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Harley Davidson: The 12 Best Places to Road Trip

Grab your "bucket list" and a pen. It's time to mark down some suggestions for the best road trips you absolutely have to take before you... well, you know.

By David Weitz - March 10, 2016

This article applies to Harley Davidson motorcycles in general.

One of the main reasons I bought a Harley (and there were many) was the fun and possibility of taking incredible road trips with my wife. She loves road trips and since I do most of the driving, I figure I would drive something I really want to drive.

From the beginning, I've kept a list of trips for us to take. Every time I would read about a new possibility, I would add it to the file. I've not taken all of these suggested trips, but they are at or near the top of my list.

I want to suggest you put them at the top of yours, too.

Road Trips You've Simply GOT to Take (In No Particular Order)

Historic Route 66

There's probably no stretch of highway more representative of Americana than Route 66. It's been my dream to ride the entire route. It's some 2,400 miles long, from Chicago to L.A., so you'll want to take it in bite size pieces on multiple trips, or just do a portion of it. Most veterans will tell you to go east to west, as you'll be riding into warmer temperatures. They also say do it in Spring or Fall to avoid the extreme temperatures.

Historic Route 66
Figure 1. Historic Route 66.

Pacific Coast Highway

I haven't taken this trip yet. The main reason is because I'm afraid that once I get on it, you won't be able to get me off it. The 550 miles of PCH stretches up and down almost all of the coast of California along, obviously, the Pacific Ocean. My dream? To retire to Laguna Beach or Newport Beach, California and spend the rest of my days on the Pacific Coast Highway. The parts around Monterey in the bay area are some of the best roads in the country, and the views are so spectacular you almost wouldn't mind riding straight off the cliff into the ocean.

Pacific Coast Highway
Figure 2. Pacific Coast Highway.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkways is nearly 500 miles of scenic twists and turns connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. You are constantly surrounded by trees, mountains, rivers, streams and some of the most beautiful parts of the American South. Since interstate 81 is nearby and a much more modern road, the Blue Ridge attracts just recreational riders/drivers, and has no commercial traffic to block your views.

Blue Ridge Parkway
Figure 3. Blue Ridge Parkway.

Olympic Peninsula Loop (Washington)

Where else can you find a 550-mile trip that goes past miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, dozens of white rapids rivers, through a rainforest, all in a fantastically beautiful national park? I live in the Pacific northwest, and even I am impressed with this trip. It's unlike any of the others on this list.

Pacific Coast on the Olympic Peninsula Loop
Figure 4. Pacific Coast on the Olympic Peninsula Loop.

Eureka, California to Coos Bay, Oregon

You'll figure out by a lot of my recommendations that I'm a freak for the Pacific Ocean. This particular trip is only 250 miles long, but it takes you on Highway 1 through the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. It's a gorgeous trip. One of my dear friend's father lives in Coos Bay, so when you get there, stop in and say, "hi."

Welcome to Coos Bay
Figure 5. Welcome to Coos Bay.

Tunnel of Trees Road (Michigan)

Yes, I live in the Pacific Northwest, but I grew up in Michigan. And this ride is one of the most beautiful you will find. You'll get to ride along the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan (my favorite of the five Great Lakes), you'll go through some dense forests (hence, the name of the ride), and get to see some beautiful summer cabins nestled in the trees. Schedule an extra stop and take a side trip to historic Mackinac Island. You'll have to leave your Harley in the parking log, however, because there are no motorized vehicles allowed on the island. Check out the Grand Hotel, with the longest summer porch in America.

Proud to have grown up in this beautiful place
Figure 6. Proud to have grown up in this beautiful place.

Arkansas Pig Trail

So forget your memories of the movie, "Deliverance." This is a trip worth taking. Tucked in the Boston Mountains region of the Ozark Mountains, you'll find hairpin turns, luscious straightaways, and drop-offs and cliff that are right next to you. Beautiful spring flowers and gorgeous fall colors make these two seasons the perfect time to take this trip. The aptly named Pig Trail is the perfect place to ride your hog.

Let's ride
Figure 7. Let's ride.

George Washington Trail (West Virginia)

In case you didn't know it, your motorcycle was made for twists and turns. In my opinion, you were, too. If so, this is the place to be. Twists, turns, mountains, rivers, scenery, all in one place. You can't ask for anything better. You'll ride on the north edge of the Monongahela National Forest with breathtaking views. Oh, and by the way, when you're done here, you're close to a couple of other great motorcycle road trips including the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Absolutely gorgeous
Figure 8. Absolutely gorgeous.

Tail of the Dragon -- Deal's Gap (North Carolina)

Nestled in the southeastern portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you'll find the number one motorcycle destination road East of the Mississippi. I realize that's a pretty bold claim. But... can you say 318 curves in 11 miles? That's what you'll find in this spectacular ride. If you like movies, you'll probably recognize parts of the ride from some of your favorites because it's a Hollywood favorite.

Bring on those curves
Figure 9. Bring on those curves.

Gettysburg

This may be near the bottom of this list, but it's at the top of mine. One of my most unforgettable experiences ever was spending time in Gettysburg. Imagine my excitement when I found out there are motorcycle tours of this sacred area and even a Gettysburg Bike Week in the summer. What better way to experience one of the most dramatic and critical places of American history? Bring your kids, because it is educational, but that doesn't mean it isn't a great trip.

Witness history from your Harley
Figure 10. Witness history from your Harley.

Grand Canyon, Arizona to Moab, Utah

Okay, so we said, "Grand Canyon." Do we have to say anything else? Just in case, how about this? 862 miles. Six national parks. Some of the best and epic canyons in the Southwest (not including the Grand Canyon). Make it a 10-day trip just to be sure you see all that you can see. Your vocabulary will suddenly become limited to "Wow."

Wow
Figure 11. Wow!!!

Yosemite National Park

This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places, not only in America, but on earth. And ten bucks will get you in on your motorcycle for seven days of absolutely stunning scenery and beauty. The 26th President, Teddy Roosevelt once said, "I wouldn't miss this for anything -- this is bully!" And he was on foot. Imagine what he might have said from the saddle of a Harley. You owe it to yourself; you deserve it. Ride through Yosemite.

Spectacular
Figure 12. Spectacular road and a view of Half Dome.

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