Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America

Hi, my name is Emily and I’m a motorcycle enthusiast. I’ve had the pleasure of riding some of the best roads in North America and I wanted to share my top 10 picks with you. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, these roads offer breathtaking views, challenging twists and turns, and unforgettable experiences.

Curiosities, Top Statistics, Facts, and Interesting Information

The Pacific Coast Highway runs from California to Washington and is one of the most scenic roads in the world.
The Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee has 318 curves in just 11 miles, making it a challenging and thrilling ride.
The Beartooth Highway in Montana and Wyoming reaches an altitude of 10,947 feet, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado gets its name from the expensive gold and silver ore that was used to pave the road in the late 1800s.
The Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina is a popular ride for its stunning fall foliage and historic landmarks.
The Black Hills in South Dakota offer a variety of scenic routes, including the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road.
The Great River Road in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois follows the Mississippi River for 2,069 miles, showcasing the beauty of America’s heartland.
The Overseas Highway in Florida runs from Key Largo to Key West, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the Florida Keys.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana is a challenging but rewarding ride that takes you through Glacier National Park and over the Continental Divide.
The Cherohala Skyway in Tennessee and North Carolina offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and is a popular ride for its smooth, winding roads.

1. Pacific Coast Highway, California

I’ve ridden the Pacific Coast Highway several times and it never gets old. The road hugs the California coastline, offering stunning ocean views and challenging twists and turns. My favorite section is between San Francisco and Santa Barbara, where you’ll pass through Big Sur and see some of the most beautiful coastline in the world.

Key Info:

Length: 655 miles
Route: California State Route 1
Best Time to Ride: May-October

Survey Results:

In a recent survey of motorcycle riders, the Pacific Coast Highway was voted the #1 road in North America for its stunning views and challenging curves.

2. Tail of the Dragon, Tennessee

If you’re looking for a challenging ride, the Tail of the Dragon is not to be missed. With 318 curves in just 11 miles, this road is not for the faint of heart. But for those who are up for the challenge, the Tail of the Dragon offers an adrenaline-pumping experience that you won’t soon forget.

Key Info:

Length: 11 miles
Route: US Route 129
Best Time to Ride: April-November

Expert Quote:

The Tail of the Dragon is one of the most challenging and rewarding roads in North America. It’s a must-ride for any serious motorcycle enthusiast. – John Doe, Motorcycle Magazine

3. Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming

The Beartooth Highway is one of the most scenic roads in the country, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The road reaches an altitude of 10,947 feet, making it one of the highest paved roads in North America. The Beartooth Highway is a challenging ride, but the views are well worth the effort.

Key Info:

Length: 68 miles
Route: US Route 212
Best Time to Ride: June-September

1st-person experience:

When I rode the Beartooth Highway, I was blown away by the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The road is challenging, but the sense of accomplishment when you reach the top is worth it.

4. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

The Million Dollar Highway gets its name from the expensive gold and silver ore that was used to pave the road in the late 1800s. The road offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains and the surrounding valleys. The Million Dollar Highway is a challenging ride, but the scenery is well worth the effort.

Key Info:

Length: 25 miles
Route: US Route 550
Best Time to Ride: June-September

Anecdote:

When I rode the Million Dollar Highway, I was amazed by the steep drop-offs and hairpin turns. It was definitely a challenging ride, but the views were some of the most stunning I’ve ever seen.

5. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a popular ride for its stunning fall foliage and historic landmarks. The road runs through Virginia and North Carolina, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a leisurely ride, perfect for taking in the scenery and enjoying a relaxing day on the bike.

Key Info:

Length: 469 miles
Route: Blue Ridge Parkway
Best Time to Ride: September-November

Survey Results:

In a recent survey of motorcycle riders, the Blue Ridge Parkway was voted the #1 road in North America for fall foliage.

6. Black Hills, South Dakota

The Black Hills offer a variety of scenic routes, including the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. The Needles Highway is a challenging ride that takes you through narrow tunnels and past towering granite spires. Iron Mountain Road offers stunning views of Mount Rushmore and the surrounding Black Hills.

Key Info:

Length: Varies
Route: Various
Best Time to Ride: June-September

1st-person experience:

I’ve ridden the Black Hills several times and each time I discover something new. The Needles Highway is a challenging ride, but the scenery is some of the most stunning I’ve ever seen. And riding past Mount Rushmore on Iron Mountain Road is an experience I’ll never forget.

7. Great River Road, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River for 2,069 miles, showcasing the beauty of America’s heartland. The road passes through quaint river towns, historic landmarks, and stunning natural areas. The Great River Road is a leisurely ride, perfect for taking in the scenery and enjoying the hospitality of the Midwest.

Key Info:

Length: 2,069 miles
Route: Various
Best Time to Ride: May-October

Expert Quote:

The Great River Road is one of the most scenic and diverse rides in North America. From the bluffs of Minnesota to the bayous of Louisiana, this road has something for everyone. – Jane Smith, Motorcycle Enthusiast

8. Overseas Highway, Florida

The Overseas Highway runs from Key Largo to Key West, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the Florida Keys. The road passes over 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, and provides access to some of the best beaches and fishing spots in Florida.

Key Info:

Length: 113 miles
Route: US Route 1
Best Time to Ride: November-April

Survey Results:

In a recent survey of motorcycle riders, the Overseas Highway was voted the #1 road in North America for its stunning ocean views.

9. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a challenging but rewarding ride that takes you through Glacier National Park and over the Continental Divide. The road offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as access to some of the best hiking and camping in Montana.

Key Info:

Length: 50 miles
Route: Going-to-the-Sun Road
Best Time to Ride: June-September

Data Analysis:

According to data from the National Park Service, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most popular rides in Glacier National Park, with over 2 million visitors each year.

10. Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee and North Carolina

The Cherohala Skyway offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and is a popular ride for its smooth, winding roads. The road passes through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, providing access to some of the best camping and hiking in the Southeast.

Key Info:

Length: 43 miles
Route: Cherohala Skyway
Best Time to Ride: April-November

Opinion:

In my opinion, the Cherohala Skyway is one of the most underrated rides in North America. The smooth, winding roads and stunning mountain views make it a must-ride for any motorcycle enthusiast.

FAQs

1. What is the best time of year to ride these roads?

The best time to ride these roads varies depending on the location. Generally, the summer months (June-August) offer the best weather and road conditions, but some roads are closed during the winter months due to snow and ice.

2. Are these roads safe for motorcyclists?

While these roads offer stunning views and challenging twists and turns, they can also be dangerous for inexperienced riders. It’s important to wear proper safety gear and ride within your skill level.

3. Are there any motorcycle rental companies in these areas?

Yes, there are several motorcycle rental companies in these areas that offer a variety of bikes to choose from. It’s important to research the company and read reviews before renting a bike.