Introduction: The Freedom of Two Wheels
There's nothing quite like the experience of a motorcycle road trip—the wind in your face, the rumble of the engine beneath you, and the unfiltered connection to the landscape as you carve through scenic routes. Whether you're a seasoned rider or looking to rent a motorcycle for your first long-distance adventure, these ten extraordinary routes offer the perfect blend of challenging roads, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable experiences.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Perhaps the most iconic motorcycle route in America, California's Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) stretches 655 miles from Dana Point to Leggett, hugging the dramatic coastline with jaw-dropping ocean views around nearly every curve.
Highlights:
- Big Sur's towering cliffs and crashing waves
- The picturesque Bixby Creek Bridge
- Charming coastal towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Cambria
- Hearst Castle in San Simeon
Where to Stay:
Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur offers luxury accommodations with stunning views, while the more budget-friendly Cambria Beach Lodge provides comfortable rooms just steps from Moonstone Beach.
Best Time to Ride:
September to October offers clear skies and fewer tourists.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina & Virginia)
This 469-mile ribbon of road connects Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering riders a stunning journey through the Appalachian Highlands with endless panoramic vistas and sweeping curves.
Highlights:
- Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering marvel that hugs Grandfather Mountain
- Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed spots on the parkway
- Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern United States
- Countless overlooks with spectacular mountain vistas
Where to Stay:
The Pisgah Inn offers rooms right on the parkway with stunning views, while the town of Asheville provides numerous lodging options and vibrant nightlife.
Best Time to Ride:
Mid-October for peak fall foliage or late spring for blooming wildflowers.
3. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
This engineering marvel cuts through the heart of Glacier National Park, climbing to over 6,600 feet at Logan Pass and offering some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America during its 50 miles.
Highlights:
- Jackson Glacier Overlook with views of one of the park's remaining glaciers
- The Garden Wall, a massive mountain ridge
- Lake McDonald with its crystal-clear waters and colorful stones
- Wildlife sightings including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and possibly bears
Where to Stay:
The historic Lake McDonald Lodge inside the park offers rustic charm, while the towns of West Glacier and East Glacier provide additional accommodations.
Best Time to Ride:
July to early September (the road is typically only fully open during these months due to snow).
4. Tail of the Dragon (Tennessee & North Carolina)
A motorcyclist's mecca, this legendary 11-mile stretch of US 129 packs in 318 curves with no intersecting roads or driveways, creating the ultimate technical riding challenge in a beautiful forest setting.
Highlights:
- The infamous hairpin turns and switchbacks
- Tree of Shame, decorated with parts from crashed motorcycles
- Breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains
- Nearby Cherohala Skyway for more scenic riding
Where to Stay:
Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort puts you right at the start of the Dragon, while Fontana Village Resort offers more amenities nearby.
Best Time to Ride:
Weekdays in late spring or early fall to avoid heavy traffic.
5. Beartooth Highway (Montana & Wyoming)
Often described as the most beautiful drive in America, this 68-mile stretch of US 212 soars to nearly 11,000 feet with sweeping views of 20 mountain peaks and countless alpine lakes.
Highlights:
- Breathtaking vista points with 360-degree views
- Alpine meadows filled with wildflowers in summer
- Wildlife including marmots, mountain goats, and possibly bears
- Proximity to Yellowstone National Park's northeast entrance
Where to Stay:
The town of Red Lodge, Montana offers several charming hotels and B&Bs, while Cooke City near the Wyoming side provides rustic accommodations close to Yellowstone.
Best Time to Ride:
Mid-June to mid-September (road is typically closed due to snow at other times).
6. Coastal Route 1 (Maine)
Maine's coastal highway offers a quintessential New England experience with rugged shorelines, picturesque fishing villages, and the chance to feast on fresh lobster along the way during its 167-mile journey.
