Scenic Motorcycle Road Trips in the U.S.

Often, when folks decide they want to take a vacation, it’s all about the destination. You hop on a plane, arrive at the destination, and enjoy your time there. For motorcycle riders, the destination is all fine and dandy, but it is truly about the journey.  There is no better way to experience the sites to be on the back of a motorcycle. Below, you’ll find eight of the very best scenic motorcycle road trips in the U.S.. From beautiful views of the ocean, to incredible forests and mountains, there’s something for every rider. 

While there are incredible riding destinations across the world, thankfully, the United States is full of incredible motorcycle road trips for motorcycle riders to enjoy.  So, pack your bag, hop on a bike, and head outdoors to experience the most scenic motorcycle road trips destinations in the U.S.

Scenic Motorcycle Road Trips: Key Takeaways

• If you want to take to the road on your motorcycle, there’s no shortage of picturesque views and bike-friendly routes throughout the U.S.

• From majestic national parks to beautiful coastal routes, t: he journey can be even more enjoyable than your destination.
• This article breaks down the lengths of eight scenic routes, the difficulty of riding on them, and why you shouldn’t miss these rides if you get the chance to take them. 

Photo by David Hertle on Unsplash.com)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: North Carolina and Tennessee

There aren’t many places in the United States as beautiful as the Great Smoky Mountains. In addition to the wonderful mountainous terrain, you’ll also ride past beautiful waterfalls and incredible wildlife. With nearly 400 miles of roads, there are so many different possibilities to uncover when touring the national park. 

If you’re looking for an easier ride, especially if you’re a newer rider, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect place to tour. Additionally, there are campgrounds in the park, which make it a great option for motocamping. 

Beartooth Highway: Montana, Wyoming

Located in the Montana and Wyoming, Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile stretch of U.S. Route 212. This is a great route for people who love high-altitude mountain scenery. Winding through the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, this route features switchbacks, steep climbing, and high-altitude passes that make it the perfect choice for those looking to add a bit of adventure to their ride. 

On Beartooth Highway, you’ll find scenic views of alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and beautiful meadows. It’s truly a sight to behold.

Photo by Karl MPhotography on Pexels.com)

Pacific Coast Highway: California

One of the most famous roads in the country, the Pacific Coast Highway, is a road trip staple for those on four wheels, as well as two. Spanning over 600 miles of California coast, riding the PCH will allow you to gaze at the beautiful Pacific Ocean, stunning rocky cliffs, and lavish beaches. 

Despite its coastal vibes, the PCH is a rare example of a road that offers beach views as well as mountains. Think of it as the best of both worlds. Not to mention, there are a ton of places to stop along the way. This isn’t the most difficult stretch of road for a rider, so it’s a great way to test some of your motorcycle modifications, such as an aftermarket motorcycle exhaust.

Tail of the Dragon: Smoky Mountains

While Tail of the Dragon is far from the longest route on this list, it might be the most breathtaking. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tail of the Dragon is an 11-mile stretch of road that includes well over 300 turns. It’s a motorcycle rider’s dream. Unlike the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this is a route that is often reserved for more experienced riders thanks to its tight hairpin turns and steep drop-offs. 

However, if you’re someone who likes a bit of adventure combined with turning action, there’s no better route on this list for you. 

(Photo by Abhishek Navlakha on Pexels.com)

Route 66

Sometimes the best scenic motorcycle road trips are less about luscious mountain landscapes or stunning ocean views and more about kitsch and nostalgia. This is where the historic Route 66 shines. Sure, much of this legendary road has been modernized. However, there are still great portions of the classic road to be enjoyed. 

Along this route, you’ll see roadside attractions you can’t experience anywhere else. In addition to that, you’ll truly get to enjoy the feeling of freedom riding the open road that you can’t really find in many of today’s highways and cities. 

Lake Michigan Circle Tour

The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is definitely the longest stretch of road found on this list, as it ventures through four different states. However, you don’t have to ride every mile of this route to enjoy the scenic beauty. Much like the PCH, the Circle Tour travels all around a stunning body of water. This time, it’s Lake Michigan. And depending on which section of the route you travel, you’ll enjoy various different views. 

No matter where you are on the route, you’re likely to encounter stunning lighthouses (there are dozens and dozens to be seen), as well as quaint coastal towns, which are wonderful for breaks along the way. 

(Photo by Brett Meliti on Unsplash.com)

Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park, Montana

Going-to-the-Sun Road is another route that takes you through a national park. This time, you’ll venture through Glacier National Park in Montana. Spanning roughly 50 miles, Going-to-the-Sun Road takes you through the Continental Divide. This provides stunning views of mountains, valleys, and glacial lakes. 

Unfortunately, this is a route that does come with one big caveat – it’s entirely weather dependent. Due to heavy snow in the winter, you can really only enjoy this route during the summer months. 

The Three Sisters, Texas

The Three Sisters, sometimes known as the Twisted Sisters, is a Texas route consisting of, you guessed it, three different roads. Located north of San Antonio, the Three Sisters is the nickname of Ranch Roads 335, 336, and 337. Featuring steep hills, tight curves, and dramatic drop-offs, you will often hear the Three Sisters described as a rollercoaster ride. Along the way, you’ll gaze at beautiful canyons and stunning panoramic views. 

The Three Sisters might not be the best route for a beginner rider, but it’s definitely one not to miss.

(Photo by Kurt Hänel on Unsplash.com)

Your Next Ride Awaits: Explore the Best of Scenic Motorcycle Road Trips

It’s no surprise that in a country as big as the U.S., there are a myriad of spectacular routes for motorcycle enthusiasts to explore. From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the stunning coastal cliffs of California, the open road offers an unmatched freedom to experience diverse landscapes. 

Whether you’re seeking the thrill of hairpin turns, the charm of historic routes, or simply the tranquility of winding mountain roads, these scenic highways provide the perfect backdrop for adventure. So, kickstart your engine, hit the open road, and let the journey be just as unforgettable as the destination.

For More:

• On Our site: Tour Cuba by Motorcycle with Christopher Baker
• On our site: We have a lot of articles to help you plan your road trips!

-All photos as credited. Cover photo by Kelly on Pexels.com.