There's no better way to explore a new state or country than on two wheels. From sea to shining sea, the 50 states have some very diverse landscapes. On a motorcycle ride, you can’t get much better than a blue sky, gorgeous landscape, and open road before you. Fortunately, we have motorcycles for rent all over the Unites States to help you live this dream.

Check out our list of routes for motorcycle travel through deserts, mountains, and alongside the ocean. Our guide will help you get the most out of your visit and it might even teach you something new if you’re already familiar with the route! 

1. Mount Washington Road Motorcycle Ride (New Hampshire)

This route takes you to new heights–literally. Traveling almost 5,000 feet above sea level, you and your bike will be so high you can almost feel like you’re touching the clouds. This is a truly epic ride with a ton of history built into the road itself, as it was originally meant for horses. Although it has been revamped, there are plenty of sections that are gravel. You can explore the whole route with a purchased pass and learn a bit about the area as well as check out the rich wildlife. 

This isn’t much of a speed ride, but one more for the sights. The scenery on this route is so magnificent that you probably won’t want to go full speed–even if the steep cliff edges aren’t enough to keep your eyes on the road. Save your cruisers and cameras for this heavenly ride.

2. Tail of the Dragon Motorcycle Ride (North Carolina)

This is a challenging route strictly for skilled riders. The 11-mile trail has over three hundred twists and turns. The bold route is closed to any other traffic, so you can really concentrate on nailing every single bend. Bring out your fast and lightweight bikes for this trip. Plenty of people make the trip to this area just to Ride the Dragon, and you'll see all types of bikes on this ride, from BMWs to Ducatis, and Triumphs to Indians. 

Although it might be tempting to race down the road, taking time to look at the scenery should absolutely be a priority. Between the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest, you can find flaming trees and gorgeous lakes during your time here. If you want to wander around a bit, you might find yourself on mountain trails, fishing at ponds, or even hiking through the forest. 

This section of the United States is defined by epic cliff views, delicious seafood, and plenty of colonial history. Ride around and check out places like NYC, Boston, and Philadelphia. If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, the coast is covered with thousands of small towns filled with character, beautiful foliage, and tons of places for hunting, fishing, and camping.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway Motorcycle Ride (Virginia-North Carolina)

This motorcycle route is known for some of the smoothest and most tranquil riding in the country. The epic 469-mile route takes riders through tree-lined roads and gorgeous views of the surrounding Appalachian mountains. You can even park your bike and hike up to the top if you’re feeling ambitious. Oh, and it's perfect for motorcycles as no trucks are allowed. This road was built as part of FDR's Works Progress Administration, with the goal of easily allowing people to experience our country.

This luxurious road is almost like a lazy river if you’re on a comfortable bike. Try to schedule some time to really stretch out and explore the waterfalls, campsites, and restaurants that are in the area. There are also a ton of events happening along the parkway–chances are, you’ll see deer or live music here just about anytime you visit.

4. Tunnel of Trees Motorcycle Ride (Michigan)

This motorcycle ride is a gorgeous 20-mile stretch perfect for fall travel. The Michigan gem curves up and around the Lake Michigan coast, providing a magical view of one of the Great Lakes. Come get your autumn apples and check out all of nature’s colors in full bloom on this tree-lined path! Nearby, you’ll find sand dunes, villages, and even some white-water rafting.

The central states have a lot more to offer than just dairy farms and pizza. This area of the country features gorgeous foliage, fresh fare, and a famously polite population. Generally, it gets pretty cold and snowy in the winter which is certainly not ideal for two-wheel rides. We recommend riding through these routes from May to October. 

5. Route 66 Motorcycle Ride (Illinois-California)

This iconic highway offers a truly immersive experience of American history and culture. Beginning in Chicago, Illinois, the 2,000+ mile route will take you through eight states and decades of history. Nicknamed the “Mother Road,” Route 66 was a major thoroughfare in the early 1900s. Winding through the country and connecting thousands of towns together, the road has become more than a highway. With interstates easily connecting cities, the road has become less used and now is appreciated for nostalgic reasons. For those with a genuine appreciation for motorcycle history, this route is an absolute must. 

