Motorcycle rides in the south are a diverse mixture of scenic mountain vistas, forested landscape, wide open spaces, endless highways, twists and curves, and off-the-beaten-track backroads. From Georgia to Virginia, sit back and enjoy some of the best motorcycle trips in southeast states, that are sure to create memories that last a lifetime.
1. Little River Canyon Rim Parkway
Location: Alabama
Distance: 11 Miles
Time to Ride: 30 minutes
One of the best motorcycle rides in Alabama is a short, but scenic drive through the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway. The route features interesting landscape, which includes the river making its way through the canyon. The parkway, which is Highway 176, has multiple overlooks and waterfalls, a lush landscape in the warmer months, and a colorful landscape during the fall. The road can be challenging with sharp turns and steep climbs.
2. The Georgia Triangle
Location: Georgia
Distance: 36 Miles
Time to Ride: Half Day or Full Day
North Georgia offers hundreds of miles of scenic highway to discover in the Blue Ridge Mountains, plus it is the starting point for the Appalachian Trail. Near the famous trail, motorcyclists can enjoy around 36 miles of The Georgia Triangle situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The loop consists of U.S. Route 19 and Georgia’s State Route 60 and State Route 180. The start of the triangle is located north of Dahlonega at Stonemile Gap. Dahlonega is a good starting point as there are things to do and places to eat, such as the Smith House.
The first segment takes riders to Suches, where they’ll find the Two Wheels of Suches, which serves food and has cabin and lodge accommodations. Camping is also an option. The second segment requires good driving, as it is challenging with many steep grades and sharp curves. Along this segment, you’ll have access to Vogel State Park for camping, rental cottages, and swimming. The last leg is equally as scenic and offers plenty of turns and S-curves.
3. Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
Location: Kentucky
Distance: 45 Miles
Time to Ride: One Hour
Located in Daniel Boone National Forest, the scenic Red River Gorge byway takes riders through the twists and turns of the Appalachian Mountains. Close to 45 miles long, the route offers a smooth ride with scenery around each curve and straightaway. An additional perk that makes this one of the best motorcycle rides in Kentucky is the Nada Tunnel. The 900-foot tunnel, also referred to as The Gateway to the Red River Gorge, is both historical and mysterious. Built in 1910, the tunnel was used to transport logs to a nearby sawmill.
4. Natchez Trace Parkway
Location: Mississippi and Tennessee
Distance: 440 Miles
Time to Ride: One to Two Days
One of the top extensive motorcycle rides to see the beauty of states in the southeast is the Natchez Trace Parkway. Covering 440 miles, every twist and turn along the way from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, offers a visual palette of colorful landscape. If sightseeing and cruising at your own pace is your preferred way to travel, this route provides both plus historical stops to explore along the way.
5. Blue Ridge Parkway
Location: North Carolina
Distance: 80 Miles
Time to Ride: Two Hours
When you’re biking in North Carolina, the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville will take you on a scenic ride past scenic mountain ranges along a twisting and curving highway. Along the way, there are plenty of places to stop for photo opportunities, which is especially lovely during the fall when the leaves change. Along the route, bikers have access to over a dozen picnic areas and more than 300 miles of hiking trails. For lodging, there’s Pisgah Inn near Asheville, North Carolina and The Peaks of Otter Lodge near Roanoke, Virginia. For those who want to spend the night under the stars, there are multiple campgrounds along the way.
6. Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11
Location: South Carolina
Distance: 130 miles
Time to Ride: Half Day
One of the best motorcycle rides in South Carolina is the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. Known for its beautiful scenery, the historical route was a main pathway the French fur traders and Cherokees used back in the day. Today, the 130-mile road, located in northwest South Carolina, has a little bit of everything for visual enjoyment. Along the route, riders enjoy lake, river, mountain, and forest views. Expect to see wildlife along the way as you navigate and maneuver through turns, curves, climbs, and dives along the scenic highway. Campgrounds and state parks are plentiful for those who want to camp or hike at their leisure.
7. Tail of the Dragon
Location: Tennessee
Distance: 11 miles
Time to Ride: One to Two Hours
Traveling along US Rt 129, motorcyclists have 11 miles and the twists of 318 curves as they navigate the mountain road known as the Tail of the Dragon. As one of the best motorcycle rides in Tennessee, this section of US Rt 129 sees around 250,000 bikers annually and borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee National Forest. Because the twists and curves resemble the appearance of a dragon’s tail is the reason for its name. Along the route, there are scenic views all the way as there are no businesses, homes, or intersecting roads, which means it’s best to make any pit stops before tackling the dragon.
8. Cherohala Skyway
Location: Tennessee and North Carolina
Distance: 43 miles
Time to Ride: One to Two Hours
The Cherohala Skyway takes riders on a scenic ride from Tellico Plains in Tennessee to Robbinsville in North Carolina. The National Scenic Byway is 43 miles of unobstructed sweeping views of the mountains for as far as you can see. Throughout the ride, there are overlooks to stop at and take a picture, cool waterfalls, and thick forested areas while traveling through the Nantahala National Forest and Cherokee National Forest.
9. Claw of the Dragon
Location: Virgina
Distance: 350 miles
Time to Ride: One to Two Days
The Claw of the Dragon is fast becoming one of the best motorcycle rides in Virginia. Making their way around Southwest Virginia, starting at Wytheville, bikers will have more than 350 miles of scenic backroads to experience. All in all, the route takes riders through seven of Virginia’s counties. The route has plenty to offer to stop at and refuel, refresh, relax, and be entertained with access to a variety of restaurants, landmarks, festivals, and local attractions.
Just a few things to do along the route include a visit to The Lincoln Theater, a climb up Big Walker Lookout tower, a tasty experience at the West Wind Winery and Appalachian Mountain Spirits, or dining at the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theater. For those who want to take a break and spend the night, the General Francis Marion Hotel is a biker’s favorite for food and beverages.
10. Skyline Drive
Location: Virginia
Distance: 105 miles
Time to Ride: Half Day
For 105 miles of curving roadway and scenic mountain vistas, the historic Skyline Drive is a good place to start. The route runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains within the Shenandoah National Park. It is the only road open to the public within the park. Throughout the park, you’ll see mileposts that describe points of interest.
From Georgia to Virginia, a variety of routes offer memorable motorcycle rides. Whether traveling mountain highways or multiple loops, each offers a visual canvas of beauty that can be experienced throughout the seasons.