BEST MOTORCYCLE RIDES IN ALABAMA

ROUTE: AL-176
DISTANCE: 16 miles
TIME: 30 mins

This 2-lane motorcycle route in Alabama meanders through the deep forest of the Little River Canyon Natural Preserve. It’s one of our shorter motorcycle rides on our list, but very picturesque. Start this Alabama motorcycle ride at the Overlook Trail along the Little River Canyon. It’s a fun, twisty road, and there are numerous overlooks to enjoy the canyon and waterfalls along the way. Autumn is possibly the best time to experience this ride when foliage is at its peak. But at any time of year, the scenic views won’t disappoint! While many of Alabama’s most famous scenic motorcycle roads consists of overpasses, dams and overlook canyons, the deep trek down the Little River Canyon makes for a fantastic ride in the Heart of Dixie!


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

ROUTE: AL-25
DISTANCE: 20 miles
TIME: 30 mins

This is truly one of the best motorcycle roads in Alabama, and one of the most exciting as far as the challenge. There’s fantastic scenery and beautiful views crossing over the mountain, as you ride with river canyon overlooks and giant rock formations off to the side. This route connects between AL-411 and AL-231 just east of Birmingham. Riders can expect great sweeping turns and some dramatic hairpin turns, especially around Thomson Gap and Coosa Mountain. The pavement is also in good condition overall. Hone your technical skills as you ride through central Alabama’s rural areas. While there’s something to be said about riding the entire 257 mile State Highway 25, this section between Leeds and Vincent is the most exhilarating section. Best of all, it’s off-limits to commercial vehicles.


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

ROUTE: Natchez Trace Pkwy
DISTANCE: 33 miles (AL side)
TIME: 35 mins

The National Park’s website calls it “A Drive Through 10,000 Years of History.” This Alabama motorcycle route runs through the heart of De Soto National Forest and has plenty of scenic nature views while you traverse the hills. It roughly follows the “Old Natchez Trace” – a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, European settlers and soldiers. The thick piney wood forests generally conceal most of the landscape from the surrounding roads in this forest, so the open space here is a nice respite. This motorcycle road is not very heavily traveled so it’s a quiet ride with commercial traffic being prohibited. And best of all? There’s not stop signs, stop lights or cross traffic! Just cruise among the beautiful scenery and historic sights. It’s one of the most unique motorcycle rides in the country. The entire road starts in TN, which makes it one of the best motorcycle routes in Tennessee, and it ends all the way down in Mississippi. The Alabama section cuts through the northwestern tip of the state, and is about 33 miles in length.


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

ROUTES: AL-49, 281, Hwy 9
DISTANCE: 52 miles
TIME: 1 hour

The “Talladega” name says it all; this is where you’re going to get your money’s worth for Alabama scenery. This Alabama motorcycle route is especially scenic on the northern part of the loop in the beautiful and rugged part of the Talladega National Forest. Follow this route leading up to Cheaha Mountain (at 2,799ft) where there are many more great roads that are rideable virtually the entire year. Route 49 comes off the south side of the mountain and rolls through farms, meadows and small towns and beautiful foliage in the fall. This route includes the Talladega Scenic Drive, which is a great ride all by itself and runs through the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains. The lush forest stands as a testament to how great all national forests and parks are for motorcycle riders as they preserve the beauty of nature.


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

ROUTES: AL-227, County Road 67
DISTANCE: 32 miles
TIME: 45 mins

Ride along the beautiful forests, waterfront roads and causeways near Lake Guntersville in the northwestern part of Alabama. There’s some of the best twisties you’ll find in the entire state, along with some great scenery leading through Lake Guntersville State Park. For most of the ride, you’ll be following alongside the lake and the Tennessee River. This is a great Alabama motorcycle ride in just about any season, and as of 2024, there’s smooth road pavement quality. This is a great road for riders of all skill levels, as there are lots of easy twisting curves along with the excellent lake views. It’s generally just a peaceful ride. And it’s a great alternative than taking the nearby US-79. If you’re looking for motorcycle rides near me in Alabama, don’t miss the route along Guntersville Lake!


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

ROUTES: AL-159
DISTANCE: 31 miles
TIME: 35 mins

Looking for a motorcycle road near Birmingham, AL? Route 159 can be found just over an hour west from the state’s capital. Start this route in Gordo, AL and ride north 31 miles to Fayette, AL. It’s a scenic, hilly road which motorcyclists will find to be a rather nice, peaceful ride. You’ll see pasture land, rolling hills, and even some elevation changes.


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

ROUTES: AL-33, AL-195
DISTANCE: 46 miles
TIME: 1 hour

A northern Alabama mainstay for motorcycle riders, the twisty roads of Alabama’s largest National Forest are a must if you’re nearby. Take this route from Moulton along AL-33 through the forest to Jasper along AL-195. The diverse scenery includes bluffs, canyons, natural springs, and lakes. There are four recreation areas if you want to cool off and check out one of it’s amazing waterfall hikes, or get into some less-intensive open-air riding. Enjoy the historical sites that are abundant in this dense ride.


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route 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!