8 of the best motorcycle roads in the United States

Mountain switchbacks, coast roads and highways across half the country: these are eight US roads worth planning a trip around, with where each one runs and what kind of riding to expect. Three of them have a full guide of their own.

Tail of the Dragon

318 curves in 11 miles (18 km) of US 129 at Deals Gap, on the line between Tennessee and North Carolina. It's tight, technical and busy, so ride it early on a weekday if you can. Our Tail of the Dragon guide covers where to stop and the roads nearby.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The opposite of the Dragon: 469 miles (755 km) of easy curves along the Appalachian Mountains, from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The speed limit is 45 mph (72 km/h) unless posted otherwise, and there are overlooks all the way. See our Blue Ridge Parkway guide.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

50 miles (80 km) across Glacier National Park in Montana, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, 2,026 m (6,646 ft). Expect mountain walls, lakes and a short season. Our Going-to-the-Sun Road guide has the best time to ride it and the stops.

Beartooth Highway

68 miles (109 km) of US 212 between Red Lodge and Cooke City in Montana, dipping into Wyoming to cross Beartooth Pass at 3,337 m (10,947 ft) on a run of steep switchbacks. It's usually open from Memorial Day weekend (late May) to mid-October, but snow can close it earlier, so check before you go.

Route 66

About 2,400 miles (3,900 km) from Chicago to Santa Monica, across eight states. It's no longer one continuous highway, so you ride what's left of it in sections, past roadside attractions, classic diners and old motels.

US 50 in Nevada

US 50 runs from Ocean City, Maryland, to West Sacramento, California, but the famous part is the 287 miles (462 km) across Nevada between Ely and Fernley. Life magazine called it "The Loneliest Road in America" in 1986. Towns are far apart, so fill up whenever you pass a gas station.

Overseas Highway

The 113 miles (182 km) of US 1 from the Florida mainland to Key West, over 42 bridges. The longest is the Seven Mile Bridge, which is actually 6.7 miles (10.8 km) of open water on both sides. It's a slow, warm, flat ride.

Pacific Coast Highway

California State Route 1 runs 656 miles (1,055 km) along most of the state's coast, with the classic stretch between Los Angeles and San Francisco through Big Sur. Landslides and fires close parts of it from time to time, so check Caltrans QuickMap before you ride.