11 of the Best Motorcycle Rides in America
Get ready to discover the best motorcycle rides in the USA.
With the wind through your hair and the open road ahead, motorcycle rides in the USA offer a unique way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes. From California's coastlines to Colorado's mountain roads, there are countless scenic routes across various states to explore. Get ready to discover the best motorcycle rides in the USA.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
Along the Washington, Oregon, and northern end of California’s coastlines, the Pacific Coast route follows US Highway 101. But as you continue South, near the small town of Leggett, US-101 turns into Hwy 1, which is one of the most iconic motorcycle rides in the USA.
Stretching South over 600 miles to Dana Point, this scenic byway offers nonstop views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches. Along the way, add in stops at Big Sur, the charming town of Monterey, and the vista points at Point Reyes National Seashore.
Plan your ride during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the tourist traffic is lighter. Early mornings and weekdays are ideal for avoiding congestion and fully enjoying the ride. Always check for road conditions and closures, especially around Big Sur, as landslides can affect the route.
Where to Stay
Carmel By the River RV Park in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California is the perfect stop along the way during your Pacific Coast Highway motorcycle tour. This campground features an onsite general store, easy access to Carmel Valley wine tasting, hot showers, and more.
2. The Tail of the Dragon, North Carolina and Tennessee
The Tail of the Dragon is truly as epic as it sounds. This legendary motorcycle route spans 11 miles along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee and features a hair-raising 318 curves. This twisty road through Deals Gap is famous for its technical turns and expansive mountain views, making it one of the most adrenaline-pumping options on the list.
To navigate this road safely, maintain a moderate speed, stay within your skill level, and be cautious of oncoming traffic. Wearing full protective gear and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles is also highly recommended.
Nearby, you’ll find the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which offers additional scenic rides and outdoor activities. The Tail of the Dragon store at Deals Gap is also a popular stop for souvenirs and rider memorabilia.
Where to Stay
Sweetwater Sights RV Park and Cabin Rentals, just 25 minutes south of Deals Gap, is the perfect stopover along the Tail of the Dragon route with cabins, hot showers, wifi, and more.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
Known as "America's Favorite Drive," this 469 mile scenic byway offers nonstop panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains.
What makes this drive truly special are the countless overlooks and scenic pull-offs along the way. Key attractions in the area you won’t want to miss include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the historic Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed spots on the parkway, and the cascading beauty of Linville Falls.
Most riders plan out a two- to three-day itinerary, allowing ample time to fully appreciate the views and stops along the way. The best times to visit are during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its best. This area is particularly famous for its fall foliage. Always check for road closures and plan fuel stops, as gas stations are sparse along the parkway.
Where to Stay
Camp Leconte Luxury Outdoor Resort offers motorcycle riders a comfortable place to rest and relax along the way. This campground features a variety of ways to stay including glamping, treehouses, cottages, and RV rentals, as well as good old fashioned tent and RV sites. You’ll also find a variety of amenities including a pool, ping pong, and nearby wine and beer tasting.
4. Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming
The Beartooth Highway, spanning Montana and Wyoming, climbs to over 10,000 feet and offers panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and the alpine meadows and glacial lakes below that this area of the country is famous for.
The best time to ride the Beartooth Pass is from late May to early October. Outside of these months, the road is often closed due to snow. At this altitude, weather conditions can change quickly, so be prepared and dress in layers.
Yellowstone National Park, accessible from the eastern end of the highway, and the town of Red Lodge, Montana, known for its cute historic downtown, are popular stops along the route. Or for even more scenic drives and to avoid the tourist crowds, consider a detour to the nearby Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
Where to Stay
When you pop out on the West side of Yellowstone National Park, Aspen Grove Inn will be waiting to greet you! This campground offers a variety of ways to stay including cottages, cabins, RV rentals, tent sites, and RV hookups. This luxury campground features an onsite pond, offroading nearby, boating, biking, and more.
5. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
The Million Dollar Highway, part of U.S. Route 550, winds through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains and offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. This 25-mile stretch between Silverton and Ouray is known for its steep cliffs, tight hairpin turns, and incredible views of towering peaks and deep gorges. Along the route, you'll pass through historic mining towns like Silverton, which offer a glimpse into Colorado’s rich mining history.
But this route isn’t for the faint of heart. Due to its narrow lanes, lack of guardrails, and sharp drop-offs, extra safety precautions along this route should be taken and only experienced riders should attempt this stretch of road.
Where to Stay
Ouray Riverside Resort, at the North end of the Million Dollar Highway, offers motorcyclists the perfect destination either pre-trip or post-trip to enjoy some of Colorado’s most famous scenery. This riverside resort offers a variety of high-end amenities including fiber-optic wifi, a cafe and steakhouse, and even jeep rentals for some backcountry adventure. Choose between cabins and RV sites for a comfy way to stay.
6. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Going-to-the-Sun Road is an iconic 50-mile route that cuts through the heart of Glacier National Park in Montana. This scenic byway offers uninterrupted views of the park’s mountains and glacial valleys.
At its peak, this route take you through Logan Pass at 6,646 feet which is snow-covered most of the year. The road is typically open from late June to mid-October, depending on weather conditions, so always check for seasonal closures before planning your trip.
