Enjoy fall colors on these scenic routes

Cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage make this an excellent time to take a trip on your bike. There are several routes throughout the United States that offer unique stretches of twists, turns and breath-taking scenery. Here are 10 to consider:

Blue Ridge Parkway

North Carolina & