BEST MOTORCYCLE RIDES IN KENTUCKY

What are the best motorcycle rides near me in Kentucky? Below is our list for the top 7 Kentucky motorcycle rides:


MOTORCYCLE RIDES NEAR ME IN KENTUCKY

Below is our detailed list for the best motorcycle roads in Kentucky! Kentucky is a beautiful state to ride a motorcycle. The Bluegrass State is brimming with forestry, rivers, lakes, wildlife, and an abundance of great motorcycle roads! Experience the best KY motorcycle rides below with our detailed route descriptions.

TIPS FOR KENTUCKY MOTORCYCLE RIDES

Looking for places to ride motorcycles in Kentucky? Kentucky offers great motorcycle riding virtually all year round. However, the winter months will be cooler, especially in the mountainous region, so all-weather riding gear is the best option for dressing appropriately. Warm weather jackets will be best for the hot summer months.

IS THERE A HELMET LAW IN KENTUCKY?

While you’re discovering these scenic motorcycle rides in Kentucky, keep in mind state law requires all persons under 21 to wear a motorcycle helmet. Helmets are also required to be worn by drivers who have a motorcycle permit and those who have held their motorcycle operator’s license for less than one year.
Read more: transportation.ky.gov

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MOREHEAD TO LOUISA

ROUTE: KY-32
DISTANCE: 66 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours


This 2-lane mountain road twists and curves through the forests of Eastern Kentucky, and stretches across open farmland. This Kentucky motorcycle route is usually very well maintained and is a great country road for riding, especially nice in the fall or spring. Riders will experience beautiful Kentucky mountaintop scenery, as well as of Yatesville Lake. With fast, sweeping curves, mountain twisties, and beautiful scenery, find out why many say motorcycles were invented for rides like Route 32!


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

BEDFORD TO BURLINGTON

ROUTES: US-42, KY-338, KY-18
DISTANCE: 67 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours


Much of this rural KY motorcycle route takes you along the Ohio River and Big Bone Lick State Park. Ride along some of Kentucky’s beautiful horse farms, with winding country roads through the hills. Route 42 is a relaxing ride with nice views overlooking the river. Traffic is usually light on these roads, and there are some great twists and turns to enjoy while taking in the country road scenery through the Kentucky hills. If you’re looking for motorcycle routes near me in Kentucky, don’t miss the scenic ride from Bedford to Burlington, KY!


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

RED RIVER & NADA TUNNEL

ROUTES: KY-77, Bert T. Combs Mtn Pkwy
DISTANCE: 31 miles
TIME: 1 hour


To experience one of the most unique motorcycle roads in Kentucky, take this route through the historic 900-foot long Nada Tunnel, located off of Route 77. Start this Kentucky motorcycle ride in Stanton on the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway, and through the “tunnel” (take your sunglasses off first!). The road eventually turns into Sky Bridge Rd. There’s beautiful scenery on this route, especially that of Kentucky’s towering canyons and the Red River Gorge. In addition to being a great road with lots of elevation changes, you’ll be following the twists and curves of the Red River. Be sure to take side trip through Natural Bridge State Park, as it has some fantastic lookouts.
(photo: flickr.com)


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

KY ROUTE 10

ROUTE: KY-10
DISTANCE: 58 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours


Route 10 offers picturesque country landscape of northern Kentucky. This motorcycle ride in KY is from Alexandria, just southeast from Cincinnati, Ohio. Ride alongside rows of cornfields, and rural scenery to Maysville, KY in the western side of this route. There’s tons of curves to navigate punctuated by mostly short straightaways, winding through low-rolling hills. The landscape is open farm country with few trees, so visibility around these curves is generally good. Optionally veer west onto Route 22 into Falmouth and up KY-27 for a longer loop ride. This great motorcycle road in Kentucky is a favorite among motorcyclists, and will be an enjoyable ride through a mixture of farms and small towns and valleys.


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

RUSSELL CAVE ROAD

ROUTE: KY-353
DISTANCE: 21 miles
TIME: 30 mins


Looking for a great Kentucky motorcycle ride to clear your head? This is the road for you! With 21 miles almost exclusively comprised of farmland, Russell Cave Road offers serene Kentucky motorcycle riding. A morning ride down Russell Road may be one of the most peaceful rides you ever experience in the state. Stop by Mt. Brilliant Farm to bask in the serenity of Lexington’s most treasured landmark, Russell Cave.


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

CUMBERLAND FALLS ROAD

ROUTE: KY-90
DISTANCE: 20 miles
TIME: 30 mins


Route 90 through Cumberland Falls Highway takes riders through a small portion of the beauty Southern Kentucky has to offer. Starting in Parkers Lake, take Route 90 to U.S. 25W. It’s a great KY motorcycle ride through the state’s dense forests. Be sure to stop at Cumberland Falls State Park to check out a glimpse of Cumberland Falls, which sits right in the middle of this motorcycle route. For a longer loop ride, head down Route 27 and back east along Route 478. But whatever road you take in this area, the countryside is beautiful as you navigate the rolling hills in this part of the state.


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

THE RATTLESNAKE

ROUTE: KY-192
DISTANCE: 37 miles
TIME: 1 hour


Located just north of the Tennessee border and west of Interstate 75, the Rattlesnake winds through the foothills of Daniel Boone National Forest from London to Somerset, Kentucky. The road has excellent pavement and sports 150 turns in 12 miles. The road officially runs from Hwy 192 and 1193 west to Buck Creek; however, the next five miles have some great curves too so plan to make the run all the way to Somerset. In 2016, the state officially named Highway 192 “The Rattlesnake” in the hopes of attracting motorcyclists and sports cars drivers to help local tourism. Be sure to stop at the Souvenir Shack at Brake on the Snake for some souvenirs, as well as the Vanhook Falls Trailhead.


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I find Kentucky motorcycle events?

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

Can you ride a motorcycle year round in Kentucky?

Kentucky is situated in an ideal spot in the United States. You’ll have neither the extreme heat of the south nor the bitter cold of the northern states. This means you can motorcycle in Kentucky year-long, but the more mountainous regions can be cooler.

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

GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is the place to find the best motorcycle roads and rides near Kentucky. Discover more great motorcycle roads around KY with our detailed route descriptions and Google Maps links!