Looking for the most scenic motorcycle rides in America? Then you’ll love these. Each of these 7 gorgeous motorcycle tours in the USA offers adventure, beautiful scenery, and more. Find out where you should plan your next motorcycle ride and why, below.
CONTENTS – In this article, you will discover some of the most scenic motorcycle rides in America, including:
- Hudson River Valley, New York
- Ojai, Southern California Coast
- Portland to Sumpter, Oregon
- Illinois River Road, Illinois
- Kelly Drive, Philadelphia
- Flagstaff to Sedona, Arizona
- Cherohala Skyway, North Carolina
- Final Thoughts on Scenic Motorcycle Rides in America
American Motorcycle Tours (140/28) | Discover the Most Scenic Motorcycle Rides in America
If you’ve never tried it, it’s quite satisfying to be out on the open road on a motorcycle, enjoying a long ride. Some would even describe the experience of hitting the road and taking in the scenery as spiritual.
No matter the specific route you’re taking, there’s something exhilarating about the freedom of riding your motorcycle, even if you’re the pillion rider (passenger).
Riding through America can also be the experience of a lifetime, especially if you carefully pick out your route. From the wild west to the Hudson River on the east, the wonders of this glorious country are truly vast.
If you’d like to experience gorgeous views and ride up beautiful mountains, you should read on to find out more about the most picturesque roads in America. Visiting one of these roads will be an adventure you’ll never forget. Best motorcycle trips in the USA.
1. Hudson River Valley, New York
If you find yourself close to Manhattan, but you’d like to escape the big city, head down to the meandering roadways of the Hudson River Valley in New York.
The fall is the best season to experience this stunning ride with its colder weather and changing hues of tree leaves. You can make a lunch stop at Cornwall-on-Hudson which is a perfect small town to stroll through.
This ride is full of fantastic rural roads which will definitely relieve any tension you’ve built up over the course of your work week. It may be one of the best motorcycle rides in the northeast.
2. Ojai, Southern California Coast
Folks in California love their motorcycles for a reason.
During your Cali rides, you may take in the lovely coastlines, breathe in the salty ocean air, and even go up the mountains.
If you’d like to visit Ojai and experience this gorgeous ride, take the exit for CA-33 via US-101. The first several miles are unremarkable, but once you reach The Ojai Valley, you’ll be in awe.
On this route, it’s hard to dispute there’s something almost spiritual about its scenery. The wonders of this region will leave a lasting impression on you. Be forewarned, you’ll always want to come back!
3. Portland to Sumpter, Oregon
This motorcycle route goes from Portland Oregon to a small gold mining city in eastern Oregon called Sumpter. You will pass alongside Mount Hood, which is actually an inactive volcano. You’ll also get to experience the beauty of Oregon’s farmlands and canyons.
This gorgeous adventure through the Northwest is about 350 miles long. As you ride through it, you’re bound to experience everything from the metropolitan Portland to Oregonian remote areas.
Keep in mind that this ride is not for inexperienced riders since the roads are quite wavy. Once you finish your ride you may want to tour the stunning little town of Sumpter and indulge in its many charms.
4. Illinois River Road, Illinois
If you’d like to take your motorcycle on a little ferry field trip this ride is made for you.
It starts on the Illinois River Road, where you will take a ferry over the river at Kampsville. Once you jump off the ferry, head on to Grafton and finish your ride at Alton, Illinois.
You may even take a break and enjoy lunch on the ferry ride. Alternatively, you can grab something to eat at the many pubs you’ll see on the road.
For instance, you’ll notice that the town of Grafton is a home to many family businesses and restaurants offering a spectacular view of the Mississippi River.
If you’re a fan of rivers and boat rides as much as you love your bicycle, this ride is tailor made for you. Contrary to the previous ride on our list (Portland to Sumpter, Oregon), this one is suitable for the flatlanders, too.
5. Kelly Drive, Philadelphia
This picturesque road follows the Schuylkill River from the city’s outskirts to downtown Philadelphia. Inexperienced riders may want to stay off this road though, since the traffic can be quite overwhelming.
However busy it may be, the scenery is worth it. If you’d like to experience the empty roads, the ultimate tip is to ride, grab your cycler friends and take your sport touring motorcycles out at midnight.
It’s absolutely magical to ride along the river with the moonlight dancing on the water’s surface.
6. Flagstaff to Sedona, Arizona
89A is the stretch of road which is the home of some of America’s most stunning views, particularly along Oak Creek Canyon. Make sure to prepare yourself for some twists and turns though.
Once you reach the top of the canyon, you’ll want to pull over and take in the views of the Oak Creek Canyon Vista. If you’re a fan of Native American crafts and jewelry, you’ll be happy to know that Native craftsmen frequently sell their creations up on the Vista.
It may be best to experience this ride multiple times, first to soak in the scenery and then again to enjoy fastly swerving your bike.
This isn’t a long ride so it’s possible to do it twice in the same day. Once, you may even decide to stop at Slide Rock State Park. There, you can go down this natural slide–just in case you’re looking to heighten your adrenaline level just a bit more.
Related Post: Check out these fun things to do in Arizona.
7. Cherohala Skyway, North Carolina and Tennessee
This ride on the Cherohala Skyway is the second most famous ride in Tennessee. However, we think it deserves the first spot.
Unlike the most famous Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway is less popular. That means it is not always busy and crawling with people. However, it’s just popular enough so you don’t have to worry about chatting up a fellow biker if you’re in need of some help or just a chat.
If you’re one of the bikers who love to pull over and enjoy the beauty of nature, this road is made for you. It’s a perfect take if you want to hit the nearby hiking trails and stretch your legs a bit.
There are also multiple bike bars along the way so you can grab a non-alcoholic drink with other bikers.
Related: Best Pigeon Forge Museums: Unlock The Secrets Of Alcatraz East!
Final Thoughts on Scenic Motorcycle Tours – USA
“Being one with the road” is an experience only bikers (and their passengers) often describe. If you’d love to enjoy America’s wonders on a motorcycle, any one of these great road trips are a perfect choice. They are truly among the best motorcycle roads in the USA. From California to New York, you’ll find amazing scenery to take in across the country.
If you enjoy the scenery in the northeast, you’ll want to check out these amazing routes in New England.