Magnificent Motorcycle Road Trips Across America

Cruising around the U.S. on a motorcycle makes for the perfect outing. Motorcycle touring offers the ultimate in social distancing while turning a road trip into a dopamine-charged adventure as you open the throttle and sweep through the curves. You’ll experience a sense of freedom and heightened awareness, feeling more connected to nature than when inside a car.

All that’s required is a great set of wheels, the right protective gear, and a bit of planning. To help you embark on your journey, we’ve selected some of America’s most magnificent motorcycle road trips—from one-day outings to multi-day adventures. Most routes combine breathtaking scenery with roller-coaster twists, turns, and dips, while others narrate American history with smooth roads perfect for a leisurely drive or an exhilarating ride.

Coast Highway 1, Maine

This 260-mile coastal highway connects Portland with the Canadian border town of Calais. The route unfurls through classic New England countryside, with delightful scenic loops off U.S. Route 1. Each loop curls around beautiful peninsulas pinned by historic lighthouses and charming seaside towns. Enjoy lobster shacks, whale watching, and boating adventures along the way. In Acadia National Park, Cadillac Summit Road delivers thrilling curves and sensational views from the highest point on the U.S. eastern seaboard, making spring and autumn the ideal times for a visit.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

This iconic ride snakes southwest almost 500 miles along the Appalachian Mountains, encompassing nearly flawless stretches of narrow two-laner with a 45 miles-per-hour speed limit. It’s essential to embrace the leisurely pace, allowing you to absorb the kaleidoscopic vistas along the way. With over 200 pull-offs and overlooks, motorcyclists can experience sweeping bends and exhilarating landscapes, but caution is advised for many decreasing radius curves and wildlife on the road. This route connects gateways to remarkable parks and historic sites, ideal for those wishing to extend their trip over several days.

Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi

Offering a serene ride, the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway is a National Scenic Byway renowned for its beautiful landscapes and rich history. The scenic road winds from Nashville, TN, to Natchez, MS, showcasing cypress swamps, rolling farmlands, and various historic sites. Riders can explore the original segments of the Natchez Trace Indian Trail, now a leisurely route without trucks or stop signs, making for an unhurried trip. Enjoy the breathtaking points of interest, including waterfalls and Civil War sites, while cruising at a speed limit of 50 miles per hour.

Going to the Sun Road, Montana

Renowned for its stellar summer experience, this 50-mile road in Glacier National Park offers an unparalleled thrill as it traverses the stunning landscape. Riders can experience breathtaking views while navigating twists and turns that make every moment unforgettable. With a speed limit of 45 miles per hour at lower elevations and 25 miles at higher elevations, this route encourages drivers to take their time and enjoy the scene. Scenic pullouts dot the road, perfect for soaking in the alpine tundra and varied wildlife. It’s typically open from late June through late October.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 is a 130-mile route through breathtaking Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, showcasing a vibrant landscape filled with pinnacles, arches, and cliffs. This All-American Road takes you from high elevations of 9,636 feet to stunning descents through canyons and valleys. Riders can also explore off-road areas, making it suitable for dual-sport biking. Open year-round but episodically closed during winter storms, it offers a unique experience that captivates nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Owens Valley, Mono Lake to Owens Lake, California

Highway 395 in California offers one of the most scenic highway experiences, unfolding across Owens Valley under the shadow of the Sierra Nevadas. This route covers 130 miles of diverse landscapes, featuring picturesque severities that lead towards inviting lakes and historic sites. With easy access to Mammoth Lakes and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, the road gives riders a contemplative tour of significant natural wonders. Worth exploring are charming Old Western towns and notable landmarks along the way.

Pacific Coast Highway, Morro Bay to Monterey, California

California’s Pacific Coast Highway is a motorcyclist’s dream, embracing the shoreline for nearly its entirety. The PCH offers unrivaled views, especially along the captivating 123-mile stretch between Morro Bay and Monterey, considered a highlight of any ride. With encounters of scenic beach views, rushing surf, and towering redwoods, this development promises remarkable adventures. Be sure to prepare by filling up on gas and checking road conditions to avoid the famous summer fog and landslides that might impede your journey.