The 6 Best Motorcycle Routes in the United States
General
There are places on the planet that most people want to visit at least once in their lifetime. One of them is the United States, a country that attracts visitors with its history, its cities, and its landscapes—and also with its legendary routes, perfect for both motorcycles and cars. If you’re thinking about visiting the land of the Statue of Liberty, hamburgers, and the Grand Canyon, at NG BRAKES we recommend 6 must-ride routes that will make you feel like a kid again.
Route 66
Without a doubt, the most iconic route on the planet. A dream for all kinds of travelers, from motorcycle adventurers to those who enjoy the freedom and peace of traveling by camper or RV. This route crosses much of the United States, from Chicago to Santa Monica, passing through legendary places such as St. Louis, Texas, Oklahoma, and Albuquerque. It also offers the chance to take short detours to visit the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas. Here you’ll find those endless straight roads so often seen in movies—a perfect setting for unforgettable photos and an epic road trip.
Route 61
Another legendary road. While Route 66 is the most famous, its sister route—known as the Blues Highway—is not far behind. Stretching over more than 2,000 kilometers, it connects Wyoming with New Orleans and is a dream journey for music lovers, especially fans of blues and rock. Depending on how much time you have, you can ride it all or just a section. You can start in Chicago and head south to Memphis, following the Mississippi River, or begin directly in the city of Elvis Presley. Visit cotton plantations, the King of Rock and Roll’s mansion, and the beautiful city of New Orleans. If you time it with Mardi Gras, it becomes pure magic.
Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1)
Another essential ride is the route that runs along the entire Highway 1, from north to south through the state of California. A journey where the beauty of the Pacific coastline takes center stage. Along the way, in addition to visiting iconic cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, and towns like Santa Barbara or Monterey, you’ll ride through the stunning Big Sur, numerous natural parks, and even see dozens of sea lions resting in Morro Bay. Our advice: although it can be done in a single day, take several days to fully enjoy this road and all the hidden gems it offers.
Route 163
This recommendation is a bit different. It’s a short route, perfect for a one-day ride. It crosses parts of Arizona and Utah and features some of the most iconic landscapes used in classic Western movies. Film fans will also recognize the exact spot where Forrest Gump stops running and decides to go home. A cinematic route where you’ll enjoy spectacular scenery marked by terracotta tones and rugged hills.
Cascade Loop
We now change scenery completely. For this fifth motorcycle route, we head to the northern United States, specifically the state of Washington. For many, this is the ultimate road trip, largely due to the breathtaking beauty of its landscapes. Forget the wide, arid spaces of the previous routes. This circular route starts at Lake Chelan, the third-deepest lake in the country, and winds through natural settings ranging from forests and mountains to glaciers and beaches. A true paradise for nature lovers.
The Ozarks
Now it’s time for TV series fans. The show ‘Ozark’ put one of the Midwest’s most unknown yet beautiful regions on the map. Spanning parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, it is considered by many to be one of the country’s great natural wonders. In this area, one of the most highly recommended motorcycle routes is the Pig Trail, especially stunning in autumn, when the foliage turns shades of brown, orange, and yellow. It’s a short route that can easily be completed in one day, leaving you plenty of time to continue exploring the region.