The open road calls to motorcyclists with a special kind of siren song – that perfect blend of freedom, adventure, and the raw connection between rider and road. Whether you’re chasing sweeping curves through misty mountains or cruising arrow-straight desert highways, America offers some of the finest motorcycle routes on the planet. Each state brings its personality to the asphalt, from California’s dramatic coastlines to Vermont’s covered bridges.
Let’s explore the details of these incredible journeys. Here are 20 of the most spectacular motorcycle routes in America.
Pacific Coast Highway – California
The PCH is the crown jewel of American motorcycle routes, stretching 655 miles along California’s stunning coastline. From the redwood forests near Crescent City to the sun-soaked beaches of San Diego, this route delivers jaw-dropping ocean views at every turn.
The stretch through Big Sur, where mountains plunge directly into the Pacific, is particularly magical in the early morning when fog clings to the cliffsides.
Going-to-the-Sun Road – Montana
This 50-mile marvel through Glacier National Park is only open from late June through October, but it’s worth planning your trip. The road climbs to 6,646 feet at Logan Pass, offering views of glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and, if you’re lucky, mountain goats casually strolling nearby.
The narrow road and tight switchbacks demand respect, but the payoff is some of the most spectacular scenery in North America.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia to North Carolina
At 469 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway is America’s longest linear park and a motorcyclist’s dream come true. The route connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, with no stoplights.
The speed limit tops at 45 mph, perfect for soaking in the endless mountain vistas and pulling over at scenic overlooks whenever the mood strikes.
Beartooth Highway – Montana and Wyoming
Charles Kuralt called it “the most beautiful drive in America,” and he wasn’t exaggerating. This 68-mile route climbs to nearly 11,000 feet through the Beartooth Mountains, featuring dramatic switchbacks and views that stretch for hundreds of miles.
The riding season is short—typically just June through September—but the experience of riding above the treeline with snow-capped peaks in every direction is unforgettable.
Highway 12 – Utah
Utah’s Highway 12 might be the most diverse 124 miles you’ll ever ride. The route connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, but the real magic happens in between.
You’ll traverse red rock canyons, climb over mountain passes, and ride the famous Hogback, where the road follows a narrow ridge with steep dropoffs on both sides. Every mile brings a new landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Tail of the Dragon – North Carolina and Tennessee
With 318 curves in just 11 miles, the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap is the ultimate playground for riders who live for the twisties. This legendary route draws motorcyclists worldwide to test their skills on its perfectly banked curves.
The surrounding Smoky Mountains add to the beauty, but let’s be honest – on this road, you’ll be too focused on the next apex to notice much scenery.
Highway 1 – Florida Keys
The Overseas Highway connects mainland Florida to Key West across 113 miles of tropical paradise. You’ll ride over 42 bridges spanning turquoise waters, including the Seven Mile Bridge.
Stop at roadside seafood shacks for fresh conch fritters, feel the warm ocean breeze, and watch for the famous Key deer. This route is pure escapism – the antidote to winter blues.
Million Dollar Highway – Colorado
Part of the San Juan Skyway, this 25-mile stretch between Ouray and Silverton earned its nickname from the gold ore in its roadbed (though some say it’s because it cost a million dollars a mile to build). The highway climbs through the San Juan Mountains with no guardrails to spoil your views – or protect you from the thousand-foot drops.
It’s simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating, especially when autumn paints the aspens gold.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Route 66 – Illinois to California
The Mother Road still captures imaginations after all these years. While the 2,448-mile route is no longer complete, dedicated riders can still piece together about 85% of the original highway. From Chicago’s skyscrapers to Santa Monica’s pier, you’ll pass through eight states and countless small towns frozen in time.
Stop at quirky roadside attractions, classic diners, and vintage motels – this is American road trip culture at its finest.
Natchez Trace Parkway – Tennessee to Mississippi
This 444-mile route follows ancient Native American trails through three states, offering a peaceful, commercial-free ride through Southern forests and farmland. The parkway’s gentle curves and 50 mph speed limit create a zen-like riding experience.
Spring brings explosions of dogwood and redbud blossoms, while fall turns the hardwoods into a riot of color.
Rim to Rim Highway – Arizona
Connecting the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon, this 215-mile route is the only way to ride from one side of America’s greatest gorge to the other. The journey includes the Kaibab Plateau’s pine forests, the painted desert, and the Colorado River crossing at Marble Canyon.
