10 Best Motorcycle Scenic Routes in America

A two-lane road starts to feel different when the map shows more curves than straightaways. Not necessarily the fastest way to get from one end of a state to the other, the best motorcycle scenic routes force the rider to pull over at an overlook, take an unlikely detour off the road, or turn a 90-mile drive into an afternoon story.

There is no shortage of such routes in this country. They might take a rider up misty ridges in the Appalachians, through red-rock canyons or up mountain passes where all there is to do is look up. Here are 10 routes with interesting scenery, character and points of interest. Some sections will call for good cornering and awareness of weather. Others will be more of a laid-back ride for a loaded motorcycle, passenger and regular stops for food.

10 Best Motorcycle Scenic Routes in America

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

If a rider wants to develop a rhythm on a motorcycle, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a top consideration. Over 469 miles, its long string of sweeping curves traces the top of the Appalachians between Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Speeds here tend to be low, but that is no accident. This is a road for overlooks, historic mountain towns, campgrounds and hiking.

Try it in early spring, summer or fall, when the ridges turn into a tapestry of color. Depending on the season, rain, fog, debris and even road closures can throw off the route, especially up high on the ridges. There is not much fuel along the parkway itself, so if a rider wants to do a long stretch of it, filling up first is essential.

Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee and North Carolina

Many people point to the 11-mile, 318-curve stretch at Deals Gap, known as the Tail of the Dragon. It is a challenging bit of road and often crowded with sports cars, motorcycles, photographers and riders showing off their skills. Think of it more as a technical road than a loop. And stay well inside the sight lines.

To make a day of it, add on the 43-mile Cherohala Skyway. Here the road climbs into the mountains, with wide views from high on the ridges and a more gradual ride. And that is the point. On the Dragon, the rider will be pushing the motorcycle through tight, technical corners. On the Skyway, there are big open ridgelines and access to picnic areas at the turnouts.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

California’s Highway 1 is at its best as a maritime road, especially in Big Sur, where the Pacific stretches out below the cliffs and with every turn a rider may find a coastal cove or sea stack. Go early to get out ahead of traffic and spend time in the small towns of the Central Coast, elephant seal watching spots and views of the sunset.

More than anything, this road rewards patience over speed. In summer there can be fog along the coast. And at other times, rain and landslides could close parts of the road or force detours. Check conditions before deciding which way to go. Usually, going north to south puts the ocean in the rider’s view. But going south to north would more easily open up some of the overlooks.

Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming

Beartooth Highway is a ride above the tree line. For much of its length, it is. It climbs from Red Lodge, Montana, to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. And along the way are snow-capped peaks, plateaus, alpine lakes and switchbacks. In cinematic scale, every mile of this road could be a movie.

Mostly, the trade-off in riding this highway is its short season. Well into spring the pass may be snowbound, and in early fall it may close. And even in July, it can be quite cold at the pass compared with the towns below. Take along waterproof gloves, insulating layers and do not rely on the weather at the towns to be the same as at the pass.

Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

Only about 25 miles long, the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray to Silverton demands full attention. Often, in spots, the road hugs the face of the San Juan Mountains. There are precipices, narrow lanes, uneven pavement and stunning views. And in some ways, even over such a short distance, this road makes a rider feel they have been on an expedition.

A rider not accustomed to mountain roads might want to head south from Ouray. That tends to put the mountain face more in the lane than the edge of the road. But even so, even on this route, the rider will need patient control of the bike, smooth inputs and braking in front of slower traffic. If a rider would like to add a longer loop around Colorado, consider heading into Durango. There one could eat, stay and take in the atmosphere of a once-important railroad town.

Scenic Byway 12, Utah

Utah Scenic Byway 12 takes you through high desert, forested mountains, red rock and a distinct visual quality of Grand Staircase-Escalante. Most famous is the Hogback, a road up a narrow ridge with views out across both sides. It’s enough to put even seasoned riders into a more watchful posture.

