WHAT ARE THE BEST MOTORCYCLE ROADS? I’m sure there’s a bunch of roads you could name right now that you deem as your favorites. But did you know that there is an even bigger bunch that is officially designated as “National Scenic Byways“? And, by the way, what the heck is an officially designated “All-American Road”?
Here’s the scoop:
The US Department of Transportation recognizes certain chunks of motorcycle-riding splendor for their archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and/or scenic qualities and calls them “National Scenic Byways.”
If that’s not an enticing enough list of soul-fulfilling riding destinations, they then take that list and isolate a number that are the MOST scenic and those are called “All-American Roads.” Stated differently, these are America’s “A list” motorcycle destinations for sport-touring riders. All-American Roads include destinations such as:
In fact, check out the whole list of America’s Byways
You can also request an America’s Byways Map which will be mailed to you at no charge. (Alas, it’s only for folks in North America).
What’s your favorite byway?
We are blessed with many roads with in minutes of Sacramento and others less than a hour away. Tioga Pass through Yosenite. Skyline Drive on the Coastal ridge between San Francisco and San Jose and its many side roads. The Morman Trail and Ice House Road. Mammoth Lake loop. Roads up and through Lassen Vocanic National Park. You see , in California they paved every road they could find and consequently many wind through back country following the curve of the land or a stream. I have traveled as many of the scenic byways as I can and they are great roads and many of our back roads in Northern California make for year round adventure. Whether on a Wing or a Duc or a Bimmer.
The most awe inspiring road has to be in Alaska. Its all amazing, but my favorite is from the Wrangell – St Elis gateway town of Chitina. Head west to Valdez on the Richardson Hwy. The sceanery is so spectacular that it will take your breath away. With glaciers, mountains, valleys, waterfalls, rivers, and acres of wildflowers. Not to mention wildlife of wolves, moose and bear. And the traffic is zero.
Any good ones in the Chicago area? (when you stop laughing). . . .
There is more great riding in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains than anywhere else. The area wins for both quantity and quality. I know hundreds of them pretty well, many are designated scenic byways. Can’t deny there are great rides elsewhere, I’ve been all across the country, enjoy seeing and riding them. We may disagree on some (a.k.a. the highway to Key West – highway riding, come on, who wants to deal with traffic?). Give me an empty road snaking through the valleys and passes of the scenic mountains of the southeast, then another, then another. Now that’s riding!
How about US 41 from Naples to Homestead/turn right on US 1 to Key west Mile Marker 0
Just back from 2400 miles that started on the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville NC to Boone NC then US-421 to Bristol TN (peg dragging twisties!) In northern Michigan don’t miss the River Road along the Au Sable River in the Huron National Forest to arrive in Oscoda MI.
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Surely the run coming out of Cherokee , NC , take the gravel road up the cataloochees valley to 321 and through Gatlinburg to the foothills parkwy. End up at Deals Gap motorcycle resort. Heck , the dragon is cool but after 250 miles of switch back it is nothing. Take the long twisty , turny road 62 miles back to Cherokee. Did it on an 81 Yamaha XT 550 in early March. Nobody around but it sure hurt when I stopped for a beer and the lady said “hunni , we have not seen any motorcycles for a while , it is 18 degrees out there today”. I returned back to our vacation house with a mad wifey. She does not understand what a long day of getting lost is all about.
My fave is the Cascade Loop in Washington state, Riding north from Wenatchee, WA, up the Columbia river, then to scenic Winthrop, WA an old west theme town. West from there over the North Cascade Highway, across Washington Pass(about 5200 feet elev.)
thru scenic country to historic Whidby island, then south for a short ferry ride to Mukilteo, south to Monroe, Wa and then east over Stevens Pass, with a stop in the bavarian village of Leavenworth and then home. A great way to spend the day, with mountains, valleys, ocean and great people to meet along the way.
I rode 6 of these roads this year without knowing of the map. I would say these roads are definitely GREAT ROADS.
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Ride Safe Ride Often.
In the Great Falls, Montana, ride the highway from GF to Highwood, then to Ft. Benton, and loop back to Great Falls. They are state highways and often have a few rough spots like frost heaves and pot holes. Its deer county so between the road conditions and wild life it will keep you awake.
I”ve always found the road less traveled is the best one to take. check out “mymotorcyclesummerinmontana@blogspot.com”
Everyday of the year I have the good fortune to ride part of the Florida Keys Scenic Highway. Twenty percent of the 106 mile route is over water. So many bridges (50+) so little time.
It seems that the department of transportation does not even recognize the existence of Texas. It makes on wonder. I found it strange that RT66 seems to stop at the Texas Oklahoma border and pick up again at the Texas New Mexico border.
You did’nt mention hwy 7 thru Arkansas. this road even has about 20 more roads to ride. i soent 5 days and 8 hrs a day and still only road 1/3 of the roads.
Nice riding along the Blue Ridge Parkway, although it’s best if you can go on a weekday.