The Best Fall Motorcycle Rides in the US

Striking autumn colors and cooler riding weather make fall an excellent season to get on your ride a few more times before winter. Unique stretches of road across the United States offer twists, turns, and breath-taking scenery for lone riders or a group of your closest friends.

Here are some of the best fall motorcycle rides, divided up by region:

Tunnel of Trees ,Michigan

Ranked among the most scenic roads in the Midwest, the Tunnel of Trees, part of the M-119, is a winding road under a canopy of large, leafy trees. In autumn, the trees burst into incredible fall colors, creating a truly breathtaking view. Starting in Harbor Springs, the M-119 becomes the Tunnel of Trees, running 20 miles along a spectacular bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, with especially sharp twists at Devil’s Elbow and Horseshoe Curve. Along the way, you will be treated to unique shops, food, and learn some interesting history.

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, Wisconsin

Winding through county roads from Elkhart Lake to Whitewater, this 120 mile drive through the scenic Kettle Moraine features steep ridges, sloping hills and beautiful lakes. Created by glacial movement thousands of years ago, the Kettle Moraine offers incredible views. Beautiful fall foliage can be seen all along this route, and there are plenty of roadside stops and restaurants along the way!

Beartooth Highway ,Southwest Montana & Northwest Wyoming

Glacier-laden peaks, alpine plateaus, lakes, waterfalls, and expansive forests combine to create a spectacular 68 mile ride through Southwest Montana and Northwest Wyoming. This highway spans from its western most terminus at the Northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park, and runs east to Red Lodge, Montana, taking you through the northern Rockies, twisting and turning up to 10,974 feet. Exhilarating and beautiful, Beartooth Highway should be on every riders bucket list!

Pacific Coast Highway ,Oregon & California

Stretching from Seattle, Oregon down to San Diego, California, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) stretches over 655 miles, winding through some of the most amazing scenery in the country. From the Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula to the giant redwood forests and the bustling cities of San Francisco and Santa Monica, the Pacific Coast Highway offers incredible scenery! Autumn is one of the best times to explore the PCH, because the winding roads through the forest are brought to life with vibrant red and orange colors as the leaves begin to change.

San Juan Mountain Skyway ,Colorado

This route is a loop spanning 225 miles through the Rocky Mountains of Southwest Colorado. Passing through historic mining towns, red rock canyons, lush river valleys, hot springs and majestic mountain peaks which are over 14,000 feet tall the San Juan Mountain Skyway is a must-see. Enjoy the fall colors as you pass though Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park!

The Three Sisters | Twisted Sisters ,Texas

Texas isn’t typically associated with lush forests and clear cool waters, but The Three Sisters will quickly change your opinion. With tight turns that rival those found on mountain roads, this 100 mile loop will take you through canyons, up jagged hills, and open up with incredible views from multiple vistas along the way. Be sure to start with a full tank of gas as there are not many stops along the way. The Three Sisters is best visited during autumn, when temperatures are cooler and some of the trees begin to change.

Tail of the Dragon or Deal’s Gap ,Tennessee & North Carolina

Despite being just 11 miles long, Tail of the Dragon features 318 curves, making it one of America’s hot spots for thrill seeking motorcyclists. Bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest, the fall colors only add to the breathtaking views. Tight turns with names like Copperhead Corner, Wheelie Hell, and Brake or Bust Bend are sure to challenge your skills!

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia

Fondly referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive”, the Blue Ridge Parkway covers 469 miles, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. With incredible views, multiple places to stop, and a diverse display of wildlife and plants, motorcyclists have been coming to the Blue Ridge to take in the scenery and enjoy the laid back atmosphere.

Pig Trail Scenic Byway, Arkansas

Running through a tunnel of beautiful foliage, Pig Trail Scenic Byway is a beautiful fall ride. Zig-zagging through the Ozark National Forest and up into the rugged Boston Mountains, this 19 mile stretch boasts incredible scenery and exhilarating hairpin turns.

Skyline Drive, Virginia

Spanning from the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through the heart of Shenandoah National Park, the Skyline Drive is a 105 mile stretch of incredible scenery. Come fall, the landscape erupts into a beautiful display of red, orange, and yellow, as the trees on the mountains change color. Well maintained, the Skyline Drive is a fun, relaxing drive for motorcyclists.

Coastal Route 1, Maine

Coastal Route 1 is beautiful seaside highway that winds from Calais at the Canadian border past Bar Harbor and Boothbay Harbor, offering lighthouses, quaint village scenery and rugged seascapes along with the colors of fall.

U.S. Route 7, Vermont

Like a step back in time, U.S. Route 7 weaves through Vermont from Green Mountain National Forest up to Burlington, peppering the countryside with roadside businesses advertised by giant sculptures, small towns, and beautiful scenery. Make it an overnight trip by staying at a cozy inn or any number of quaint, non-chain motels.

Explore some of the country’s best highways and back roads. Don’t miss out on the brisk air and brilliant fall colors that accompany these fantastic scenic drives during autumn.

What are you waiting for? Rev up your engine and hit the road!