Best Scenic Routes for Motorcyclists
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Top Routes, Bike Types, and Ride Difficulty
The United States boasts some of the most majestic and diverse landscapes in the world—from Alaska’s rugged wilderness to West Virginia’s rolling hills. For motorcycle riders, these unforgettable routes provide an unparalleled way to experience nature’s beauty and adventure beyond the limits of a car window.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best motorcycle rides across America, detailing the ideal bike for each journey and the level of riding difficulty. Whether you’re an adventure rider craving off-road escapes or a sport bike enthusiast eager for sharp curves, you’ll find the perfect ride to add to your motorcycle bucket list.
Discover the Best Motorcycle Rides in America
Alaska
Alaska Highway
The Alaska Highway is a legendary 1,387-mile tour stretching from British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska, with mostly paved roads and some gravel sections. This epic ride takes riders through breathtaking scenery, offers frequent wildlife sightings, and features must-see stops at iconic attractions and national parks throughout the journey.
Best for: Adventure riders
Difficulty: Extreme
Dalton Highway
Touted as one of the “most dangerous roads in America,” Dalton Highway runs 414 rugged miles from Fairbanks to Deadhorse, with steep grades, rough terrain, and long stretches without fuel or cell service. For those up to the challenge, it delivers raw Alaskan wilderness, roaming wildlife, and the rare chance to glimpse a polar bear near the Arctic Ocean.
Best for: Adventure bikes or dual-sport motorcycles
Difficulty: Challenging
Arkansas
Pig Trail Scenic Byway
This 19-mile stretch of Highway 23 winding through the Ozark National Forest is a favorite among motorcyclists for its sharp curves, steep inclines, and natural beauty. It's especially popular in spring and fall when the route comes alive with blooming wildflowers or vibrant autumn foliage.
Best for: Any type of motorcycle
Difficulty: Moderate
Arizona
Coronado Trail
Arizona’s Coronado Trail stretches 100 miles along the state’s eastern border, winding through the White Mountains from Eagar to Clifton. This narrow, twisty road packs in nearly 400 curves and passes stunning natural landmarks like the Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area, Hannagan Meadow, and Blue Vista Overlook.
Best for: Any type of motorcycle
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
California
Avenue of the Giants
Tucked inside Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the Avenue of the Giants is a spectacular 31-mile corridor that winds beneath a canopy of California’s legendary coastal redwoods. This surreal ride offers motorcyclists an unobstructed view of some of the tallest trees on Earth, many of which tower more than 300 feet tall.
Best for: Any type of motorcycle
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Pacific Coast Highway
California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway stretches nearly 800 miles from San Diego to the Oregon border. Throughout a three-day journey, riders can enjoy winding coastal roads with sweeping ocean views and hit memorable stops like the Santa Monica Pier, Malibu’s cliffs, Pismo Beach, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Best for: Any type of motorcycle
Difficulty: Easy to challenging, depending on the area
Colorado
Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar Highway is a legendary 25-mile stretch of US Route 550 winding through southwestern Colorado between Ouray and Silverton. Famous for its dramatic switchbacks, treacherous drop-offs, and sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains, this thrilling route supplies riders with both adrenaline and awe.
Best for: Touring motorcycles
Difficulty: Challenging
Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway
Climbing to a jaw-dropping 14,264 feet, Colorado’s Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America. The 49-mile byway gains over 9,000 feet in elevation, with hairpin turns and sheer cliffs that challenge even seasoned riders—but the panoramic summit views make every twist and turn worth it.
Best for: Adventure bikes or sport touring motorcycles
Difficulty: Challenging
Florida
Overseas Highway
Stretching 113 miles from Miami to Key West, the Overseas Highway links the Florida Keys with a chain of bridges over turquoise waters. This one-of-a-kind ride lets motorcyclists cruise through tropical island scenery, passing by unmissable stops like Key Largo and the iconic Seven Mile Bridge.
Best for: Touring motorcycles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Idaho
Salmon River Scenic Byway
Idaho’s Salmon River Scenic Byway stretches over 160 miles from the Montana border to Stanley, showcasing sweeping views of the Salmon River and the rugged Sawtooth Mountains. Though remote, the journey rewards riders with natural hot springs, alpine lakes like Redfish Lake, and plenty of opportunities for motorcycle camping and off-the-grid adventure.
Best for: Adventure bikes
Difficulty: Moderate
Maine
Park Loop Road
Curving through the heart of Acadia National Park, Park Loop Road offers a serene 27-mile ride past rugged coastlines, forested hills, and iconic park landmarks. This leisurely loop connects popular beaches, lakes, and overlooks, with plenty of twisty turns and sweeping ocean views to thrill motorcyclists. Don’t forget to stop for fresh Maine lobster while you’re at it!
Best for: Any type of motorcycle
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway
The Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway travels through western Maine’s high peaks and vast conserved lands, showcasing 52 miles of stunning views. Riders can enjoy sweeping vistas of rolling hills, dense forests, sparkling lakes—and, if you're lucky, a moose sighting along the way.
