Classic Roads

Iconic stretches of highway.

Jul/Aug '23

Classic Roads: Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor

America’s obsession with motoring to distant destinations was just beginning to take root in the early 1900s. But, in those days, roads were mostly two ruts in the dirt or—when it rained—two deep ruts in the mud that often only stretched a few miles outside of towns.

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: NC-209 The Rattler

This may not be the longest bucket road in America, but it is technically challenging and highly scenic, and who says you only have to ride The Rattler just once? The stretch is 36 miles long, and there are over 200 curves along the way. The road spans two mountain

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: CA HWY 120 Tioga Pass Road

This California state highway navigates over the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains and, in the process, bisects Yosemite National Park from west to east. The surrounding landscape features pristine glacial lakes, alpine meadows, glacially carved valleys, granite mountain peaks, spectacular waterfalls, and an abundance of native fauna and flora. There are

Classic Roads

The Twisted Sisters: TX routes 335, 336, & 337

If you love fun, scenic roads, then the Twisted Sisters is definitely a ride for the bucket list. Often touted as the best riding in the state of Texas, this trio, also known as “the Three Sisters” or Farm to Market (FM) roads 335, 336, and 337, will reward you

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive

North Shore Scenic Drive, which has been designated an All-American Road by the Federal Highway Administration, charts a course from Duluth, MN, to Grand Portage, just before crossing the border into Canada. The route provides access to eight state parks and Superior National Forest. Tracing along part of Lake Superior’

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Highway Gothic: AZ SR 89

I'm waiting for Elon Musk to premier his line of cologne, moon boots, and outer-space sports drinks.  Have you noticed his face is everywhere?  My wife asked if I wanted to apply to Elon's space program and I said no.  It's not that I&

May/Jun '23

Classic Roads: Talimena National Scenic Byway

The Talimena National Scenic Byway is a 50-odd-mile route connecting Mena, AR, and Talihina, OK. It twists and turns along Rich Mountain in Arkansas, climbing from 1,100 feet in Mena to almost 2,700 feet at the summit before plunging into Oklahoma through the Winding Stair Mountains. There is

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: California Route 299

Route 299 runs east from US 101 in Arcata, CA. Near the coast, temperatures are usually cool and fog is often present, especially in the morning hours. The route has many high-speed, sweeping curves for riders wanting more than just a “relaxing ramble.” Although 299 continues east of Redding, the

Mar/Apr '23

Classic Roads: Washington SR-14

Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway Seen from high above, two-lane tarmac traces a serpentine path along the banks of a river that is both colossal and historic. The river flows into the Pacific Ocean through a deep, wide chasm of scoured volcanic rock, deposited over many millennia. Riders feel strong

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Classic Roads: Storm King NY SR 218

About 50 miles north of New York City, along the Hudson River, Storm King Mountain rises abruptly to lofty heights above the river’s west bank. Geologists tell us that this striking granite formation is several hundred million years old. The mountain’s evocative name was coined by writer Nathaniel

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

Jan/Feb '23

Classic Roads: Kentucky's Alpine Road

Heading west out of Burkesville, KY, you’ll find Rte 2276. On the map, it’s named Hill St—but it’s better known by the locals as Alpine Road. This treacherously crooked stretch of pavement traverses Big Hill Mountain which is one of the highest points in the Cumberland

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: Trail Ridge Road National Scenic Byway

This 64-mile Classic Roads adventure begins in the historic mountain resort town of Estes Park, Colorado, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, and rolls along a stretch of US 34, which is the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. It has been a popular destination for motorists

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Classic Roads: California’s Angeles Crest Highway

Traveling just north of the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and Pasadena, you’ll enter the Angeles National Forest, a sparsely developed area that’s home to one particularly fantastic ribbon of tarmac—The Angeles Crest Highway (aka California State Route 2). Completed in 1956, this two-lane marvel climbs,

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: Michigan's River Road National Scenic Byway

The Au Sable River, which flows 138 miles through Michigan’s Huron National Forest on its way to Lake Huron, packs plenty of history. The “River of Sand” is a designated National Wild and Scenic River, and River Road, which twists along the southern banks of the Au Sable from

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: Utah's Scenic Byway 12

Utah’s State Route 12 is a “National Scenic Byway” recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation. It also has the designation of being an All-American Road,  one of just 120 so named nationwide, which means it possesses unique features and  intrinsic qualities not found elsewhere. All American Roads

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: US 12 Through Montana and Idaho

Jul/Aug '19

Classic Roads: Missouri Route 94

Spanning more than 2,000 miles, from southwestern Montana to the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers just north of St. Louis, the Missouri River Valley is notable for its rolling topography, forested landscape, and collection of pastoral farms. The area is also home to several wineries and appealing

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: Superior National Forest Scenic Byway

Superior National Forest, located in the upper northeast corner of Minnesota, comprises over 3.9 million acres of woods and waters, including some 2,000 glacially-carved lakes and rivers. The forest is a mix of conifers and hardwoods. The larger wildlife species found in the area include deer, moose, Canadian

Sep/Oct '22

Classic Roads: Back of the Dragon

The appellation “Whatever of the Dragon” has come to denote a challenging road that motorcyclists particularly cherish. These are destination roads, which usually include switchbacks and steep elevation changes, and are usually laid out in a scenic landscape. While the Tail of the Dragon (aka US 129) in Tennessee may

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: Double Crosse Near La Crosse, Wisconsin

The city of La Crosse, perched on the banks of the Mississippi River, bills itself as the top Midwest motorcycle getaway destination. It may very well be the case, as it has incredible riding roads, unique destinations, and a location that is close to Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Des Moines

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: Cherohala Skyway and Tail of the Dragon

These two classic roads, taken together, offer motorcyclists one of the most challenging days of mountain riding available anywhere. The full 138-mile route starts and ends in Tellico Plains, TN, at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center. From there the road rapidly gains altitude on SR 165. At around the halfway

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: Bluewater Highway & Seawall Boulevard

Any time I can ride alongside an ocean on a motorcycle, I will do it. Make that motorcycle a new Indian Super Chief Limited, and I have a great excuse to spend some time island hopping in south Texas. The perfect combination of cruising and ocean is riding from Surfside

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: Into The Keys US 1 in Florida Part 2

We covered the first 250 miles of the 545-mile Floridian stint of US 1 in Part 1: Down from the North [https://www.roadrunner.travel/tours/us-1-in-florida-part-1-down-from-the-north/] . Riding southward from Georgia, we ended our journey in the city of Melbourne. Now, it’s time to cruise along the last 300

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: Appalachian Byway of Ohio

This 105-mile scenic byway was added to Ohio’s roster of 27 state-designated scenic byways in September 2019. The Appalachian Byway of Ohio follows SR 78 from Clarington to Nelsonville, OH. The region’s natural and cultural heritage are on abundant display throughout the route, and some of its rich