Since the route is so extensive, definitely pack for a long trip and give yourself time to immerse yourself in the journey–some say even up to two weeks. And because you’ll be traveling through two regions of the States, the early spring or fall months are most ideal. 

6. Custer State Park Motorcycle Ride (South Dakota)

Custer is just one of many incredible rides in South Dakota. This huge state park features a trip that gets very close to wildlife. You might even find some bison blocking your path–the park boasts over 1,500 of them! 

Check out this scenic route and fully escape from city life by utilizing the park’s hunting grounds, fishing areas, and campsites. Although you can’t go too fast, you’ll find yourself enjoying the sights too much to think about high speeds.

7. Highway 163 Scenic Drive, Monument Valley Motorcycle Ride (Utah, Arizona)

This route is exactly what you think of when you imagine riding a hog through the desert. The breathtaking valley was the background for iconic movies like Easy Rider and features arid landscapes and unique rock formations. 

Twisted Tip: Check out some of our favorite Motorcycle Movie Scenes We Love To Watch or kick back and check out one of these Motorcycle Documentaries. 

The Navajo 17-mile road touches on four states at once, and features dazzling buttes and desert views. Stretching from Utah to Arizona, this famed road and its sprawling vistas will make you feel like you’re in your own movie. 

In this region, you’ll also find stunning cliffs like the Grand Canyon, great live music, and memorable BBQ. And as it is the desert, you can ride here pretty much year-round, although you’ll definitely want to avoid the scorching hot summers. 

8. Peak to Peak Highway Motorcycle Ride (Colorado)

This motorcycle ride features, as the name would imply, plenty of mountain peaks. This 55-mile route offers views of the Rocky Mountains and lies just outside the endlessly-exciting Estes State Park. Travel through adorable small mountain towns and enjoy a thrilling, beautiful ride. Similar to Custer State Park, this highway has a ton of wildlife roaming around. Be safe and watch out for bears, elk, and even cougars. 

Riding in Colorado is best in the spring, although you’ll miss out on prime time for skiing or snowboarding. Check out nearby cities Boulder and Denver, both of which have vibrant nightlife and plenty of talked-about restaurants to visit.

9. Avenue of the Giants (California)

This ride has been called the finest forest road in the world, but we’ll let you fact-check that one for yourself! This mystical route is lined with historic redwood trees, some of which reach unbelievable ages (and heights). At just over 30 miles, this is a great beginner’s ride to get a taste of what California has to offer. 

With the highest motorcycle ownership in the country, you’ll definitely find a very rider-friendly culture in the home of Hollywood and gold mining. California is actually the only state where lane filtering is explicitly legally allowed–so feel free to split those lanes as needed. The Golden state has excellent weather year-round, so check out the redwoods whenever you get the chance.

Twisted Tip: Check out our feature on Lane Splitting & Lane Filtering: Where is it Legal? to learn more.

10. Beartooth Highway Motorcycle Ride (Montana-Wyoming)

Beartooth Highway offers a fantastic display of sights. Over 10,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the Beartooth trail is just under 70 miles. This is another challenging road as it’s filled with sharp turns, switchbacks, and tons of small roads to explore. You’ll find yourself wanting to explore this highway more than once!

You may see a few grizzlies or moose in the area, along with wildflower meadows, freshwater springs, and gorgeous waterfalls. This route is closed during the winter, so make your plans to visit during the warm summer months.

A Few Tips Before Your Trip…

The United States has motorcycle laws that vary state-by-state, so be sure to check before you get a ticket (or worse). Generally though, you can safely assume helmets and eye protection are encouraged, and muffler-less bikes and lane filtering is discouraged or even illegal. 

Another factor to consider is the age requirement. Although only five states (Washington, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Georgia) outlaw young passengers, always practice the best judgment when inviting passengers to ride with you. Additionally, some helmet laws are age-specific. 

Twisted Tip: To learn more about the evolution of motorcycling, check out our blog post The Fascinating History of Motorcycles in America. 

Ready to ride?

Ready to explore but don’t want to bring your bike the whole time? We’ve got you covered. With Twisted Road, you can find the bike you’re looking for–no matter where you are. With locations in every state, we can always help you get on the perfect motorcycle. Book your next ride now!