BEST MOTORCYCLE RIDES IN NEW YORK
What are the best motorcycle rides near me in New York State? Below is our list for the Top 7 Best New York Motorcycle Rides:
MOTORCYCLE RIDES NEAR ME IN NEW YORK
Below is our in-depth list for the best NY motorcycle rides! Beyond the borders of the Big Apple are motorcycle roads along deep mountain ravines, swiftly moving rivers and quaint villages. From the scenery of lush forests and crystal-clear lakes of the Adirondacks, to the long stretches of scenic farmland in the south – these are the best motorcycle rides in New York.
BEST MOTORCYCLE ROUTES IN THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS
The Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York offer some of the best motorcycle rides in the state. If you’re looking for places to ride a motorcycle in the Adirondack Mountains, these are the 2 best routes to take:
– Malone to Otter Lake on NY-30 and NY-28
– Paul Smiths to Underwood on routes NY-86 and NY-73
IS THERE A HELMET LAW IN NY?
While you’re discovering great motorcycle rides in NY, keep in mind the state’s law. All motorcycle operators and passengers must wear approved motorcycle helmets as defined by USDOT. Additionally, all motorcyclists must wear approved
eye protection even if the motorcycle has a windshield.
Read more
here.
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MALONE TO OTTER LAKE
ROUTE: NY-30, NY-28
DISTANCE: 138 miles
TIME: 3 hours
One of the best New York motorcycle rides in the Adirondack region is this route which starts at NY-30, and passes along lakes and mountain views and leading into the curvier portion near Saranac Lake. As an option, circle around this lake region looping around Route 186 and 3 for more great scenery of this Adirondack Mountain region. Look out for slow moving traffic near downtown Old Forge area. There are a lot of options to tour the Adirondack area, but Malone to Otter Lake on Routes 30 and 28 is one of the best to take by motorcycle.
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
PAUL SMITH TO UNDERWOOD
ROUTES: NY-86, NY-73
DISTANCE: 56 miles
TIME: 1 hour
This motorcycle road in New York through the Adirondack Mountains connects from Route 30 and Route 9. East of the famous Lake Placid, Route 73 is particularly impressive, riding along the Giant Mountain Wilderness region. Just west of Keene, is a portion of road that carves itself beside the Cascade Mountain and Cascade Lake. The views here are breathtaking as you navigate the narrow mountain road. With great villages, towns and amenities, this will offer great upstate NY scenery for traveling motorcyclists. Find out why NY-86 and NY-73 are some of the best New York motorcycle rides in the state!
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Google maps motorcycle route link
US ROUTE 20
ROUTE: US-20
DISTANCE: 95 miles
TIME: 2 hours
New York’s longest surface road is also one of the best motorcycle roads in the state. Motorcycle riders will experience a variety of elevation changes as the road repeatedly switches between two and four lanes. This scenic NY motorcycle ride climbs high ground and descends into valley ridges. Portions of this historic road is named Cherry Valley Turnpike, and expands among vast hillsides and farmland. It’s a nice, wide road, with lots of history along the way. The best part of the route to ride by motorcycle is from Pompey, NY to Esperance, NY.
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
NY ROUTE 22
ROUTE: NY-22
DISTANCE: 107 miles
TIME: 2 hours
One of the best motorcycle rides in New York is NY-22, which is a fantastic route through the foothills of the Berkshires. Route 22 can be taken all the way up to the Canadian border, but some of the best riding is from Comstock, NY to Millerton, NY. Rolling hills and farmland occupies this relaxing scenic road as you ride among the twists of the eastern part of the state, close to the Massachusetts and Vermont state lines. Further south towards Millerton, the road really opens up with incredible views of the nearby mountains. Motorcyclists will not get much by way of traffic on this route, making it a leisurely but thoroughly enjoyable ride you would not want to miss!
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
EXPLORE MORE >>
HAWK’S NEST
ROUTE: NY-97
DISTANCE: 68 miles
TIME: 2 hours
This southern New York motorcycle ride runs along the Upper Delaware Scenic River region and the scenic Hawk’s Nest. The Hawk’s Nest is a popular motorcycle destination for riders who travel from all over America to experience it. This great NY motorcycle road features numerous curves along granite walls and exceptional valley views of the Delaware River from hundreds of feet above. Due to the popularity of this motorcycle route, it’s best to ride this fantastic NY motorcycle road on a weekday to avoid the crowds. There are also a lot of great back roads in this area to check out if you’re looking to explore the area. This is one of the best motorcycle rides near Manhattan, as it’s only about 1.5 hours away from the Big Apple.
(photo: flickr.com)
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
CATSKILL TO DEPOSIT
ROUTES: NY-10, 30, 28, 214, 23A
DISTANCE: 116 miles
TIME: 2.5 hours
If you’re looking for a scenic motorcycle ride in New York, check out this route from Catskill, NY to Deposit, NY. The scenery by motorcycle is spectacular. You’ll spend the day surrounded by the Catskill Mtn. range, carving your way through mountain passes and skirting along crystal clear reservoirs and rivers. NY-23A is an adrenaline rush along Kaaterskill Falls, While NY-214 offers a mixture of open straights with beautifully smooth pavement quality. Then on the western section of the route, NY-10 features one of the best motorcycle rides in the state along the Cannonsville Reservoir. This motorcycle route makes for a great day ride in the Catskills. Be sure to connect to the nearby Hawk’s Nest, and enjoy diverse landscapes through a gorgeous section of New York!
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
SEVEN LAKES DRIVE
ROUTE: Seven Lakes Dr
DISTANCE: 17 miles
TIME: 30 mins
This is one of the best motorcycle rides near New York City. Seven Lakes Drive is a beautiful road through Harriman State Park. The route starts at the Bear Mountain Bridge over the Hudson River, and continues south for 17 miles to Hwy 87. It’s a relaxing ride with beautiful lake scenery. If you’re looking to explore more of this state park area, be sure to check out Kanawauke Rd and Arden Valley Rd, both of which connect off this route. These roads are a bit more technical with hairpin turns weaving around the surrounding lakes. If you’re looking for the best motorcycle routes near NYC, be sure to travel through the Harriman State Park area!
(photo: flickr.com)
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
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US Route 9W to Hudson Valley is withing two hours ride from NYC. Harriman State Park is within one hour drive from the city, and offers some great riding. if you’re willing to venture to New Jersey, the Delaware Water Gap region is approximately an hour and a half ride west from NYC.
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WHERE CAN I FIND SCENIC MOTORCYCLE ROUTES NEAR ME AROUND NEW YORK?
GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is the place to find the best motorcycle roads and rides near New York and the Northeast United States. Discover more great motorcycle roads in the Northeast with our detailed route descriptions and Google Maps links!