Best Motorcycle Rides in Alabama 2025-2026: Top 7 Scenic & Twisty Routes

• START/END: Fort Payne to Little River Canyon Parkway Reserve
• ROUTE: AL-176
• DISTANCE: 16 miles
• RIDE TIME: 30 mins
• BEST TIME: Fall (peak foliage colors)
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
  

One of the best motorcycle rides in Alabama, the Little River Canyon Parkway (AL-176) delivers non-stop twists and jaw-dropping views through the Little River Canyon National Preserve – often called the “Grand Canyon of the East.”

In addition, this short but spectacular 16-mile stretch of smooth 2-lane pavement hugs the rim of one of the deepest canyons east of the Mississippi, with constant sweepers, tight corners, and dramatic drop-offs that make it a rider favorite.

Moreover, it’s a perfect blend of flowing curves and technical sections, with endless canyon overlooks and thundering waterfalls (Little River Falls is a must-stop).

Simply start at the Little River Canyon Overlook Trail near Fort Payne and ride the full AL-176 rim road. Whether you’re searching for the most scenic motorcycle roads in Alabama , the twistiest rides near Chattanooga, or just an unforgettable half-hour blast from Birmingham or Huntsville, this route belongs on every rider’s bucket list. Plus, year-round beauty, zero traffic, and pure Appalachian foothills magic – the Little River Canyon Parkway is hands-down one of the top motorcycle routes in Alabama.


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• START/END: Vincent to Leads
• ROUTE: AL-25
• DISTANCE: 20 miles
• RIDE TIME: 30 mins
• BEST TIME: Year-round (smooth pavement)
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

Hands-down one of the best motorcycle rides in Alabama and the undisputed twistiest road in the state , the legendary Alabama Dragon on AL-25 (Leeds to Vincent section) is a must-ride for any sport-touring or sports bike rider. This 20-mile dragon-slaying stretch east of Birmingham serves up relentless sweeping turns, dramatic hairpins, and elevation changes around Thomson Gap and Coosa Mountain — all on smooth, truck-free pavement (commercial vehicles banned!)

In fact, riders can expect pure adrenaline with non-stop curves and technical hairpins that rival the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap. Riders will love the Jaw-dropping river canyon overlooks, massive rock formations, and rolling rural countryside.

Start near AL-411 in Leeds and finish in Vincent on AL-231 — the heart of the 257-mile Highway 25, but this central Alabama gem is the most exhilarating 20 miles you’ll find. Perfect for riders searching for the twistiest motorcycle roads in Alabama, best sportbike routes near Birmingham, or an epic day ride from Huntsville or Montgomery. So, hone your cornering skills and conquer the Alabama Dragon — it’s the ride locals live for!


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• START/END: Cherokee to AL-MS border
• ROUTE: Natchez Trace Pkwy
• DISTANCE: 33 miles (AL side)
• RIDE TIME: 35 mins
• BEST TIME: Autumn (fall colors along the trace)
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

Searching for the best scenic motorcycle rides in Alabama? The Natchez Trace Parkway delivers pure riding bliss. In fact, the National Park Service calls it “A Drive Through 10,000 Years of History.” This pristine 33-mile Alabama section glides through the quiet northwest corner, surrounded by lush pine forests and gentle rolling hills.

Best of all, commercial trucks are banned, and there are zero stop signs, stop lights, or cross traffic — just smooth, uninterrupted cruising at a relaxed pace. Along the way, you’ll enjoy open meadows, historic Native American sites, and peaceful pull-offs that reveal the beauty of the Old Natchez Trace trail.

Consequently, it’s perfect for cruisers, touring bikes, and anyone craving tranquility near Huntsville or Muscle Shoals. Whether you’re adding it to a longer Nashville-to-Natchez adventure or just want Alabama’s most serene ride, this stretch consistently ranks among the top motorcycle routes in the South.


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• START/END: Anniston to Sylacauga
• ROUTES: AL-49, 281, Hwy 9
• DISTANCE: 52 miles
• RIDE TIME: 1 hour
• BEST TIME: Spring (wildflowers blooming)
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

Looking for one of the best motorcycle rides in Alabama with real elevation, flowing curves, and zero traffic? The Talladega Forest Loop delivers exactly that. This 52-mile gem winds deep into the Talladega National Forest along AL-49, AL-281, and Highway 9, climbing toward the stunning Cheaha Mountain – the highest point in Alabama at 2,407 ft.

It’s a great motorcycle ride because of the long sweepers, rolling hills, and smooth forest bends. The scenery offers rugged Appalachian foothills, dense pine forests, open meadows, and panoramic vistas.

Additionally, Motorcyclists will see almost no traffic, especially on the AL-281 climb to Cheaha State Park.

Start in the north near Anniston or Heflin, twist your way south through the forest, and finish with the unforgettable ascent to Cheaha Mountain (don’t skip the Bald Rock boardwalk overlook!). Perfect for anyone searching for the best motorcycle roads near Birmingham, scenic rides near Atlanta, or twisty routes in eastern Alabama . Fall foliage here is unreal, but spring has wildflowers blooming all around.


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• START/END: Guntersville to Scottsboro
• ROUTES: AL-227, County Road 67
• DISTANCE: 32 miles
• RIDE TIME: 45 mins
• BEST TIME: Summer evenings (sunset over water)
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

The Lake Guntersville Loop delivers the best twisty motorcycle ride in Alabama with stunning lake views. This 32-mile gem in northwest Alabama combines some of the twistiest curves in the state with breathtaking waterfront scenery along the massive Tennessee River and Lake Guntersville.

You’ll ride smooth, flowing sweepers on AL-227 and County Road 67, weaving through dense forests, over scenic causeways, and right beside the water — almost the entire route hugs the shoreline. Consequently, it’s perfect for all skill levels: easy, predictable twists plus jaw-dropping lake vistas make it incredibly rewarding yet relaxed.

Moreover, Lake Guntersville State Park offers great stops for photos, picnics, or hikes. Unlike busy US-79, this peaceful alternative has light traffic and excellent pavement year-round. Whether you’re searching for motorcycle rides near me in Alabama , the best scenic routes near Huntsville, or a relaxing day ride from Birmingham, the Lake Guntersville Loop belongs at the top of your list!


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• START/END: Gordo to Fayette
• ROUTES: AL-159
• DISTANCE: 31 miles
• RIDE TIME: 35 mins
• BEST TIME: Summer
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

Searching for a relaxing motorcycle ride near Birmingham? Alabama Route 159 is the perfect escape. Located just over an hour west of the city (and close to Tuscaloosa), this hidden gem delivers 31 miles of smooth, scenic pavement from Gordo north to Fayette.

First, you’ll enjoy gentle sweepers and real elevation changes — rare in central Alabama. Next, the road opens up to sweeping views of rolling pastureland, green hills, and classic rural countryside. Because traffic stays light year-round, it’s incredibly peaceful — ideal for cruisers, beginners, or anyone craving a stress-free ride.

Consequently, AL-159 has become a local favorite as a quieter alternative to I-20/I-59. Whether you’re hunting motorcycle rides near me in Alabama, the best backroads near Birmingham, or a scenic half-day loop from Tuscaloosa, this underrated route belongs on your list.


Click here for the Google maps link

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