BEST MOTORCYCLE RIDES IN VIRGINIA

ROUTE: Blue Ridge Pkwy
DISTANCE: 300 miles (VA side)
TIME: 7.5 hours

One of the most famous and beautiful roads in the entire eastern United States is this national treasure that runs the entire state of VA. The northern section runs through the serene Shenandoah National Park, and meanders through the mountains as Skyline Drive and continues south eventually to the Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The entire road is 469 miles in length, and would take about 12 hours if riding end to end non-stop. Ride through 26 tunnels, and under hand-crafted stone bridges. There are many overlooks to pull over and take in all the beauty, so allot plenty of time for this road, and enjoy one of the greatest roads in the entire USA!
(photo: J. Park)


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ROUTE: US-250
DISTANCE: 57 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours

Virginia Route 250 takes you through a beautiful section of the Appalachian Mountains in the southwest corner of the state. There’s some great curves and hair-pin turns to be had on this 2-lane mountain Virginia motorcycle road. This route will take you riding through the deep woods of George Washington National Forest, which at various points offers wide-ranging views of the surrounding mountains. ​Continue west into Monongahela National Forest over the West Virginia state line for some of the best riding in WV. US-250 will give motorcycle riders an adrenaline-fueled adventure through some of the best curvy roads Virginia has to offer!


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ROUTE: VA-16
DISTANCE: 50 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours

The height of motorcycle riding enjoyment can be had on VA-16, also referred to as the “Back of the Dragon”. This Virginia motorcycle route is one of the most technical roads in the entire state. Ride among Virginia’s mountains full of twisting curves, switchbacks and various elevation changes. It’s a beautiful, scenic road, but you’ll probably be spending most of your focus on the technical aspect of this ride. Fortunately, there a few nice pull-offs with opportunities to properly take in the fantastic views. Motorcycle riders will also appreciate the fact that there’s very little traffic on this route, which can be started in Tazewell and continues 50 miles to Troutdale. VA-16 is hands down one of the best, curvy roads in the state!
(photo: backofthedragon.com)


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ROUTE: Blue Ridge Pkwy, VA-56, 151, 664
DISTANCE: 50 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours

The Nelson Scenic Loop is a great motorcycle ride which is comprised of four scenic byways — the Blue Ridge Parkway, Patrick Henry Highway (VA Route 151), Beech Grove Road (County Route 664) and Crabtree Falls Highway (VA Route 56). This 50 mile loop traverses the foothills of the Piedmont and the summits of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The ride can be started at the Spruce Creek Park Visitor Center on Route 151 in Wintergreen, Virginia. The natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Crab Tree Falls and the Appalachian Trail mix with historic houses, scenic farms and beautiful mountain views.


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ROUTE: VA-84
DISTANCE: 19 miles
TIME: 30 mins

Route 84 is a short but scenic motorcycle ride which runs from Vanderpool in Highland County through the West Virginia state line into Frost, WV. Mill Gap Road is a curvy road with incredible scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Motorcyclists will also appreciate the fact that Route 84 has broad sweepers that are thoroughly enjoyable to ride, making it one of the top Virginia motorcycle rides!


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ROUTE: Colonial Pkwy
DISTANCE: 23 miles
TIME: 30 mins

This little scenic VA motorcycle road travels along the James River and York River, and is entirely devoid of any modern commercial development. It connects Virginia’s historic triangle: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Since the Parkway is intended primarily for sightseeing, and only secondarily as a through route to the historic points, there are many scenic pull-offs with historical markers giving brief descriptions of the view. (Note: sections of the Colonial Parkway are closed for construction until 2026 .)

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ROUTE: US-33
DISTANCE: 130 miles
TIME: 3 hours

US-33 is one of the best kept secret roads in Virginia. The scenic motorcycle ride on US 33 can be started near Richmond and continues west through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The best section to ride is beginning from the Glen Allen area. The scenery is especially beautiful crossing the mountains in Shenandoah National Park. The route will also take your motorcycle through small towns and miles of scenic Virginia countryside. US 33 continues to be a great motorcycle road in West Virginia .


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GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is the place to find the best motorcycle roads and rides near Virginia and the Southeast United States. Discover more great motorcycle roads in the Southeast with our detailed route descriptions and Google Maps links!