Highlights:
- Iconic lighthouses including Portland Head Light and Bass Harbor Light
- Charming coastal towns like Camden and Bar Harbor
- Acadia National Park with Cadillac Mountain and Park Loop Road
- Fresh seafood shacks and lobster pounds throughout the route
Where to Stay:
The historic Samoset Resort in Rockport offers ocean views, while Bar Harbor provides numerous options from luxury inns to budget motels.
Best Time to Ride:
September for warm days, cool nights, and fewer tourists.
7. The Loneliest Road (Nevada)
US Route 50 across Nevada was dubbed "The Loneliest Road in America" by Life magazine, and this 287-mile stretch delivers a true adventure through vast desert basins and mountain ranges with minimal traffic.
Highlights:
- Great Basin National Park with ancient bristlecone pines
- Sand Mountain Recreation Area's massive sand dunes
- Historic mining towns like Austin and Eureka
- Stunning basin and range topography with vast open spaces
Where to Stay:
The Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah offers historic charm, while motels in Ely, Eureka, and Austin provide basic accommodations in these remote areas.
Best Time to Ride:
Spring or fall to avoid summer heat and winter cold.
8. The Black Hills (South Dakota)
This network of roads through South Dakota's Black Hills offers incredible variety, from sweeping curves through pine forests to technical sections with tunnels and pigtail bridges.
Highlights:
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Needles Highway with narrow granite tunnels and spire formations
- Custer State Park with its bison herds
- Spearfish Canyon's limestone cliffs and waterfalls
Where to Stay:
The historic Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City provides a comfortable base, while numerous lodges in Custer State Park offer a more immersive experience.
Best Time to Ride:
June or September to avoid both crowds and the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (unless attending the rally is your goal).
9. North Cascades Highway (Washington)
Washington's Highway 20 cuts through the heart of the North Cascades National Park, delivering jagged mountain peaks, emerald lakes, and verdant forests during its 140-mile journey.
Highlights:
- Diablo Lake's stunning turquoise waters
- Washington Pass Overlook with views of Liberty Bell Mountain
- The western-themed town of Winthrop
- Ross Lake and numerous hiking opportunities
Where to Stay:
Sun Mountain Lodge near Winthrop offers luxury in a stunning setting, while smaller inns and motels can be found in towns along the route.
Best Time to Ride:
July to September (the highway is typically closed from November to May due to snow).
10. Skyline Drive (Virginia)
This 105-mile road runs the entire length of Shenandoah National Park along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering 75 scenic overlooks and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Highlights:
- Sweeping vistas of the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont
- Dense forests with spectacular fall colors
- Abundant wildlife including deer and black bears
- Access to sections of the Appalachian Trail
Where to Stay:
Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge offer accommodations right on Skyline Drive, while the towns of Front Royal and Waynesboro at either end provide additional options.
Best Time to Ride:
Mid-October for peak fall colors or April-May for spring wildflowers and fewer crowds.
Preparation Tips for Your Motorcycle Adventure
Gear Essentials
- Quality helmet, jacket, gloves, and riding pants
- Rain gear (even if the forecast looks clear)
- Layered clothing for changing temperatures
- Sunscreen and hydration pack
Motorcycle Preparation
- Full service before departure
- Check tires, brakes, and fluid levels
- Pack a basic tool kit and emergency supplies
- Consider a comfort seat for long distances
Planning Advice
- Plan shorter daily distances than you would in a car
- Make accommodation reservations in advance for popular areas
- Download offline maps in case of poor cell coverage
- Check road conditions and seasonal closures before departure
Conclusion: The Journey of a Lifetime
A motorcycle road trip offers an immersive travel experience unlike any other. The connection to the landscape, the sensation of freedom, and the camaraderie with fellow riders create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you choose the coastal curves of the Pacific Coast Highway, the mountain switchbacks of the Rockies, or the remote stretches of Nevada's basin and range country, these ten routes represent the very best motorcycle experiences in America.
At RideHub, we offer premium motorcycle rentals that can make your dream road trip a reality. From comfortable touring bikes to agile sport models, we have the perfect motorcycle for your adventure. Contact us to learn about our multi-day rental packages and route planning assistance.