Most riders miss the North Rim entirely, but those who make the journey are rewarded with far fewer crowds and equally stunning views.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cascade Loop – Washington
This 440-mile loop showcases everything that makes the Pacific Northwest special. Starting in Everett, you’ll ride through the North Cascades (the “American Alps”), past pristine lakes and old-growth forests, through apple orchards and wine country, then back over Stevens Pass.
The route includes charming Bavarian-themed Leavenworth and offers countless opportunities to spot wildlife.
Blue Ridge Mountains – North Carolina
North Carolina’s section of the Blue Ridge offers some of the most motorcycle-friendly roads in America. The Cherohala Skyway climbs to over 5,400 feet with perfectly engineered curves, while the Diamondback’s 190 curves in 12 miles will test your stamina.
Add the Moonshiner 28 and the Devil’s Whip, and you’ve got enough world-class riding to fill a week.
Twisted Sisters – Texas
Deep in Texas Hill Country, three ranch roads form a roughly 100-mile loop called the Twisted Sisters. Ranch Roads 335, 336, and 337 offer the twisty riding you don’t expect in Texas, with dramatic elevation changes and technical corners.
The surrounding landscape of limestone hills, crystal-clear rivers, and wildflower meadows makes this one of the state’s best-kept secrets.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Badlands Loop Road – South Dakota
This 39-mile loop through Badlands National Park feels like riding through a science fiction landscape. Jagged spires, colorful buttes, and vast prairies create an otherworldly atmosphere.
The road hugs the edge of the badlands formations, offering pull-offs where you can watch for bighorn sheep and bison. Time your ride for sunrise or sunset, when the rocks glow in shades of red and gold.
Kancamagus Scenic Byway – New Hampshire
The “Kanc” packs New England’s charm into 34 miles through the White Mountains. In autumn, this route explodes with fall colors that draw leaf-peepers worldwide. The road climbs to nearly 3,000 feet at Kancamagus Pass, with hairpin turns that keep you on your toes.
Stop at Sabbaday Falls or Rocky Gorge for short hikes to stretch your legs.
Columbia River Highway – Oregon
The Historic Columbia River Highway was America’s first scenic highway, and it still delivers the goods. The 75-mile route winds through the Columbia River Gorge, passing numerous waterfalls, including the famous Multnomah Falls.
The restored historic sections feature graceful stone bridges and tunnels that showcase the craftsmanship of early 20th-century road builders.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Death Valley – California and Nevada
Riding through Death Valley requires planning and respecting the harsh environment, but the rewards are extraordinary. Artist’s Palette displays hills painted in oxidized minerals, Badwater Basin sits 282 feet below sea level, and Dante’s View offers panoramic vistas that seem to stretch forever.
Visit between November and March, when temperatures are manageable – summer riding here is dangerous.
Seward Highway – Alaska
The 127-mile Seward Highway from Anchorage to Seward offers the dramatic scenery that makes Alaska legendary. The route hugs Turnagain Arm, where you might spot beluga whales, then climbs through Chugach State Park with glaciers and alpine lakes.
Keep your eyes peeled for moose, Dall sheep, and bears. This is wilderness riding at its finest.
Cabot Trail – Nova Scotia
Okay, this one’s technically in Canada, but it’s so close to Maine and spectacular that American riders make pilgrimages here. The 185-mile loop around Cape Breton Island features dramatic coastal cliffs, highland plateaus, and fishing villages that seem frozen in time.
The road rises and falls like a roller coaster, with the Gulf of St. Lawrence always gleaming to your right.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Roads That Define Us
These twenty routes represent more than just asphalt and scenery – they’re threads in the fabric of American motorcycle culture. Each one tells its own story, from the pioneer spirit of Route 66 to the raw wilderness of Alaska’s Seward Highway. They remind us that in an age of interstate highways and GPS navigation, there’s still magic in the journey itself.
Whether you tackle them all or dream about them from your garage, these roads keep the spirit of motorcycle adventure alive. The only question is: which one will you ride first?
ore from Travel Pug
- Cities Growing so Fast You Won’t Recognize Them in 10 Years
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 16 U.S. Cities That Are Quietly Becoming Travel Hotspots
- Where to Travel If You Love Long Bus Rides and Daydreams
- 20 Cities Perfect for Solo Travelers Who Crave Adventure & Culture
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.