You know autumn is near even before the leaves begin to turn, don’t you? Whether it’s the angle of the sun in the sky, zero humidity, or perfect sleeping temps; the most beautiful time of the year—and the best time to ride—is just around the corner.
If you haven’t already planned your fall freedom runs, allow us to assist. Wherever you are in the big old US of A, Discount ESP has got the best fall motorcycle road trips near you. Here they are in order from west to east and north to south.
Best fall motorcycle road trips
Hawaii
Riding in Hawaii is best on the big island — the only decision being whether to go down to the volcano or up to the ranch land. Oh what the hell. Do both. From Kona go south to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. After stopping to peer into the crater, head northeast to Hilo and then north along the ocean for miles before turning west to Waimea. At Parker Ranch you can set for a spell and spend some time hunting across thousands of acres ranging in elevation from sea level to 8,000 ft. Maybe this isn’t a day trip, maybe it’s a weekend. Or a lifetime.
Alaska
If you’ve waited until September to ride in Alaska, the Seward Highway is your best bet. It runs from Anchorage south to Seward through the Kenai Peninsula, Chugach National Forest, and Kenai Mountains. With an average high of 56.4℉ and low of 43.6℉ in September, you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular scenery from the beginning to the end of this idyllic ride.
The Journey Ends For Lewis and Clark: Oregon and Washington
It took Merriweather Lewis and William Clark two years to get from Missouri to Oregon. We’re going to make it easy on you and send you through the last, most beautiful part of that trip — the Columbia River Gorge. If you’re looking for jaw-dropping views and superb riding, it doesn’t get much better than this. Take Hwy 14 on the Washington side starting at Dallesport. Head west through Portland (sorry, it can’t be helped) and pick up Hwy 26 to 101 to the mouth of the Columbia River in Astoria.
California
Forget PCH. In California, it’s “The Redwoods” baby. And it doesn’t get any better than the northern coast where you’re away from all (except the best) of the craziness of the Golden State. This guide gives it to you straight except that they understate the awesomeness of Jedediah State Park. We forgive them. We leave you with an honorable mention for Joshua Tree National Park.
Nevada
Pick any lonely road. Nevada is a large, empty state with isolated highways threading off into the horizon and nothing but desert on either side. You might choose the Big Smoky Valley Scenic drive on Highway 376 in the uber-remote center of the state. Figuring out how to get there will be half the fun. Or perhaps Highway 50 – the “loneliest road in America”. And, if you want your peace and quiet a little closer to civilization, there’s always State Route 28 along the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. Catharsis awaits.
Idaho and Montana
According to one writer, “The world is full of bastards, the number increasing rapidly the further one gets from Missoula, Montana.” We don’t want you to run into any of them, so this trip is going to start you in Coeur d’Alene Idaho and get you closer to Missoula with each mile under your wheels. And please, stay off of I90 for crying out loud. Take Hwy 95 to Hwy 2 to Hwy 93. It’ll take you within spitting distance of Glacier National Park and alongside Flathead Lake south of Kalispell. Fly-fishing anyone?
Utah
Zion National Park is small but mighty. Tucked down in the southwest corner of Utah, not for nothin’ is it a fan favorite, attracting more than four million visitors a year. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of room for everyone, especially in October, when you’re going to want to ride the Zion National Park Scenic Byway. The sky is brilliant blue and the indirect sunlight of approaching winter gives a color to the canyons that you won’t be able to describe.
Arizona
In Arizona, it’s Highway 89A from the forests of Flagstaff to the canyons of Sedona. A local property developer says it best, “Considered one of the BEST routes in Arizona as well as the entire western half of the U.S…If you go in the October/November time frame, you might be lucky enough to see the aspens and oaks in their full fall glory.” We question the use of the word “might”. There is no try, only do.
Colorado
The San Juan Skyway is dazzling in autumn, but your window of opportunity is short — the last two weeks of September and maybe the first few days of October. If you’re reading this in the middle of September, get your ass moving. He who hesitates has to wait until next year.
Route 66—New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri
This one is kind of obvious for a bike trip, EXCEPT THAT we’re keeping you out of Chicago and LA. You can thank us later. Starting in Santa Fe and ending in St. Louis, this part of Route 66 has a lazy, dusty, diner vibe of its own that you just can’t fake. It will take three days at least, more if you’re lucky. Here are the maps: New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Can we come along for the ride?
The Lake Michigan Circle Tour—Michigan and Wisconsin
Having completed the Lake Michigan Circle Tour in a car, we swear to you that it is 100x better on a bike…if you stay out of Indiana and Illinois. Mercifully, you can do that by taking the ferry. The trip includes views of Lake Michigan and Green Bay as you ride through Wisconsin, crossing the Mackinac Bridge from the UP to the mitt, and riding through the “tunnel of trees” in Michigan. Everything’s been written up here by a couple of splendid bikers. The UP is no fun in November so get moving.
Arkansas
Everybody knows Pig Trail and it is legendary. But you’ve probably already ridden it so we’re going to turn your attention to Talimena National Scenic Byway. It’s well known for its “flaming autumn foliage”. You’ll enjoy some tight curves and crest Rich Mountain at 2,681 ft. Ride for the weekend or just a day.
The Blues Highway—Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana
The Blues Highway from Memphis to New Orleans is 400 miles of Americana, combined with wistful views as you wind along just east of the southern Mississippi river. If you can only do one fall ride on this list, choose the Blues. Here’s a good line-up of places to stop or just head south out of Memphis and let the spirit of the Delta guide you.
Alabama
The Talladega Scenic Byway is perfect for autumn. During late October or early November, you’ll see the peak of southern fall foliage and have perfect weather to boot. The route through Talladega National Forest and Cheaha State Park is both challenging and beautiful. If you live in the south you can ride it on a whim. We hope you do.
The Appalachian Trail Roadways—Maine, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia
You knew you could hike it but did you know you could ride it? Not gonna lie. It’s a biggie. You’ll need to plan a little but if you start in Maine at the peak of fall colors, you can end your trip with a sweet tea in Georgia wiping the sweat from your brow. There will be tales to tell.
Connecticut and Rhode Island
For foliage and farms, the Western Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut loop is hard to beat. Starting and ending in Newport, it’s a throwback to country roads, apples, and pumpkins. You might be forgiven for thinking you’ve traveled back in time. Perhaps you have.
Delmarva—Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia
Ride Delmarva in the fall for beer, beaches, and birds. It’s true. The fall raptor migration can be seen at the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory. Falcons and hawks are super cool by themselves. But seen in flight, by the thousands; they are breathtaking. After channeling your inner bird-of-prey, you can visit the Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland and stop for a beer at Dogfish Head in Delaware. Seriously. Does life get any better?
Florida
It’s no surprise that you don’t go to Florida in November for color. You go to get warm. Especially if you’re from places where the only thing between you and the North Pole is a barbed-wire fence. We see you Fargo. Anyway, since you’re here, we’ll do you a solid and send you south from Miami to mile zero, the southernmost point in the continental United States. Here’s the destination—figure out how to get there.
What do you think? Let us know what your favorite fall motorcycle road trips are when you sign up for Discount ESP coverage today!
