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Best Motorcycle Rides Near Charleston, SC

Looking for the best motorcycle routes in Charleston, SC. Charleston is one of the South’s most beautiful motorcycle destinations, thanks to its live oak tunnels, coastal breezes, and peaceful Lowcountry backroads. Riders can explore historic byways, barrier-island beaches, and quiet forest loops—all within minutes of the city.

Each scenic Charleston motorcycle route includes:

• Free interactive Google Maps links for every route
• Detailed ride info (distance, time, best season)
• GPX files instantly downloadable for our Patreon Premium members (perfect for Garmin or GPS navigation)

Below are the top motorcycle rides near Charleston that offer the perfect mix of scenery, smooth curves, and coastal charm.

1. Route 61: Ashely River Rd (60 miles)

2. Isle of Palms Loop (12 miles)

3. Francis Marion Forest (56 miles)

Tips for Motorcycle Riding Near Charleston

• Watch for wildlife—deer and wild hogs are active near wooded routes.
• Start early—coastal traffic can get heavy later in the day.
• Bring water—Lowcountry humidity can be intense in warmer months.
• Be mindful of sand—especially after storms or near beach access roads.
• Check for flooding—tidal flooding occasionally affects some roads.

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1. Route 61 (Ashley River Rd)

• START/END: Charleston to Branchville
• ROUTE: SC-61
• DISTANCE: 60 miles
• RIDE TIME: 1.5 hours
• BEST TIME: Spring & Fall
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

Route 61 is easily one of the most iconic Lowcountry motorcycle rides in Charleston, SC. This scenic road winds beneath massive live oaks draped in Spanish moss, creating a canopy of shade that stays stunning year-round. As motorcyclists cruise past colonial-era plantations like Drayton Hall and Magnolia Gardens, the smooth pavement and gentle curves make the experience peaceful and immersive.

Because the route follows the Ashley River, riders enjoy riverside scenery mixed with dense forest and historic architecture. Although traffic can increase midday, riding early in the morning or late afternoon enhances both visibility and atmosphere. Overall, Ashley River Road on SC-61 delivers one of the most relaxing and scenic motorcycle rides in coastal South Carolina.

Click for the Google maps motorcycle route link.

2. Isle of Palms Loop

• START/END: Loop starting in Isle of Palms Beach
• ROUTE: SC-517, 703, Rifle Range Rd
• DISTANCE: 12 miles
• RIDE TIME: 30 mins
• BEST TIME: Winter & Spring
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

If you want a coastal ride full of ocean air and barrier-island scenery, the Isle of Palms Loop is the perfect motorcycle ride near Charleston. Beginning near Mount Pleasant, this loop takes riders over SC-517 toward Isle of Palms, crossing sweeping marsh views and tidal inlets. Then, SC-703 provides beachside stretches where you can feel the salt breeze and see the Atlantic peeking through dunes and homes.

Next, Rifle Range Road brings riders south past quiet neighborhoods, marsh flats, and shaded stretches of pines and palmettos. Because the roads are smooth and lightly curved, riders can enjoy the scenery without technical challenges. While this Charleston motorcycle route is more relaxed than aggressive, it delivers classic Lowcountry beauty from start to finish.

Click for the Google maps motorcycle route link.

3. Francis Marion Forest

• START/END: Loop from US-17
• ROUTE: SC-45, US-17, Halfway Creek Rd
• DISTANCE: 56 miles
• RIDE TIME: 1 hour
• BEST TIME: Oct-Apr
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

For a more remote Lowcountry motorcycle ride, the Francis Marion Forest Loop offers long, quiet miles through protected wilderness. Starting on SC-45, riders move past swamps, dense pines, and lakes that shine beautifully in early morning sunlight. As the route transitions to US-17, the scenery opens to wide marshland before turning onto Halfway Creek Road, where motorcyclists will pass through deep forest with minimal traffic.

This loop is ideal for motorcycle riders seeking peace and natural scenery without the urban congestion of Charleston. Even better, the roads are smooth and flowing, with enough subtle curves to keep the ride engaging. Because cell service can be inconsistent in the forest, planning ahead is helpful. Nevertheless, this is one of the most underrated motorcycle rides in the Charleston region.

Click for the Google maps motorcycle route link.

Looking for more South Carolina motorcycle rides? Visit our SC page for the full list of the Top 7 Best Motorcycle Routes in South Carolina !

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