Best for: Touring motorcycles or comfortable cruisers
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Michigan
Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route
This historic passage hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline, snaking through 20 miles and more than 135 curves beneath a thick canopy of vibrant trees. In the fall, the road comes alive with color—treating riders to picturesque foliage, charming small towns, and a taste of renowned local cuisine.
Best for: Touring motorcycle or adventure bike
Difficulty: Moderate
Montana
Beartooth Highway
Motorcycle riders call Beartooth Highway one of the best motorcycling roads in the country, thanks to its panoramic mountain views, alpine lakes, and switchback turns. With a peak elevation of over 10,000 feet, the route starts in Red Lodge and loops down into Wyoming before finishing just a few miles north of the Montana border.
Best for: Any type of motorcycle
Difficulty: Challenging
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road winds 50 life-changing miles through the famed Glacier National Park, connecting the east and west entrances with sharp curves, steep climbs, and nonstop alpine views. This legendary motorcycling road offers riders breathtaking views of the park’s glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Best for: Sport touring motorcycles or adventure bikes
Difficulty: Challenging
New York
Upper Delaware Scenic Byway
Nestled between the Catskills and the Poconos, this stunning stretch of New York State Route 97 meanders 70 miles from Port Jervis to Hancock, NY. The historic road delivers an abundance of idyllic vistas as riders make their way past dramatic rock formations and the vast Delaware River.
Best for: Any type of motorcycle
Difficulty: Moderate
North Carolina
Deals Gap (The Dragon)
With 318 curves packed into just 11 miles, Deal’s Gap—famously known as “The Dragon”—is a bucket-list ride for thrill-seeking motorcyclists. This legendary ride twists through the Great Smoky Mountains without a single gas station, business, or intersection, but nearby, the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort serves as a hub for riders chasing the challenge.
Best for: Sport bikes and naked bikes
Difficulty: Challenging
Oregon
Mount Hood Scenic Byway
This 100-mile loop wraps around the base of Oregon’s tallest peak—Mt. Hood—delivering a dynamic mix of terrain and scenery. As you travel through Mt. Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge, expect a blend of paved roads, gravel stretches, and even dirt trails, all framed by waterfalls, alpine lakes, and unique views of the iconic volcano.
Best for: Adventure bikes
Difficulty: Moderate
West Cascades Scenic Byway
The West Cascades Scenic Byway stretches 215 miles along the western slope of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, guiding riders through towering fir forests, crystal-clear snowmelt rivers, and quiet mountain lakes. With sweeping curves and glimpses of Mt. Hood in the distance, this ride showcases the lush beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Best for: Adventure touring bikes or dual-sport motorcycles
Difficulty: Moderate
Texas
The Twisted Sisters
Three Hill Country Ranch Roads come together to form The Twisted Sisters, a 100-mile loop carving through the canyons west of Bandera. The demanding route is famous for its tight, twisting curves, paired with sheer drop-offs, which deliver an adrenaline rush to even the most seasoned riders.
Best for: Sport touring bikes or standard cruisers
Difficulty: Challenging
Utah
Utah Scenic Byway 12
Also known as “A Journey Through Time,” Scenic Byway 12 is a 123-mile state highway through Utah’s otherworldly red rock formations and canyons. It’s one of only 31 All-American Roads in the US and just a stone’s throw from celebrated National Parks like Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef.
Best for: Adventure bikes or sport touring bikes
Difficulty: Challenging
West Virginia
Coal Heritage Trail
Coal Heritage Trail travels 187 miles of West Virginia’s rugged mountain landscape, offering a glimpse into the region’s coal-mining legacy that helped fuel modern America. Along the history-steeped path, motorcyclists will pass quaint coal-mining towns, railroad structures, and reclaimed mining lands.
Best for: Any type of motorcycle
Difficulty: Moderate
US Route 33
The West Virginia portion of this US Highway has gained popularity among motorcycle riders for its challenging curves and elevation changes. US Route 33 flows through the legendary Shenandoah Valley, delivering picturesque views of mountains, forests, and streams around every exhilarating turn.
Best for: Cruisers, adventure touring bikes, or sport bikes
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Wyoming
Wyoming 296
Wyoming 296, also known as the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, is a 46-mile thrill ride through the Absaroka Mountains, linking Cody to the Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone National Park. Around each sweeping curve, riders get a front-row seat to the wild vistas and untamed beauty of Shoshone National Forest.
Best for: Touring motorcycles or adventure bikes
Difficulty: Moderate
Gear Up for Your Bucket-List Motorcycle Ride
Whether you’re itching to explore Glacier National Park via Going-to-the-Sun Road, tame “The Dragon” in Deals Gap, or soak up the history of Coal Heritage Trail, we’ve got the gear to help you embark on your dream motorcycle journey. Upgrade your travel gear, stock up on tools, and stay connected with the latest motorcycle tech at journeymotogear.com.
Plan Your Journey: The Best Motorcycle Navigation Apps for Every Rider
Ready to hit the road but not sure where to start? The right navigation app can make planning your next motorcycle trip easier and more enjoyable. Our in-depth guide to the best motorcycle navigation apps breaks down top features, route-planning tools, and rider communities—so you can ride smarter, explore farther, and connect with fellow motorcyclists.