This is a good route for riders looking for scenery, but not relentless technical challenge. Start in or near Torrey, Escalante or Boulder. Set aside time for a visit to Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park, short hikes and dark sky viewing. Take enough fuel, sunscreen and water for the trip. On a screen, distances in the desert tend to look shorter than they really are.

Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee

If you want to travel south at a more leisurely pace, it’s hard to beat the Natchez Trace Parkway. Running 444 miles from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, it follows an old route through fields, forest and low-key cultural points. There are few intersections, little traffic and time on the road to explore.

Good for couples, first-time touring riders and people who prefer gentle curves to steep elevation gains. Along the way you could stop at historic inns, local food, Civil War history and Native American mounds. This is not a highway, so plan overnight stops and fuel for the day.

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Another 35 miles of classic New England lies along the Kancamagus Highway between Conway and Lincoln in New Hampshire. Here you’ll pass waterfalls, trailheads, covered bridges, forested overlooks and the Swift River.

Best known for fall color, the road draws many visitors and has limited lodging. If you can, ride it on a weekday. Or try a late spring trip when the rivers are up and there are fewer people on the road. This isn’t a fast road. In 35 miles, it’s a compelling reason to spend a day in the White Mountains and in one of the local towns.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park delivers in equal measure waterfalls, mountain goats, glacier valleys and a climb up to Logan Pass that seems to float above the earth and into the sky. The western part of the route winds through thick cedars; the eastern part takes you into open, windy alpine terrain.

Because of its tight stretches, changing weather, wildlife and traffic, this is a route best approached calmly. Depending on snow conditions, the road opens at different times each season. And access rules can change, so check requirements for the park before you head out. On a clear morning, this is one of the best rides in the country. With more cloud cover, it’s still impressive, but colder and slower.

Seward Highway, Alaska

This is a road for people willing to go a bit further in pursuit of its rewards. South of Anchorage, it runs alongside Turnagain Arm. Here you could well see beluga whales, climb steep mountains, and drive over tidal flats. Beyond that, it heads toward Seward, fishing villages, glaciers on the Kenai Peninsula and the port of Seward.

Best riding here is usually in summer, when days are long. But cool temperatures and rain are always possible. Bring good rain gear, be on the look-out for wildlife and allow time for stops along the way. Alaska rewards a rider who stops when the road and landscape suggest it.

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Scenic Route

Which road you choose depends on more than just the scenery. A dual-sport with a light load and a touring motorcycle with lots of luggage will experience the same destination very differently.

Before planning a route around, say, a mountain pass, consider your comfort with traffic, heat, pavement surface, elevation and tight corners. If you want regular pavement and regular services, consider the Kancamagus Highway, Natchez Trace and Blue Ridge Parkway.

If instead you want mountain exposure and tight corners, try the Million Dollar Highway, Beartooth Highway or Tail of the Dragon. For park visits and big vistas, consider Going-to-the-Sun Road, and Utah 12. All could well turn a ride into a multi-day trip. Equally important as the road itself is timing. In many mountain highways, snow will linger long after it has cleared in nearby towns. Coastal routes can be foggy in summer. Peak fall weekends can turn a quiet road into a slow parade. A route that is perfect in September may be exhausting in July.

Plan for the Stops, Not Just the Curves

A good motorcycle route has breathing room. Build in time for fuel, meals, weather delays, photo stops, and the weird and wonderful places you did not know you wanted to see. Mapping your ride with Roadtrippers can help turn a famous scenic road into a fuller itinerary, with overlooks, campgrounds, diners, historic sites, and roadside attractions organized around your actual riding day.

Before leaving, download offline maps where coverage is uncertain, check road and park alerts, and share your plan with someone at home. Keep rain layers accessible, not buried under luggage. On remote roads, fuel up early rather than trusting the next dot on the map.

Pick one route that matches the way you like to ride, then leave a little empty space around it. The best detour may be a valley road you spot from an overlook, a handwritten pie sign outside a small town, or a pullout where you decide the helmet can stay off for another ten minutes.