Best Motorcycle Rides in Louisiana 2025-2026: Top 7 Bayou & Twisty Routes

Searching for the best motorcycle rides in Louisiana in 2025–2026? You’ve found the definitive guide!

We’ve ranked the top 7 Louisiana motorcycle routes – from twisting pine forest roads in Kisatchie to iconic Cajun bayou cruises and the mighty Mississippi River levee runs. Every ride includes free interactive Google Maps links, distance, ride time, and the GPX files (exclusive for Patreon members).

Whether you’re looking for the best motorcycle rides near New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport, or anywhere in the Bayou State, these are the roads Louisiana riders live for. Start planning your ultimate Louisiana motorcycle adventure today!

Jump to a Louisiana motorcycle route:


MOTORCYCLE RIDES NEAR ME IN LOUISIANA

Louisiana is home to many landscapes, from regal oaks and their majestic crowns to the mighty cypress and their knobby knees. Let the good times roll on these Louisiana motorcycle roads as you ride along riverside roads and bayou views. This list will answer your question – “What are the best motorcycle rides near me in Louisiana (LA)?”

TIPS FOR LOUISIANA MOTORCYCLE RIDES

If you’re looking for places to a ride motorcycle in Louisiana, riding here is a year-round opportunity, thanks to its mild winters. If you’re planning a ride from October to April, a base layer under your riding jacket and pants will be perfect for the cooler temps. Mesh or ventilated riding gear will help you cope with the heat and humidity in summer.

IS THERE A HELMET LAW IN LOUISIANA?

According to Louisiana state law, it is unlawful in Louisiana to operate or ride on a motorcycle without wearing a safety helmet that’s properly secured by a chin strap. Read more legis.la.gov

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1. Livonia to Plaquemine: Louisiana’s Best Cajun Bayou Twisty Motorcycle Ride

  • ROUTE: LA-77
  • DISTANCE: 46 miles
  • RIDE TIME: 1 hour
  • BEST TIME: Year-round (light traffic)
  • GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
  • GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download


Searching for the best motorcycle ride in Louisiana that feels like pure Cajun Country? Livonia to Plaquemine on LA-77 is a hidden treasure. This enchanting 46-mile stretch follows winding bayous draped in Spanish moss, delivering constant curves, sharp corners, and some of the twistiest bayou roads in Louisiana — all on smooth, low-traffic pavement.

First, you’ll sweep through endless sugar cane fields and past historic farms. Next, the road tightens along the water with surprise bends that keep every mile exciting. Consequently, riders rank LA-77 as one of the most scenic and fun motorcycle routes near Baton Rouge — just 30 minutes west of the capital and an easy escape from New Orleans.

Because it’s flat, shaded, and virtually truck-free, it’s perfect year-round for cruisers or sport-tourers. Whether you want the best motorcycle rides near Baton Rouge, authentic Cajun scenery, or a relaxing half-day loop, Livonia to Plaquemine is Louisiana riding at its finest!


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

2. Ponchatoula to Sorrento: Louisiana’s Best Hidden Gem Bayou Motorcycle Ride

  • ROUTES: LA-22/State Hwy 22
  • DISTANCE: 40 miles
  • RIDE TIME: 1 hour
  • BEST TIME: Spring/Fall (mild humidity)
  • GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
  • GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download


Looking for the best twisty motorcycle ride in Louisiana south of Baton Rouge? Ponchatoula to Sorrento on LA-22 is a rider’s dream. This addictive 40-mile stretch delivers some of the sharpest corners in the state, especially around French Settlement, where the road tightens dramatically along the bayous.

First, you’ll carve flowing sweepers past strawberry fields and riverside homes. Next, the curves get seriously technical — perfect for honing skills on smooth, low-traffic pavement. Consequently, LA-22 ranks as one of the twistiest and most fun motorcycle routes near New Orleans and Baton Rouge — just 45 minutes from either city.

Because it’s flat, shaded, and virtually truck-free, it’s ideal year-round. Whether you’re searching for the best motorcycle rides in Louisiana, sharp bayou roads near Hammond, or a quick adrenaline loop, Ponchatoula to Sorrento is pure Cajun riding excitement — add the optional LA-444/42 detour for even more twists!


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

3. New Roads to Baton Rouge: Louisiana’s Most Relaxing Mississippi River Levee Ride

  • ROUTE: LA-415
  • DISTANCE: 32 miles
  • RIDE TIME: 45 mins
  • BEST TIME: Any (low traffic)
  • GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
  • GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download


Craving a peaceful motorcycle ride near Baton Rouge with big-river views? New Roads to Baton Rouge on LA-415 is the perfect escape. This easy-going 32-mile route hugs the top of the Mississippi River levee, offering long, flowing sweepers and wide-open vistas of endless green fields and the mighty river below.

First, you’ll cruise high above the water on smooth, elevated pavement with virtually no traffic. Next, the gentle bends let you relax while soaking in classic Louisiana countryside scenery. Consequently, LA-415 stands out as one of the most relaxing and scenic motorcycle routes near Baton Rouge — just 30 minutes from downtown and an ideal quick loop from New Orleans.

Because it’s flat and straight-forward, it suits every rider and bike style year-round. Whether you want a chill sunset cruise, a stress-free commute alternative, or simply the best river levee ride in Louisiana, this route delivers pure Bayou State serenity!


