Best Motorcycle Rides Near Huntsville
Looking for the best motorcycle rides near Huntsville, AL? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Huntsville sits right on the edge of Alabama’s most dramatic mountain and canyon landscapes, making it a fantastic base for scenic motorcycle routes.
Each Huntsville motorcycle route includes:
- Free interactive Google Maps links for every route
- Detailed ride info (distance, time, best season)
- Full GPX files instantly downloadable for our Patreon Premium members (perfect for Garmin or GPS navigation)
From rolling valleys to rugged sandstone cliffs, these great motorcycle roads in Huntsville offer the best mix of curves, scenery, and smooth pavement near northern Alabama.
1. Little River Canyon Parkway (16 miles)
2. Lake Guntersville Ride (32 miles)
3. State Route 65 (28 miles)
Tips for Motorcycle Riding in Huntsville
- Bring layers—temperatures vary widely between valleys and higher elevations.
- Cell service can be limited in canyon and forest areas.
- Watch for wildlife near dawn and dusk, especially around Little River Canyon and Guntersville.
- Fuel up before rural routes; long stretches lack services.
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1. Little River Canyon Parkway
- START/END: Fort Payne to Little River Canyon Parkway Reserve
- ROUTE: AL-176
- DISTANCE: 16 miles
- RIDE TIME: 30 mins
- BEST TIME: Spring & Fall
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
The Little River Canyon Parkway is one of Alabama’s most dramatic motorcycle routes, offering sweeping canyon rims, tight curves, and panoramic overlooks. Beginning near Fort Payne, this route follows the edge of Little River Canyon National Preserve, giving riders constant views of cliffs, waterfalls, and deep forest.
The pavement is generally smooth, and the gentle elevation changes make it a thrilling but approachable ride. With multiple overlooks and places to stop, riders can take in the scenery at their own pace, making it one of the best motorcycle roads near Huntsville, AL.
Click for the Google maps motorcycle route link.
2. Lake Guntersville Ride
- START/END: Guntersville to Scottsboro
- ROUTE: AL-227, County Rd 67
- DISTANCE: 32 miles
- RIDE TIME: 45 mins
- BEST TIME: Spring & Fall
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
This lakeside run lets riders enjoy Alabama’s largest lake with a mix of smooth sweepers, forested shoreline, and open-water views. Starting near Guntersville State Park, AL-227 curves along the eastern edge of the lake before connecting to County Road 67 toward Scottsboro.
The ride offers light traffic, wide curves, and beautiful scenery, including elevated ridge views and calm stretches beside the water. Riders will appreciate how the forest canopy provides shade in warmer seasons, making this a relaxing yet memorable curvy motorcycle route near Huntsville.
Click for the Google maps motorcycle route link.
3. State Route 65
- START/END: Paint Rock to Estillfork
- ROUTE: AL-65
- DISTANCE: 29 miles
- RIDE TIME: 45 mins
- BEST TIME: Fall (vibrant foliage)
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
Route AL-65 is a hidden gem motorcycle near Huntsville that’s quiet, scenic, and surrounded by country farmland. The road is great for motorcyclists because it offers rolling hills to ride among, and Appalachian mountain ridges. Beginning near the small town of Paint Rock, the highway travels north through a peaceful valley lined with rocky bluffs and open fields before reaching Estillfork.
The road is known for gentle curves and smooth pavement, making it ideal for riders who want a laid-back, scenic cruise without heavy traffic or abrupt elevation changes. It’s one of the most relaxing motorcycle rides in northern Alabama.
Click for the Google maps motorcycle route link.
Discover more Alabama motorcycle rides
If you’re looking for more of the best roads to ride motorcycles, visit our Alabama page for the Top 7 Best Motorcycle Routes in Alabama!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes — Huntsville is one of Alabama’s best hubs for motorcycle riders. With proximity to mountains, lakes, canyons, and low-traffic backroads, the area offers scenic routes in every direction within a short drive.
About the Author
Seth Profenna
Native to Northeastern United States, Seth Profenna has been following his passion for discovering the best roads to ride motorcycles for over 10 years.
Why this website?
GreatMotorcycleRoads.com has been created for like-minded riders who are looking for an easy-to-navigate source for the best motorcycle rides in America and around the world.
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