The best motorcycle roads in the USA
The short answer
The best motorcycle roads in the USA are the Tail of the Dragon (US 129, 318 curves in 11 miles), the Blue Ridge Parkway (469 miles, 45 mph limit), the Beartooth Highway (US 212, up to 10,947 ft / 3,337 m), Highway 1 through Big Sur, the Cherohala Skyway, and Trail Ridge Road in Colorado (12,183 ft / 3,713 m).
The USA is big enough that "best roads" means a road trip. These are the ones riders plan around.
At a glance
| Road | State | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Tail of the Dragon (US 129) | Tennessee / North Carolina | 318 curves in 11 miles |
| Cherohala Skyway | Tennessee / North Carolina | 43 miles of mountain sweepers |
| Blue Ridge Parkway | Virginia / North Carolina | 469 miles, no commercial traffic |
| Beartooth Highway (US 212) | Montana / Wyoming | 10,947 ft, into Yellowstone |
| Highway 1, Big Sur | California | Cliffs above the Pacific |
| Trail Ridge Road | Colorado | 12,183 ft, Rocky Mountain National Park |
Tail of the Dragon
US 129 at Deals Gap: 318 curves in 11 miles on the Tennessee and North Carolina border. It's famous, busy and closely watched by police, with photographers at the side of the road selling pictures of you. Ride it at your own pace. Many crashes here are riders trying to keep up.
Cherohala Skyway
Right next to the Dragon, the Cherohala is wider, faster and quieter: 43 miles of sweepers over the mountains between Tellico Plains and Robbinsville. Ride both in one day.
Blue Ridge Parkway
469 miles from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains, with a 45 mph limit, no trucks and no traffic lights. It's a ride for views, not speed. Fall colours in October are spectacular.
Beartooth Highway
US 212 from Red Lodge, Montana, climbs to 10,947 ft at the Beartooth Pass and drops into the northeast entrance of Yellowstone. Usually open from late May to mid-October.
Highway 1 through Big Sur
California's coast road between Carmel and San Simeon hangs off cliffs above the Pacific. Landslides close sections often, so check before you go.
Trail Ridge Road
The highest continuous paved road in the USA, through Rocky Mountain National Park. Park entry needs a pass, and summer often needs a timed-entry reservation.
Season
Mountain roads like the Beartooth and Trail Ridge open from late May or June to October. The Dragon and Blue Ridge Parkway ride from spring to late autumn.
Questions riders ask
How many curves are on the Tail of the Dragon?
318 curves in 11 miles on US 129 at Deals Gap.
What is the speed limit on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
45 mph on most of the Parkway, lower in some sections.
When is the Beartooth Highway open?
Usually from late May to mid-October, depending on snow.