By Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez
www.bikerlawblog.com
Riding a motorcycle is more than just transportation—it’s a way of life. It’s freedom, exhilaration, brotherhood, and connection to the road and your surroundings in a way that four wheels can never deliver. As a lifelong biker and a personal injury attorney who rides and fights for other riders, I know the value of a good ride. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of the best motorcycle rides in the USA for 2025—routes that deliver unmatched beauty, adrenaline, and two-wheel glory.
Whether you’re a weekend cruiser or a long-haul legend, these rides should be on your 2025 bucket list.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1)
Location: California
Length: ~650 miles
Why Ride It: Breathtaking ocean views, dramatic cliffs, winding roads.
There’s a reason this route shows up on almost every “best ride” list. Stretching from San Diego to the northern reaches of California, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is pure magic. Start in the sun-soaked city of San Diego and work your way through Los Angeles, Malibu, Big Sur, Monterey, and all the way to the redwood forests of the north.
Pro tip: Try to hit Big Sur during sunrise. The early morning mist over the Pacific is unforgettable. Just be cautious—this road can be technical with tight curves and distracted tourists.
2. Tail of the Dragon (Deals Gap – US 129)
Location: North Carolina / Tennessee border
Length: 11 miles
Why Ride It: 318 curves in 11 miles.
Short but savage, the Tail of the Dragon is a rite of passage for American riders. It’s legendary for a reason. The ride is all about technical skill and control, with blind turns and no intersections. No trucks are allowed, so it’s all motorcycles, sports cars, and adrenaline.
This route is not for beginners, and it demands total focus. But if you want to push your limits and test your riding skills, this is the one.
3. Beartooth Highway (US 212)
Location: Montana / Wyoming
Length: 68 miles
Why Ride It: High-altitude mountain riding at its best.
Beartooth Pass rises to almost 11,000 feet and delivers scenery that will stop you in your tracks—snowcapped peaks, glacial lakes, and alpine meadows. The road snakes between Montana and Wyoming, connecting to Yellowstone National Park.
Riding this in late spring or early summer gives you the best of both worlds: clear roads and cool mountain air. But bring layers—it can snow even in July.
4. Blue Ridge Parkway
Location: Virginia to North Carolina
Length: 469 miles
Why Ride It: Rolling hills, forest tunnels, and scenic pull-offs.
If you’re looking for a relaxing ride with moderate curves and unmatched beauty, the Blue Ridge Parkway is your road. No stoplights, no billboards—just pure riding bliss through Appalachian mountain country. Speed limits are low, but that’s the point. This ride is for cruising, sightseeing, and clearing your mind.
Best time to go: October for the fall foliage. The leaves turn into a blazing sea of orange and red.
5. The Black Hills and Needles Highway
Location: South Dakota
Length: Variable (depends on route)
Why Ride It: Twisting tunnels, granite spires, Mt. Rushmore views.
South Dakota’s Black Hills offer one of the most unique riding experiences in the country. The Needles Highway (SD 87) winds through tunnels carved straight into rock formations, with hairpin turns and narrow passes. Pair this with Iron Mountain Road and Custer State Park, and you’ve got a day of riding that feels like something out of a dream.
It’s no wonder hundreds of thousands of bikers flock to nearby Sturgis each August—this area is tailor-made for motorcycles.
6. Going-to-the-Sun Road
Location: Glacier National Park, Montana
Length: 50 miles
Why Ride It: Jaw-dropping views of glacial valleys and waterfalls.
Open only during the warmer months (typically late June to early October), Going-to-the-Sun Road offers a short but stunning ride through the heart of Glacier National Park. Waterfalls, wildlife, and winding elevation make this one of the most scenic roads in the world.
It’s ideal for cruisers and touring bikes. Stop often, take photos, and remember that this road is a national treasure.
7. Cherohala Skyway
Location: Tennessee / North Carolina
Length: 43 miles
Why Ride It: Smooth sweepers, scenic ridges, and less traffic.
Often overshadowed by its neighbor, Tail of the Dragon, the Cherohala Skyway is a hidden gem. It offers high-speed sweepers with much less congestion. The road climbs to over 5,400 feet and passes through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests (hence the name).
Tip: Combine this ride with the Tail of the Dragon for a full day of high-thrill mountain riding.
8. Coastal Route 1 – Maine to New Hampshire
Location: Northeast Coast
Length: 200+ miles
Why Ride It: Quaint fishing towns, lighthouses, ocean breeze.
The rocky coastline of New England delivers a more laid-back but equally rewarding ride. Lobster shacks, colonial towns, and miles of Atlantic views make this a soul-recharging route. Route 1 is well-paved and accessible, and the small-town vibe is a big change from the usual hustle.
Ride in late spring or early fall to avoid peak tourist season, and enjoy a chilled-out coastal experience.
9. Route 66 (Select Segments)
Location: Illinois to California
Length: 2,448 miles (original route)
Why Ride It: Nostalgia, Americana, and roadside charm.
While the full Route 66 is more of a time capsule than a complete route these days, riding parts of it—especially in Arizona, New Mexico, and California—still captures that classic American road trip feel. Think: neon signs, diners, old motels, and open skies.
Perfect for history buffs and anyone wanting a taste of 20th-century Americana on two wheels.
10. Highway 550 – The Million Dollar Highway
Location: Colorado
Length: 25 miles (between Ouray and Silverton)
Why Ride It: Steep drop-offs, no guardrails, pure adrenaline.
Not for the faint of heart, this stretch of the San Juan Skyway offers breathtaking views and heart-pounding riding. It’s narrow, there are no guardrails, and every turn feels like you’re flying off the edge of the Rockies.
If you’re an experienced rider and want to add a thrill to your 2025 calendar, put this one high on the list.
My Final Thoughts from the Biker Lawyer
These are just ten of the best rides in the United States—but the truth is, every road can be the best road if you’re on two wheels with the wind in your face.
As always, ride safe. Wear protective gear. Maintain your bike. And if you’re ever injured because of someone else’s negligence, know that I’ve got your back—on the road and in the courtroom.
See you out there.🏍️
Norman Gregory Fernandez
Biker Lawyer | Personal Injury Attorney
📍 www.bikerlawblog.com
🌐 www.thepersonalinjury.com