There’s nothing quite like the freedom of hitting the open road on a motorcycle, especially during the summer months. From coastal highways to mountain passes, the world is full of stunning routes perfect for a scenic ride. Whether you’re seeking thrilling curves or peaceful vistas, these top 17 motorcycle routes offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences.
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Pacific Coast Highway, California
Stretching along the breathtaking California coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway offers riders stunning ocean views, rugged cliffs, and picturesque towns. With its smooth, winding roads, this route is perfect for motorcyclists seeking both adventure and relaxation. Highlights include Big Sur, Monterey, and the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge. Summer provides ideal weather conditions, ensuring clear skies and warm temperatures. An unforgettable scenic experience awaits any motorcycle enthusiast on this iconic ride.
Tail of the Dragon, North Carolina/Tennessee
Famed for its 318 curves in just 11 miles, the Tail of the Dragon is a thrilling ride through the Great Smoky Mountains. Renowned for its challenging twists and turns, this route is a favorite among seasoned riders. During summer, the lush, green landscapes and vibrant wildflowers enhance the scenic beauty. With its well-maintained road surface, a smooth ride is guaranteed. Adventurous motorcyclists will find the Tail of the Dragon an exhilarating experience.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia/North Carolina
Spanning 469 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers panoramic views of the Appalachian Highlands. Ideal for a leisurely summer ride, its gentle curves and elevation changes provide a relaxing journey. Riders can enjoy stops at various overlooks, hiking trails, and charming mountain towns along the way. With lush greenery and blooming flora, the serene and picturesque journey is a delight. The parkway’s 45 mph speed limit ensures a relaxed and enjoyable ride.
Beartooth Highway, Montana/Wyoming
Beartooth Highway, a 68-mile route, showcases the breathtaking views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. This high-elevation ride, peaking at 10,947 feet, presents spectacular vistas, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. Summer is the best time to ride, with melting snow and wildflowers in full bloom. The twists and turns are both exhilarating and challenging for motorcyclists. As a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, Beartooth Highway is a must-ride.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Located in Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile stretch that offers riders stunning views of the park’s rugged landscape. Traversing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, it provides awe-inspiring vistas of snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. Summer is the ideal time to ride, with fully open roads and optimal weather conditions. The narrow lanes and sharp curves demand attention but reward with unparalleled scenery. Wildlife sightings, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep, add to the experience.
Skyline Drive, Virginia
Skyline Drive runs 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, offering riders sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its gentle curves and numerous scenic overlooks, it is perfect for a leisurely summer ride. Riders can enjoy the park’s lush forests, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife. Summer blooms and verdant landscapes enhance the route’s natural beauty. With a speed limit of 35 mph, it’s an ideal ride for those seeking tranquility.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
The 185-mile Cabot Trail loop around Cape Breton Island provides riders with dramatic coastal views, winding mountain roads, and charming fishing villages. Summer’s mild temperatures and long daylight hours offer perfect riding conditions. The route is famous for its stunning vistas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. Exploring the island’s rich cultural heritage, including Celtic music and cuisine, adds to the experience.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi/Tennessee
Stretching 444 miles, the Natchez Trace Parkway offers riders a serene journey through historic landscapes. Known for its smooth, tree-lined roads and lack of commercial traffic, it is perfect for a summer ride. The lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers create a picturesque backdrop. Numerous historical sites and landmarks are available for exploration along the way. The parkway’s relaxed pace and scenic beauty make it an ideal motorcycle route.
Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
Winding through the San Juan Mountains, the Million Dollar Highway offers breathtaking views of rugged peaks and deep gorges. This 25-mile stretch between Ouray and Silverton is known for its challenging curves and dramatic scenery. Summer provides clear skies and warm temperatures, ideal for riding. The sheer drops and lack of guardrails demand careful attention. Adventurous motorcyclists will find the Million Dollar Highway a thrilling ride with stunning vistas.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
The 151-mile Great Ocean Road along Australia’s southeastern coast offers riders spectacular ocean views, towering cliffs, and lush rainforests. With summer’s warm weather and clear skies, it provides perfect riding conditions. Highlights include the iconic Twelve Apostles, coastal towns, and wildlife sightings such as koalas and kangaroos. Smooth, winding roads make this route ideal for motorcyclists. The combination of natural beauty and diverse landscapes makes the Great Ocean Road a top scenic ride.
Black Hills, South Dakota
South Dakota’s Black Hills offers diverse scenic routes, including Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. Riders are treated to views of granite spires, pine forests, and the iconic Mount Rushmore. Summer’s warm temperatures and clear skies enhance the riding experience. The area’s well-maintained roads and numerous attractions make it a popular destination. The Black Hills’ mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks offers a unique motorcycle adventure.
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 1,500-mile coastal route that offers stunning views of Ireland’s rugged coastline, charming villages, and historic sites. Summer provides the best weather, with mild temperatures and long daylight hours. Highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, and the Ring of Kerry. Diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make for an unforgettable ride. The combination of scenic beauty and Irish charm makes the Wild Atlantic Way a must-ride.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast’s 31-mile stretch of winding roads offers riders breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, colorful cliffside villages, and terraced vineyards. With summer’s warm temperatures and clear skies, it provides ideal riding conditions. Highlights include the towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello, each offering unique cultural experiences. Narrow, curvy roads require careful navigation but reward with stunning vistas. The Amalfi Coast’s blend of natural beauty and Italian charm makes it a top scenic ride.
Route 66, USA
Known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 spans 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, offering a journey through the heart of America. Summer provides perfect riding conditions with warm weather and long daylight hours. Highlights include historic landmarks, classic diners, and diverse landscapes ranging from the Great Plains to the desert Southwest. Its cultural significance and nostalgic charm make it a bucket-list ride. Route 66 offers a unique glimpse into America’s history and heritage.
Garden Route, South Africa
The Garden Route, a 190-mile stretch along South Africa’s southern coast, offers stunning coastal views, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. With summer’s warm weather and clear skies, it is ideal for riding. Highlights include Tsitsikamma National Park, the Knysna Heads, and numerous beaches. Well-maintained roads and varied landscapes make for an enjoyable ride. The Garden Route’s combination of natural beauty and cultural experiences makes it a top scenic destination.
The Road to Hana, Hawaii
The Road to Hana, a 64-mile stretch on Maui, offers riders stunning coastal views, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. With summer’s warm temperatures and clear skies, it provides ideal riding conditions. Highlights include the Seven Sacred Pools, Wailua Falls, and black sand beaches. Narrow, winding roads require careful navigation but rewarded with breathtaking scenery. The Road to Hana’s tropical beauty and diverse landscapes make it a top scenic ride.
The Pyrenees, Spain/France
The Pyrenees mountain range offers a journey through dramatic landscapes, charming villages, and historic sites. Summer provides perfect riding conditions with warm temperatures and clear skies. Highlights include the Col du Tourmalet, a famous Tour de France climb, and the scenic N260 route. Varied terrain and stunning vistas make for an exhilarating ride.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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