3. Going-to-the-Sun Road
- MONTANA
- LENGTH: 50 miles
- RIDE TIME: 2 Hrs
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the top motorcycling routes in the United States. This amazing highway in Montana is a work of engineering art. It’s one of the few highways in the entire nation that was constructed specifically to transport people to beautiful areas.
That might be used to describe this amazing 50-mile mountain route in “Glacier National Park” that cuts through the Rocky Mountains. This two-lane road is quite winding and tight, with many hairpin curves. Due to the road’s extreme narrowness, only certain sizes of vehicles are permitted to use it.
Going-to-the-Sun Road comes highly recommended since you have to see the scenery to believe them. No picture could ever do this amazing place’s beauty justice. It travels through a variety of landscapes, including alpine trees, cedar woods, and glacier lakes.
4. The Twisted Sisters, Texas
- TEXAS (TX 334, 335, 336)
- LENGTH: 112 Miles
- RIDE TIME: 2 Hrs 30 Mins
In Central Texas’ lush green hills and alongside crystal-clear rivers, the Twisted Sisters’ motorbike journey twists and turns. There are miles of continuous switchbacks, long curves with gorgeous landscapes, and some good uphill curves.
All of these features make for a very technical and enjoyable ride for motorcycle riders. You’ll bike through no less than 65 curves in a single 15-mile segment! The majority of riders believe that, in terms of the landscape, riding here is best done in the spring. All everywhere, flowers are in bloom, and the hues are stunning.
Additionally, the Nueces River has a variety of panfish, including redbreast sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish, and Rio Grande perch, as well as largemouth, smallmouth, and native Guadalupe bass.
5. Beartooth Highway
- MONTANA, WYOMING (US-212)
- LENGTH: 137 Miles
- RIDE TIME: 4 Hrs 20 Mins
The name of the road refers to the sharp, spiky rock formations that resemble a bear’s tooth. The Beartooth Highway, a portion of U.S. Route 212 in Montana and Wyoming that runs between Red Lodge and the northeast entrance of “Yellowstone National Park”, has been dubbed “the most magnificent drive in America”.
The greatest highway height in two states is reached by the Beartooth Highway, which rises to 10,350 feet in Montana and 10,947 feet in Wyoming.
Remember that in 2023 motorcycle traffic will only be permitted on Beartooth Highway from May to October.
Pro Tip: If you don’t live in this area, you might want to consider shipping your motorcycle there so you can relax and rest before starting your road trip.
Get a Free Instant Quote Today if you want to know how much it might cost to ship your motorcycle to Wyoming and Montana.
6. The Black Hills, Needles Highway
- SOUTH DAKOTA
- LENGTH: 39 Miles
- RIDE TIME: 1 Hrs 30 Mins
Nearby the Black Hills and Custer State Park, there are many magnificent motorcycle roads, but SD-87 is one of the best. The highway winds through two tunnels cut through pure granite walls and are named after the tall granite “needles” it winds through.
It’s a very impressive ride with sharp turns, constrained tunnels, granite spires, and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy the sensation of threading your motorcycle through the eye of a needle! Take this trip just to see Mount Rushmore, which is off Needles Highway.
Plan to stop at the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore, and be ready to stop for bison, mountain goats, antelope, and other roaming wildlife. This ride is considered safe and one of the best motorcycle rides.
Remember that the Needles Highway is accessible from April to October. For the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 2023, it will be among the best motorcycle rides.
7. The Blue Ridge Parkway
- VIRGINIA, NORTH CAROLINA
- LENGTH: 469 Miles
- RIDE TIME: 2 Days
The Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park is part of this stunning 469-mile route, which also connects to “Great Smoky Mountains National Park” in the South.
This route, known as “America’s Favorite Drive” by the National Park Service, offers breathtaking views of the peaks and ridges of five major Appalachian Mountain ranges as well as a few brief tunnel adventures.
Explore the Appalachian Backroads and routes like Tail of the Dragon, Bootlegger, the Roadrunner, and many more for a range of beautiful rides.
If riding nonstop, it would take just over 10 hours at an average pace of 45 mph to ride a motorcycle on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. So, allow 2 or 3 days for your ride. If you need to get gas or somewhere to stay, you must leave the Parkway.
8. Smoky Mountains
- TENNESSEE, N CAROLINA (TN-165, NC-143)
- LENGTH: 43 Miles
- RIDE TIME: 1 Hrs 30 Mins
This motorcyclist’s ideal route reaches heights of more than 5400 feet and is known as “A drive among the clouds”. Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and Robbinsville, North Carolina are linked by this road.
This jewel is filled with breathtaking views of alpine forests. The 11-mile stretch of US 129 has 318 sweeping turns. This portion of the trip typically lasts between 1 hour and 15 minutes and 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Just west of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cherohala Skyway transports motorcycle riders on a long and scenic ride through the tall ridgelines of secluded national forests.
With approximately 400 miles of roads, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular starting point for bikers and vehicle touring aficionados. They then continue their journey through Tennessee or North Carolina. One of the best motorcycle rides is the Smoky Mountains ride.
9. Tail of the Dragon
- TENNESSEE, NORTH CAROLINA
- LENGTH: 11 Miles
- RIDE TIME: 30 Mins
The Tail of the Dragon, also known as Deals Gap, is a motorcycle track that has a reputation for being dangerous. The appeal of this trip is actually just riding this gorgeous section of U.S. 129, which is perfectly paved, well constructed for banking, and combined with a pleasing flow of tight turns.
With a stunning 318 turns in just 11 miles, Tail of the Dragon is one of the trickiest rides. Visit the “Tree of Shame”, a memorial to the unlucky individuals who have crashed their bicycles along the Tail of the Dragon, if you have a passion for the macabre.
Bike pieces hang from branches and are affixed to the tree. It has 318 curves across a solid 11 miles. If you’re not traveling along the East Coast, that may not seem like a very long ride. But believe us when we say that this is one of the world’s best roads.
Recommended: It’s possible that you are on a busy schedule and you can’t take your bike there. If that’s the case, consider hiring an experienced motorcycle shipping company like AutoStar Transport Express.
10. Natchez Trace Parkway
- TENNESSEE, ALABAMA, MISSISSIPPI
- LENGTH: 444 Miles
- RIDE TIME: 10 Hrs
While the majority of the rides on our list are thrilling adventures, sometimes all you need is a peaceful ride to clear your head. The Natchez Trace Parkway is useful in this situation. The two-lane national parkway connects Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, over a distance of 444 miles.
It is described as “A Drive through 10,000 Years of History” on the website for the National Park. The “Old Natchez Trace,” a former route taken by American Indians, “Kaintucks,” European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents, roughly parallels it.
The parkway is spotless, supple, and tranquil. You won’t have to navigate rough roads. The view is another advantage. The backdrop is distinctive since the Trace is flanked by trees as opposed to utility wires and buildings, so even while there may not be breathtaking hillside vistas.
Do you Want to ship a Motorcycle?
There are many bike rallies scheduled this year, so it’s a good idea to bring your motorcycle. A reputable vehicle transport company can help you if you can’t ride to the event yourself or if you need your motorcycle shipped home afterward. So, if you are shipping vehicles from state to state or across the country, AutoStar Transport Express is the best, safest, and most affordable option.
You can count on AutoStar Transport Express to help you find the right carrier for shipping your motorcycle and to arrange all the details to ensure safe delivery.
Learn more about motorcycle shipping by contacting us at 888-802-8250.
