Classic Roads

Iconic stretches of highway.

Classic Roads

Explore The Pennsylvania Wilds Along SR 120

SR 120 in north-central Pennsylvania meanders for some 116 miles along the West Branch Susquehanna River and other streams through narrow mountain valleys. These waterways are a 300-million-years-old collection of rivers and creeks. The West Branch is the main tributary of the mighty Susquehanna River, which flows south from New

Classic Roads

Discover the Fun and Characterful Tail of the Gecko

Motorcyclists love a good reptilian tail. Just look at all the riders flocking to experience the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee. But you don’t need a mythical beast to have a good time on a motorcycle. Sometimes, a more unassuming reptile will do just fine. Like a gecko.

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The Hidden Gem of the Nantahala Forest—Wayah Road and Wayah Bald Road

Wayah Road winds through the breathtaking scenery of North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest. Beginning near Franklin, NC, Wayah Rd stretches approximately 28 miles, connecting US 64 and US 74. This route leads riders through the dense forest, alongside rushing streams and through countless twists and turns. It also

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Discover the Rugged Beauty of Park Loop Road in Maine

Coastal Maine is among the most ruggedly beautiful regions in the entire country. If you’d like to enjoy this gorgeous region to the fullest, you should take your bike to Park Loop Road on Mount Desert Island. Park Loop Rd is a 27-mile-long two-lane loop road that follows Mount

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Beware the Highway of Death—US 285

Many famous motorcycling roads have nicknames that describe their characters. The High Road to Taos takes you to the mountains, the Skyline Drive shows off the scenery of the Shenandoah Valley, and the various Dragons promise curves aplenty. And then you have Death Highway. It’s exactly what it sounds

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: Deadman Pass, OR

When regular people hear a name like Deadman Pass, they generally think it best to steer clear. Motorcyclists are built a little different, though, and a morbid moniker such as this is an invitation to hop in the saddle. Deadman Pass is also known as Deadman’s Pass or Dead

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A Ride So Good It’s a Sin—The Ohio Demon’s Triangle

Ohio is a unique place. Where else can you become a motorcycle exorcist? You can start your devil-busting escapades by letting your tires rip all across the Demon’s Backbone. But if that ride leaves you hankering for more evil to put in its place, the Demon’s Triangle has

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The Devil's Stairs—Wicked Fun in North Carolina

There won’t be a stairway to heaven over where we’re going. You’ll still have a great ride, though. North Carolina has a deservedly great reputation as a motorcycling destination, and the Devil’s Stairs takes you on some of the most sinfully fun of them all. All

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Kancamagus Highway

The White Mountains are one of the most beautiful and scenic regions in the entire northeastern U.S. Motoring down the Kancamagus Highway puts you right in the middle of it all. The Kancamagus Highway is known by many names, including the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, New Hampshire SR 112 (its

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The Waterfront Jewel of America—Great Lakes Seaway Trail

A beautiful waterscape is one of the best backdrops for a laidback motorcycling outing. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail serves both good times and water views in spades. This National Scenic Byway (also known by its previous official name, Seaway Trail) is a series of designated roads in Pennsylvania and

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Ride into the Green at Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees

Michigan is famous for its trees, sporting lusciously full canopies of leaves. Taking your motorcycle to the Tunnel of Trees lets you ride right into the midst of the greenery. The Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route—also known as SR 119 or locally as M-119—is a narrow paved

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Wichita Mountains National Scenic Byway

The uninitiated generally perceive Oklahoma as one big flat wheat field—remember that Rodgers & Hammerstein musical that celebrated the land “where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain?” In reality, however, the Sooner State does have several “mountainous” regions. Although the peaks are more like speed bumps compared to

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Ride the Highest Pass in the Eastern Alps—Stelvio Pass, Italy

The Stelvio Pass is one of the most challenging and exhilarating motorcycle roads in the world to ride. It’s absolutely worth a trip to Italy just to wrassle with this beast. At 9,045 feet, Stelvio Pass is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps and the

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From the Gateway to the Ozarks—Missouri SR 100

Missouri might not be on the top of your list when thinking of good places in America to ride your motorcycle, but don’t you knock the Show Me State. The place hosts many great roads—such as SR 100. For about 120 miles, SR 100 follows the curves of

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Riding Alaska’s Iconic Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway

The Glenn Highway in Alaska is not just a roadway—it's a lifeline connecting the bustling urban center of Anchorage to the serene wilderness of the last frontier. Stretching approximately 135 miles from Anchorage to Glennallen, this iconic highway traverses some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth,

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The Curvy Beauty of the Woods—Diamondback Loop in North Carolina

It’s not about how long it is, it’s about how good of a time you can have with it. I am, of course, talking about the Diamondback Loop in North Carolina. Just short of 17 miles, this loop through the dense woods of the Pisgah National Forest is,

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The King of Roads—Historic Columbia River Highway

A title like the King of Roads sets up a lot of expectations. The Historic Columbia River Highway lives up to all of them. That’s not the only accolade bestowed upon this 75-mile stretch between The Dalles and Troutdale, OR, though. It’s also designated a National Historic Landmark,

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Curves for the Next 99 Miles—Lolo Pass & US 12

“Winding Road Next 99 Miles,” declares the famous sign just outside Kooskia, ID. Those five words tell you exactly what you can expect from Lolo Pass. Located in the Bitterroot Range at an elevation of 5,233 feet, Lolo Pass connects Idaho and Montana. US 12 traverses this high mountain

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The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway

Appearing in opaque shades of blue, bluish green, green, and yellowish green, turquoise is a mineral that has been a treasured gemstone for thousands of years. The stone’s value derives from its use in jewelry and other decorative applications. It is usually found in dry climates, which is why

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El Camino del Diablo—A Baptism of Fire

El Camino del Diablo, or the Devil’s Highway, has earned its ominous name. This Native American and pioneer trail snakes through the formidable Sonoran and Yuma Deserts in Arizona, uniting Ajo to Yuma amidst the Tinajas Altas Mountains. During our ride through the devilish road, our friends Beth and

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The Mother of All Roads: Historic Route 66

Some roads are famous. Others are legendary. And then there’s Route 66. Really, I see little point in writing this piece—you probably already love Route 66. It would be hard to overstate just how important the Mother Road is to American motorists, whether they hit the pavement on

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Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop

The Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop stretches for 13 miles through its eponymous canyon, just west of Las Vegas. The one-way road curves its way through the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which encompasses nearly 200,000 acres within the Mojave Desert. Look At Those Rocks! What sets Red

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Florida’s Green Mountain Scenic Byway

The Green Mountain Scenic Byway is a 36-mile series of roads in central Florida that showcases the state’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Close enough to Orlando for easy access, yet far enough away to escape the theme park hustle and bustle, the roads and landscapes can make you

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A Bucket List Road—The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway plows through the longest linear park in the U.S., stretching over 469 miles from near Waynesboro, VA, to US 441 in North Carolina along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Those hundreds of miles include some of the most stunning views you can find in all of

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Gold and Antiques: California SR 49

Locals and historians call California SR 49 the Golden Chain Highway. It runs north to south and is in the middle of the state on the western side of the Sierra. Touring it is another excuse to see the area around Yosemite National Park. Technically, SR 49 starts in the