Spring Rides: 20 Best Motorcycle Roads Routes to Explore in 2025

As the warmth of spring and summer approaches, motorcycle enthusiasts across the United States are gearing up for their next adventure. The open road beckons, promising breathtaking vistas, thrilling twists, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, these 20 iconic routes offer something for everyone. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your perfect spring ride.

1. Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)

• Location and Description: Located in New Hampshire, this 34.5-mile route is part of NH Route 112, running from Lincoln to Conway through the White Mountain National Forest. It offers breathtaking views of the White Mountains, the Swift River, and numerous waterfalls like Sabbaday Falls and Rocky Gorge.
• Terrain Features: The road is paved with significant elevation changes, reaching nearly 3,000 feet at Kancamagus Pass. It features several hairpin turns and scenic overlooks, making it a thrilling ride for those who enjoy mountainous terrain.
• Suitable Rider Types: Intermediate to advanced riders due to the winding roads and elevation changes. Suitable for cruisers and touring bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Be cautious of wildlife, especially moose, and use appropriate gear. The road can be slippery during spring due to melting snow.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: There are no services along the route itself, but Lincoln and Conway offer a variety of gas stations, restaurants, and accommodations. Plan your fuel stops and meals accordingly.
• Local Attractions: Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and nearby attractions in Lincoln and Conway, such as the White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center.
• Regulations and Permits: None specific, but follow standard traffic laws and be mindful of park regulations if entering the White Mountain National Forest.

2. Route 100 (Vermont)

• Location and Description: Spanning across Vermont, this route runs through the Green Mountains, offering picturesque views of rolling hills, forests, and farmland. The total length is approximately 216 miles.
• Terrain Features: The road is paved with gentle elevation changes, making it suitable for all skill levels. It passes through quaint towns and villages, offering a relaxed riding experience.
• Suitable Rider Types: Beginner to advanced riders. Ideal for cruisers and touring bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Watch for wildlife, especially deer, and enjoy the scenic views. Be mindful of local traffic and pedestrians in towns.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Regular gas stations and local eateries are available along the route. Popular stops include the towns of Stowe and Ludlow.
• Local Attractions: Ski resorts like Stowe Mountain Resort, maple syrup farms, and fall foliage hotspots.

3. Acadia Loop Road (Maine)

• Location and Description: Located in Acadia National Park, Maine, this 27-mile route offers stunning coastal views, mountains, and forests.
• Terrain Features: The road is paved with some elevation changes and scenic overlooks. It includes sections like the Park Loop Road, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.
• Suitable Rider Types: Beginner to intermediate riders. Suitable for cruisers and touring bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Be mindful of pedestrians and wildlife, especially in the park. Use caution at scenic overlooks.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Limited services within the park; plan ahead. Bar Harbor offers a range of amenities just outside the park.
• Local Attractions: Hiking trails, beaches, and historic sites like the Jordan Cliffs.
• Regulations and Permits: Park entrance fees apply. Be aware of park rules regarding speed limits and stopping.

4. Route 169 (Connecticut)

• Location and Description: This scenic route in Connecticut is known for its historic towns and picturesque countryside. The total length is approximately 32 miles.
• Terrain Features: The road is paved with minimal elevation changes, making it a smooth ride through rural Connecticut.
• Suitable Rider Types: Beginner riders. Ideal for cruisers and classic bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Watch for local traffic and pedestrians, especially in historic districts.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Regular services are available in the towns along the route, such as Woodstock and Brooklyn.
• Local Attractions: Historic sites, antique shops, and the Roseland Cottage Museum.

5. Great River Road (Minnesota to Illinois)

• Location and Description: Spanning over 3,000 miles along the Mississippi River, this route offers diverse landscapes and cultural attractions.
• Terrain Features: The road is paved with minimal elevation changes, following the river's course through various states.
• Suitable Rider Types: Beginner to advanced riders. Suitable for all types of motorcycles.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Be aware of river traffic and local events that may affect road conditions.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Regular services are available along the route, with many towns offering amenities.
• Local Attractions: Historic sites, river cruises, and cultural festivals.

6. Tunnel of Trees (Michigan)

• Location and Description: Located on M-119 in Michigan, this route is famous for its canopy of trees and scenic views of Lake Michigan. The total length is approximately 27 miles.
• Terrain Features: The road is paved with some elevation changes and sharp turns, offering a thrilling ride through a dense forest canopy.
• Suitable Rider Types: Intermediate riders. Suitable for sport bikes and touring bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Watch for sharp turns and wildlife, especially deer. Be cautious of fallen branches on the road.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Limited services; plan ahead. Petoskey and Harbor Springs offer amenities nearby.
• Local Attractions: Beaches, hiking trails, and the scenic views of Lake Michigan.

