What are the 15 Best USA Motorcycle Roads? The Definitive List
Usa, north-america
714.5 km
2,134 m
hard
Year-round
# America's Best Riding Roads: The Ultimate Motorcycle Bucket List
Over 230,000 members of the American Motorcyclist Association voted on what they consider the most thrilling roads to ride in the U.S. Out of more than 100 nominations, these 15 routes made the cut—and they've earned their spots through a combination of technical challenges, jaw-dropping scenery, and pure riding satisfaction.
## The Hidden Gems
**Washington Route 129 & Oregon Route 3**
The ride from Clarkston, WA to Enterprise, OR is all about that legendary "Rattlesnake Grade"—a series of tight, technical switchbacks that plunge dramatically into the canyon below. It's the kind of road that gets your adrenaline pumping.
**Ohio Route 83**
Don't sleep on the Midwest. This stretch from Calcutta to Poland, Ohio flows beautifully through rolling hills with a surprisingly satisfying rhythm that'll have you grinning the whole way.
## Mountain Passes & Desert Runs
**California Route 58**
This one takes you from McKittrick to Santa Margarita, cutting right through the California Coast Ranges and dipping into the Mojave Desert. Seriously diverse terrain.
**Virginia Route 60**
Between Harrisonburg, VA and Seneca Rocks, WV, you'll find high-speed sweepers mixed with demanding climbs through some seriously gorgeous mountain country.
**California Route 36**
Stretching from Humboldt County down to Lassen County, this road feels like a rollercoaster with hundreds of curves weaving through ancient redwoods and rolling foothills.
**Lolo Pass (U.S. 12)**
Sitting at 5,233 feet right on the Idaho-Montana border, this northern Rocky Mountain classic delivers everything you want from an alpine pass.
## The Legends
**Natchez Trace Parkway**
A whopping 444 miles connecting Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN. What makes it special? Zero commercial traffic and uninterrupted scenic beauty for the entire journey.
**Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2)**
Sixty-six miles of high-elevation twists through the San Gabriel Mountains, climbing to 7,000 feet with curves that just keep coming.
**Going-to-the-Sun Road**
Located in Glacier National Park, Montana, this is an engineering masterpiece. Narrow passages hug sheer cliff faces—it's both beautiful and intense.
**Cherohala Skyway**
Forty-three miles of sweeping curves connecting North Carolina and Tennessee, climbing to mile-high elevations with stunning vistas throughout.
**Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1)**
The iconic coastal dream ride. Between San Simeon and Carmel on California's central coast, you get cliffside curves and ocean views that hit different.
**Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550)**
From Silverton to Ouray, Colorado, this beast features no guardrails, serious vertical drops, and three mountain passes all topping 10,000 feet. It's as wild as it sounds.
**Tail of the Dragon (U.S. 129)**
Eleven miles, 318 curves—this is the technical challenge that separates riders from passengers. Pure grip-and-rip riding.
**Blue Ridge Parkway**
A leisurely 469 miles through North Carolina and Virginia along the mountain crest. Perfect for when you want scenery over speed.
**Beartooth Highway (U.S. 212)**
The undisputed king. This alpine pass tops out at 10,947 feet with incredible switchbacks and views that'll stop you in your tracks. Ride it at least once in your lifetime.
Where is it?
What are the 15 Best USA Motorcycle Roads? The Definitive List is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.7652, -101.4472
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 714.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,134 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 37.7652, -101.4472
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow long is Old Priest Grade Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Old Priest Grade Road in Tuolumne County, California is a wild ride! Nestled in the Western Sierra, this 1.8-mile stretch from Moccasin to Priest might be short, but it packs a serious punch. Think switchbacks, hairpin turns, and grades hitting up to 20%! This paved road has some serious history, evolving from a Native American path to a wagon route for gold miners back in the day. Now, it's a white-knuckle climb best left to passenger vehicles with good brakes – trucks, RVs, and trailers need not apply. Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road's steepness can cause overheating, especially in summer. Rain makes it slippery, and rock slides are a real possibility. Oh, and did I mention it's super popular with Yosemite-bound traffic? Despite the challenges, the views are totally worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road... and maybe say a little prayer to the mountain gods. Just remember to check conditions before you go, because winter can make things extra dicey with all that ice!
easyGlenn Highway is not something to miss
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure on the Glenn Highway! This epic 179-mile (288km) stretch of Alaska Route 1 runs from Anchorage all the way to Glennallen where it meets the Richardson Highway. You'll want to set aside about 4 hours for the drive itself, but trust me, you'll want to make plenty of stops! Named after Captain Edwin Glenn, this well-maintained, two-lane paved road winds its way through some seriously stunning scenery. Think jaw-dropping mountain vistas, cascading waterfalls, and rivers so gorgeous they'll take your breath away. The grades are pretty gentle, so it's a smooth ride most of the way. Keep in mind that the highway started as the Palmer Road back in the 1930s. The highest point is at 3,332 feet (1.016m) above sea level. Basically, this route is a gateway to the natural wonders of Alaska, and it promises a road trip you'll never forget!
moderateWhere is Normandy Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! There's a super-secret road lurking in Middletown, New Jersey, that's calling my name – but sadly, I can't drive it. I'm talking about Normandy Road, a mysterious 15-mile stretch nestled in northern Monmouth County. This isn't your average scenic route. It's tucked inside Naval Weapons Station Earle, a US Navy base named after Rear Admiral Ralph Earle, a bigwig from World War I. Rumor has it, this place might have even been a nuclear weapons storage site! So, what's the deal? Normandy Road looks like any other paved road on a map, connecting the base's Mainside and Waterfront areas. But here's the kicker: it's strictly off-limits to us civilians. Yep, this road is exclusively for military use, patrolled by armed sentries. The intrigue is real! It's so accessible, with tons of entrances, yet so utterly forbidden. You can practically *see* the road, but you can't touch it. Talk about a tease! This adds an unparalleled level of mystery to an otherwise unassuming New Jersey landscape. Maybe one day I’ll get a peek, but for now, it remains one of Jersey's biggest secrets!
moderateScenic Loop Drive
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the Scenic Loop Drive in North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park! This 36-mile asphalt adventure winds through the heart of the South Unit, and trust me, you'll want your camera ready. Think stunning landscapes and enough photo ops to fill your memory card. Just a heads-up: winter can bring closures due to snow and ice, so plan accordingly. And if you're cruising at dusk, keep an eye out for buffalo jams! Seriously, these majestic creatures own the road sometimes, so be patient, stay in your car, and definitely don't honk! With pullouts and interpretive signs dotting the route, you'll learn a ton about the park's history and natural wonders. Plus, wildlife is everywhere – keep your eyes peeled! Just remember to stick to the 25 mph speed limit and share the road with everyone: cars, bikes, hikers, and of course, the local wildlife. It's a drive you won't forget!