Key stops along the way include Lake McDonald, the largest lake in the park, and the Jackson Glacier Overlook. If you’re looking to stretch your legs a bit, hiking trails like the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail and the Highline Trail offer incredible views and are easily accessible from the road.
Where to Stay
Outback Montana RV Park and Campground in Bigfork Montana places you just 46 minutes from Glacier National Park. This lakeside retreat offers campers easy access to Flathead Lake which is globally recognized as a fishing hotspot, full of kokanee salmon, white fish, and Montana lake trout. Choose between rustic tent sites and RV sites for your Montana camping adventure.
7. Lolo Pass, Idaho and Montana
Lolo Pass, between Idaho and Montana, is a motorcycle route that traces the path of the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition and as you wind through the forests of the Clearwater and Bitterroot National Forests, you'll be surrounded by incredible views.
The best time to ride Lolo Pass is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is just right and the roads are clear. Don't miss the Lolo Pass Visitor Center for some fascinating insights into the area's history and natural features. And if you need a break, Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is a fantastic spot to relax and soak in the beauty of nature.
As you’re navigating the twisty, forested roads of Lolo Pass, it's important to pay attention to the speed limit, especially around those curves, and keep an eye out for wildlife and other potential hazards.
Where to Stay
Just South of Lolo, in Hamilton, MT, Black Rabbit RV Park is ready to welcome you on the banks of the Bitterroot River. This campground offers RV and tent sites with basic amenities like laundry, wifi, and showers as well as easy access to the “Yellowstone” series filming sites for those who love the show!
8. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi
The Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi is a 444-mile route that follows a path used by Native Americans and early explorers.
As you ride, you'll come across plenty of key attractions and historical sites to explore. Some of our favorites include the Mount Locust Inn and Plantation, one of the oldest structures along the trace, and the Meriwether Lewis Monument, which honors the famous explorer. Other must-see stops are the Sunken Trace, a deeply eroded section of the old trail, and the Cypress Swamp, where you can take a short walk among towering cypress trees.
The ideal time for a motorcycle trip on the Natchez Trace Parkway is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the scenery is on full display. The parkway's speed limit is 50 mph, making for a slow, leisurely ride that allows you to fully appreciate the beauty and history along the way.
Where to Stay
Tuscumbia RV Park is located just off the northeastern stretch of the Natchez Trace Parkway as it crosses over into Alabama. This campground offers campers the option between RV sites and tiny homes and features amenities like a clubhouse, laundry, bathrooms, and more. Nearby, you’ll also find the Hawk Pride Offroad Park with over 1000 acres of off roading fun.
9. Twisted Sisters, Texas Hill Country
The Twisted Sisters, a trio of roads (Ranches 335, 336, and 337) in Texas Hill Country, offer one of the most challenging and scenic motorcycle loops in the Lone Star State. This 100-mile route is famous for its tight curves, steep hills, and stunning vistas.
Popular stops along the route include the quaint town of Leakey, where you can take a break and enjoy some local fare, and the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop, a great place to meet fellow riders and pick up some souvenirs. Don't miss the scenic overlooks that offer breathtaking views along the way.
Where to Stay
Halfway between the Twister Sisters route and San Antonio, you’ll find A Peace of Heaven Cabins and RV Park, a wonderful campground in the heart of Texas Hill Country. This destination is the perfect place for a little R&R, with hiking, swimming, and volleyball onsite for some fun in the sun.
10. Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Cherohala Skyway, stretching across Tennessee and North Carolina, offers motorcyclists some of the most scenic views and smooth roads on the East Coast. This 43-mile scenic byway takes you through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, with incredible views at every turn.
Nearby attractions worth exploring include the Tellico Plains, a charming town at the Tennessee end of the skyway, and the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in North Carolina, known for its ancient trees and beautiful hiking trails. You’re also quite close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where you’ll find several other routes to fill your days.
Where to Stay
Top of the World RV is the perfect spot for your Cherohala Skyway adventure. This campground offers motorcyclists amenities like a community fire pit, laundry, wifi and more and is just a hop skip and a jump away from the route.
11. Scenic Byway 12, Utah
Scenic Byway 12 in Utah is an iconic motorcycle route that offers riders a spectacular journey through some of the state’s most diverse landscapes. Stretching 124 miles from Panguitch to Torrey, this route takes you through red rock canyons, high alpine forests, and the unique formations of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Bryce Canyon National Park.
The byway’s well-maintained roads and various scenic pull-offs provide ample opportunities to stop and soak in the views. Highlights along the route include Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, the expansive views from Boulder Mountain, and the small desert town of Escalante, which offers great spots for dining.
Riders should be prepared for varying elevations and weather conditions. Wear appropriate gear and make sure your motorcycle is in good condition to handle the climbs and descents.
Where to Stay
Canyons of Escalante RV Park offers a variety of high-end amenities like air-conditioned cabins, ATV routes, and shuttles to famous hiking trails in the area. You’ll also be close to Main Street where you’ll have plenty of opportunities for dining and stocking up on supplies.
Plan Your Next Adventure
Ready to hit the road? Visit Spot2Nite to find the best camping spots near these iconic motorcycle routes. Whether you're planning a motorcycle trip, a camping adventure, or a road trip to explore the country’s hidden gems, we've got you covered.