7. Black Hills (South Dakota)

• Location and Description: Located in South Dakota, this region offers stunning mountain scenery and historic sites like Mount Rushmore. The total length varies depending on the specific route taken, but a common loop is around 100 miles.
• Terrain Features: Paved roads with significant elevation changes and winding roads, offering breathtaking views of the Black Hills.
• Suitable Rider Types: Intermediate to advanced riders. Suitable for touring bikes and adventure bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bison, and sharp turns. Use caution in areas with loose gravel.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Regular services are available in towns like Rapid City and Custer.
• Local Attractions: Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial.

8. Ohio River Scenic Byway (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois)

• Location and Description: This route follows the Ohio River, offering scenic views and historic sites. The total length is approximately 943 miles.
• Terrain Features: The road is paved with minimal elevation changes, following the river's course through various states.
• Suitable Rider Types: Beginner to advanced riders. Suitable for all types of motorcycles.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Watch for river traffic and local events that may affect road conditions.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Regular services are available along the route, with many towns offering amenities.
• Local Attractions: Historic sites, river cruises, and cultural festivals.

9. Route 66 (Illinois)

• Location and Description: Known as the "Mother Road," this iconic route runs through Illinois, offering nostalgic views and attractions. The total length in Illinois is approximately 301 miles.
• Terrain Features: The road is paved with minimal elevation changes, passing through rural landscapes and historic towns.
• Suitable Rider Types: Beginner to advanced riders. Suitable for cruisers and classic bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Watch for local traffic and pedestrians, especially in historic districts.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Regular services are available in towns along the route, such as Springfield and Pontiac.
• Local Attractions: Historic diners, museums, and roadside attractions.

10. Hocking Hills Scenic Byway (Ohio)

• Location and Description: Located in southeastern Ohio, this route offers stunning natural scenery with waterfalls and hiking trails. The total length is approximately 26 miles.
• Terrain Features: Paved roads with some elevation changes and winding sections, offering scenic views of the Hocking Hills.
• Suitable Rider Types: Intermediate riders. Suitable for touring bikes and adventure bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Be cautious of wildlife and sharp turns. Use caution in areas with loose gravel.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Limited services; plan ahead. Logan and Athens offer amenities nearby.
• Local Attractions: Hiking trails, waterfalls like Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave.

11. Lake Superior Circle Tour (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan)

• Location and Description: This route encircles Lake Superior, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding forests. The total length is approximately 1,300 miles.
• Terrain Features: Paved roads with some elevation changes and scenic overlooks, offering stunning views of the lake.
• Suitable Rider Types: Intermediate to advanced riders. Suitable for touring bikes and adventure bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Watch for wildlife and sharp turns. Be cautious of strong winds near the lake.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Regular services are available in towns along the route, such as Duluth and Marquette.
• Local Attractions: Beaches, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks like the Apostle Islands.

12. Tail of the Dragon (North Carolina & Tennessee)

• Location and Description: Known for its 318 curves in 11 miles, this route is a challenge for experienced riders.
• Terrain Features: The road is paved with sharp turns and elevation changes, offering a thrilling ride through the Great Smoky Mountains.
• Suitable Rider Types: Advanced riders. Suitable for sport bikes and high-performance motorcycles.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Be extremely cautious of sharp turns and wildlife. Use caution in areas with loose gravel.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Limited services; plan ahead. Deals Gap and Fontana Village offer amenities nearby.
• Local Attractions: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Fontana Lake.

13. Cherohala Skyway (North Carolina & Tennessee)

• Location and Description: This 43-mile route offers stunning mountain views and scenic overlooks.
• Terrain Features: The road is paved with significant elevation changes and winding sections, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
• Suitable Rider Types: Intermediate to advanced riders. Suitable for touring bikes and adventure bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Watch for wildlife and sharp turns. Use caution in areas with loose gravel.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Limited services; plan ahead. Tellico Plains and Robbinsville offer amenities nearby.
• Local Attractions: Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and the Tellico Lake.

14. The Twisted Sisters (Texas)

• Location and Description: Located in the Hill Country of Texas, this route is known for its scenic views and challenging roads. The total length is approximately 100 miles.
• Terrain Features: Paved roads with sharp turns and elevation changes, offering a thrilling ride through rolling hills and scenic countryside.
• Suitable Rider Types: Intermediate to advanced riders. Suitable for sport bikes and touring bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Be cautious of sharp turns and wildlife, especially deer. Use caution in areas with loose gravel.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Regular services are available in towns like Fredericksburg and Kerrville.
• Local Attractions: Wineries, historic towns, and the scenic views of the Hill Country.