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

4. Boom or Bust Scenic Byway: Louisiana’s Most Underrated Motorcycle Ride

  • ROUTES: LA-2, LA-146
  • DISTANCE: 92 miles
  • RIDE TIME: 2 hours
  • BEST TIME: Spring (blooming)
  • GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
  • GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download


Searching for one of the best motorcycle routes in Louisiana away from the bayous? The Boom or Bust Scenic Byway is a National Scenic Road that follows Highway 2 and is a north Louisiana treasure. This relaxing yet engaging motorcycle route stretches from the Texas line. Riders can pick up LA-146 through historic small towns to Homer and southeast for a road that winds through rolling pine forests, sparkling lakes, and blooming wildflower fields.

First, you’ll sweep gentle bends under a shady canopy of tall pines. Next, open farmland and quiet bayous add variety with almost zero traffic. Consequently, the Boom or Bust Byway ranks as one of the most scenic and peaceful motorcycle routes in north Louisiana — perfect for cruisers or touring bikes seeking authentic rural charm.

Because it’s far from interstates yet easy from Shreveport or Monroe, it’s an ideal day trip. Whether you want the best motorcycle rides near Shreveport, quiet pine forest roads, or a spring wildflower explosion, this hidden gem delivers pure Louisiana backcountry beauty!


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

5. Route 307: Louisiana’s Hidden Plantation Backroad Gem

  • ROUTE: LA-307
  • DISTANCE: 19 miles
  • RIDE TIME: 30 mins
  • BEST TIME: Year-round
  • GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
  • GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download


Deep in Cajun Country, LA-307 offers one of the best short motorcycle rides in Louisiana for pure plantation charm. This quick 19-mile gem starts near LA-20 and winds past endless sugar cane fields, historic homes, and oak-lined rural lanes toward Laurel Valley — tightening into fun corners the further you go.

First, the road feels open and relaxed through agricultural flatlands. Next, it narrows with surprising bends that keep things interesting without overwhelming beginners. Consequently, Route 307 stands out as a favorite quiet backroad ride near Thibodaux and Houma — just an hour from New Orleans and perfect for a morning or afternoon escape.

Because it mixes residential stretches with open farmland, traffic stays light year-round. Whether you’re after authentic Cajun scenery, a relaxed cruise, or an easy add-on to longer bayou loops, LA-307 delivers classic Louisiana character every mile!


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

6. Glenmora to Washington: Central Louisiana’s Premier Hidden Gem Motorcycle Ride

  • ROUTES: Turkey Creek Rd, US-167, Chicot Park Rd, LA-363
  • DISTANCE: 54 miles
  • RIDE TIME: 1 hour
  • BEST TIME: Fall (cooler)
  • GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
  • GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download


Want one of the best motorcycle rides in Louisiana for quiet pine-forest cruising? Glenmora to Washington is a central Louisiana favorite. This relaxing 54-mile route strings together Turkey Creek Rd, US-167, Chicot Park Rd, and LA-363, winding through tall pines, open farmland, and the peaceful shores of Cocodrie Lake and Chicot State Park.

First, you’ll enjoy flowing wooded sweepers with almost no traffic. Next, optional detours into Chicot State Park add lake views and shaded curves. Consequently, this road ranks as one of the most scenic and underrated motorcycle routes near Alexandria and Lafayette — just an hour from either city.

Because the pavement stays smooth and the scenery shifts from farms to deep forest, it’s perfect year-round for cruisers or adventure bikes. Whether you’re looking for the best pine forest rides in Louisiana, a chill escape from I-49, or a full-day loop with park stops, Glenmora to Washington delivers classic central Louisiana beauty every mile!


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

7. Bogue Chitto Loop: Louisiana’s Most Twisty Northshore Motorcycle Ride

  • ROUTES: LA-21, LA-40
  • DISTANCE: 62 miles
  • RIDE TIME: 1 hour
  • BEST TIME: Spring/Fall
  • GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
  • GPX FILE: (PATREON MEMBERS): Download


Ready to tackle the curviest motorcycle ride in Louisiana? The Bogue Chitto Loop (LA-21 & LA-40) delivers the state’s hilliest terrain north of Lake Pontchartrain. This addictive 62-mile northshore gem starts in Bush, climbs through rolling pine-covered hills to Bogalusa, then blasts back south via LA-40 — one of the curviest and most elevation-rich roads in Louisiana.

First, LA-21 offers flowing sweepers along the Bogue Chitto River. Next, LA-40 explodes with tight, hilly corners that demand focus and reward lean angle. Consequently, riders call this the best twisty motorcycle route near Covington and Mandeville — just 45 minutes from New Orleans and an easy escape from Baton Rouge.

Because traffic stays light and the pavement is smooth, it’s perfect year-round for motorcyclists chasing curves. Whether you want the hilliest motorcycle ride in Louisiana, northshore twisties near Slidell, or a thrilling half-day trip, the Bogue Chitto Loop is pure adrenaline with river scenery as the bonus!


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

LOOKING FOR MORE?

Join us on Patreon to unlock these bonus features and more:

ROUTE PLANNING

Maps showing where routes are located within each US state.

GPX FILES

GPX files are available for download with each US motorcycle route.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS

Exclusive video content on the best motorcycle rides

MORE ROUTES

Bonus motorcycle routes for US & Canada

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I find Louisiana motorcycle events?

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

Where can I ride a motorcycle in New Orleans?

Route 307 is a great ride just under one hour away from New Orleans. Route 22 in Sorrento is also an hour east of New Orleans, and is a great road up to Ponchatoula.

Any bloggers or website articles that would like to use these routes, please refer to the TERMS OF USE .


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 .

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

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