BEST MOTORCYCLE RIDES IN VIRGINIA

Are you asking the question: What are the best motorcycle rides near me in Virginia? If so, we’ve got a list of the top 7 best Virginia motorcycle rides, complete with the free motorcycle route maps available. Discover the best routes for your motorcycle road trip in Virginia!


MOTORCYCLE RIDES NEAR ME IN VIRGINIA

Looking for curvy roads near me in Virginia? “Virginia Is For (Motorcycle) Lovers!” Below is our detailed list of the best motorcycle rides in Virginia. Riders will appreciate that sentiment with the state’s natural beauty and scenic curves of its storied mountains. This list will answer your question: “What are the best motorcycle rides near me in Virginia (VA)?”

TIPS FOR VIRGINIA MOTORCYCLE RIDES

As you discover places to ride motorcycles in Virginia, keep in mind due to its relatively mild climate, most of these roads offer a comfortable ride year-round. The Appalachian region will have more dramatic weather, including snowfall in winter. Even in warmer weather, it’s best to pack waterproof gear, as storms are common in the higher elevations.

IS THERE A HELMET LAW IN VIRGINIA?

Looking for scenic motorcycle rides in Virginia? If so, be aware Virginia law does require motorcyclists to wear helmets. According to Virginia law, both operators and passengers must wear helmets at all times while riding a motorcycle.
Read more: dmv.virginia.gov

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BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

ROUTE: Blue Ridge Pkwy
DISTANCE: 300 miles (VA side)
TIME: 7.5 hours


One of the most famous and beautiful roads in the entire eastern United States is the Blue Ridge Parkway motorcycle ride, which is a national treasure that runs the entire state of VA. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best motorcycle rides in the U.S. because there’s breathtaking views as well as sweeping curves – all with no stop lights on the entire route. It’s a scenic motorcycle ride that through 26 tunnels, as well as under hand-crafted stone bridges.

How long is the Blue Ridge Parkway to ride by motorcycle?
At 469 miles in length, it would take a motorcycle rider about 12 hours if riding end to end non-stop. There are many overlooks to pull over and take in all the beauty, so allow plenty of time for this road, and enjoy one of the greatest roads in the entire USA!

(photo: J. Park)


Click here for the Parkway motorcycle route map link

ROUTE 250

ROUTE: US-250
DISTANCE: 57 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours


Virginia Route 250 takes you through a beautiful section of the Appalachian Mountains in the southwest corner of the state. There’s some great curves and hair-pin turns to be had on this 2-lane mountain Virginia motorcycle road. This route will take you riding through the deep woods of George Washington National Forest , which at various points offers wide-ranging views of the surrounding mountains. ​Continue west into Monongahela National Forest over the West Virginia state line for some of the best motorcycle riding in WV . US-250 will give motorcycle riders an adrenaline-fueled adventure through some of the best curvy roads Virginia has to offer!


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

BACK OF THE DRAGON

ROUTE: VA-16
DISTANCE: 50 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours


The height of motorcycle riding enjoyment can be had on VA-16, also referred to as the Back of the Dragon . This Virginia motorcycle route is one of the most technical roads in the entire state. Ride among Virginia’s mountains full of twisting curves, switchbacks and various elevation changes. It’s a beautiful, scenic road, but you’ll probably be spending most of your focus on the technical aspect of this ride. Fortunately, there a few nice pull-offs with opportunities to properly take in the fantastic views. Motorcycle riders will also appreciate the fact that there’s very little traffic on this route, which can be started in Tazewell and continues 50 miles to Troutdale. VA-16 is hands down one of the best, curvy roads in the state!
(photo: backofthedragon.com)


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

NELSON SCENIC LOOP

ROUTE: Blue Ridge Pkwy, VA-56, 151, 664
DISTANCE: 50 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours


The Nelson Scenic Loop is a great motorcycle ride which is comprised of four scenic roads — the Blue Ridge Parkway , Patrick Henry Highway (VA Route 151), Route 664 and Route 56. This 50 mile loop traverses the foothills of the Piedmont and the summits of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The ride can be started at the Spruce Creek Park Visitor Center on Route 151 in Wintergreen, Virginia. The natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Crab Tree Falls and the Appalachian Trail mix with historic houses, scenic farms and beautiful mountain views.


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

MILL GAP ROAD

ROUTE: VA-84
DISTANCE: 19 miles
TIME: 30 mins


Route 84 is a short but scenic motorcycle ride which runs from Vanderpool in Highland County through the West Virginia state line into Frost, WV. Mill Gap Road is a curvy road with incredible scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Motorcyclists will also appreciate the fact that Route 84 has broad sweepers that are thoroughly enjoyable to ride, making it one of the top Virginia motorcycle rides!


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

SKYLINE DRIVE

ROUTE: Skyline Dr
DISTANCE: 105 miles
TIME: 3 hours

Located in Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is one of the most scenic drives in the world, and it’s the only road through the park to ride by motorcycle. Skyline Drive is smooth and clean, making it one of the best motorcycle routes in VA. The speed limit is on the lower end at 35 mph, but with it’s great overlooks and spectacular views, it’s a road that should be on every motorcyclist’s bucket list.
A common question many motorcyclists ask is:
Is Skyline Drive part of the Blue Ridge Parkway?
The answer is no. The Skyline Drive is a separate road than the Blue Ridge Parkway. But the two roads are connected in VA. Skyline Drive is the only public road in
Shenandoah National Park and heads north at Afton Mountain, while the Blue Ridge Parkway heads south.


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

US-33

ROUTE: US-33
DISTANCE: 130 miles
TIME: 3 hours


US-33 is one of the best kept secret roads in Virginia. The scenic motorcycle ride on US 33 can be started near Richmond and continues west through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The best section to ride is beginning from the Glen Allen area. The scenery is especially beautiful crossing the mountains in Shenandoah National Park. The route will also take your motorcycle through small towns and miles of scenic Virginia countryside. US 33 continues to be a great motorcycle road in West Virginia .


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

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Please note: Any routes and recommendations are based solely on our opinions and are meant for informational purposes only. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. We assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. You are responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. By using this website you agree to the TERMS OF USE .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I find Virginia motorcycle events?

Visit our friends at BikeWeekEvents.com to find local VA Motorcycle Rallies and all scheduled bike shows happening in Virginia!

How long does it take to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The entire road from Virginia to North Carolina would take about 10 hours if riding straight through. The entire route is 469 miles, and there are no gas stations on the road, so riders will have to take detours to fuel up. If riding an average of 40 mph, and periodically stopping for roadside breaks, it’s best to plan for three or four days.

When is the best time to motorcycle the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The Blue Ridge Parkway spans from Virginia to North Carolina. Despite the relatively mild colder months, the best time to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway is from spring to autumn. Roads are not maintained in the winter, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time for road closure information.

Is the Skyline Drive part of the Blue Ridge Parkway?

No. Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway are two different roads. Skyline Drive is the only public road through Shenandoah National Park., But it does connect with the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.


WHERE CAN I FIND SCENIC MOTORCYCLE ROUTES NEAR ME AROUND VIRGINIA?

GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is the place to find the best motorcycle roads and rides near Virginia and the Southeast United States. Discover more great motorcycle roads in the Southeast with our detailed route descriptions and Google Maps links!