15. Beartooth Highway (Montana & Wyoming)

• Location and Description: This route offers breathtaking mountain scenery and high-altitude riding. The total length is approximately 68 miles.
• Terrain Features: The road is paved with significant elevation changes and steep inclines, reaching altitudes over 10,000 feet.
• Suitable Rider Types: Advanced riders. Suitable for adventure bikes and touring bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Be cautious of high-altitude conditions and wildlife. Use caution in areas with loose gravel and potential snow.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Limited services; plan ahead. Cooke City and Red Lodge offer amenities nearby.
• Local Attractions: Yellowstone National Park, Beartooth Lake.
• Regulations and Permits: None specific, but be aware of weather conditions and potential road closures.

16. Highway 12 (Utah)

• Location and Description: Known as the "All-American Road," this route offers stunning views of red rock formations and national parks. The total length is approximately 124 miles.
• Terrain Features: Paved roads with some elevation changes and scenic overlooks, offering breathtaking views of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.
• Suitable Rider Types: Intermediate to advanced riders. Suitable for touring bikes and adventure bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Watch for wildlife and sharp turns. Be cautious of strong winds and potential sandstorms.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Regular services are available in towns like Escalante and Panguitch.
• Local Attractions: Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and the scenic views of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

17. Cascade Loop (Washington)

• Location and Description: This 440-mile route offers stunning mountain and coastal views.
• Terrain Features: Paved roads with some elevation changes and scenic overlooks, offering breathtaking views of the Cascade Range and Puget Sound.
• Suitable Rider Types: Intermediate to advanced riders. Suitable for touring bikes and adventure bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Be cautious of wildlife and sharp turns. Use caution in areas with potential rain and fog.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Regular services are available in towns like Leavenworth and Bellingham.
• Local Attractions: National parks, hiking trails, and scenic views of the Olympic Peninsula.

18. Dalton Highway (Alaska)

• Location and Description: Known as the "Haul Road," this route offers a challenging ride through remote Alaskan wilderness. The total length is approximately 414 miles.
• Terrain Features: Mostly gravel roads with significant elevation changes and harsh weather conditions, including potential snow and ice.
• Suitable Rider Types: Advanced riders. Suitable for adventure bikes and dual-sport motorcycles.
• Additional Information for Riders:
• Safety Tips: Be extremely cautious of harsh weather and remote conditions. Carry emergency supplies and a satellite phone.
• Fuel and Rest Stops: Very limited services; plan extensively. Coldfoot and Wiseman offer basic amenities.
• Local Attractions: Arctic Circle, wildlife viewing, and the stunning views of the Brooks Range.
• Regulations and Permits: Special permits may be required for certain areas. Be aware of road conditions and potential closures.

19. Avenue of the Giants (California)

• Location and Description: Located in Northern California, this route runs through a stunning redwood forest. The total length is approximately 3 miles, but it's part of a larger scenic drive.
• Terrain Features: The road is paved with minimal elevation changes, offering scenic views of the towering redwoods.
• Suitable Rider Types: Beginner to advanced riders. Suitable for cruisers and touring bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
  • Safety Tips: Watch for pedestrians and wildlife. Be cautious of fallen branches on the road.
  • Fuel and Rest Stops: Regular services are available in nearby towns like Eureka and Fortuna.
  • Local Attractions: Redwood National and State Parks, Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

20. Iron Mountain Road (South Dakota)

• Location and Description: Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this 17-mile route is known for its unique architectural features and stunning natural beauty. It offers breathtaking views of Mount Rushmore and the surrounding mountains.
• Terrain Features: The road is paved with over 300 curves, including switchbacks and pigtail bridges. It features three one-lane tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore perfectly, making it a scenic and challenging ride.
• Suitable Rider Types: Intermediate to advanced riders due to the numerous curves and switchbacks. Suitable for touring bikes and sport bikes.
• Additional Information for Riders:
  • Safety Tips: Be cautious of sharp turns and wildlife. The road is designed to limit speed to 35 mph, allowing riders to enjoy the scenery. Be mindful of pedestrians and other vehicles, especially in tunnels.
  • Fuel and Rest Stops: Limited services along the route; plan ahead. Nearby towns like Custer and Keystone offer amenities.
  • Local Attractions: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Black Hills National Forest, and the scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Regulations and Permits: No entry fee for driving through Black Hills National Forest, but be aware of park regulations.

From the scenic beauty of the Kancamagus Highway to the challenging curves of Iron Mountain Road, each route promises an unforgettable experience. As you plan your spring and summer rides, remember to stay safe, enjoy the journey, happy riding!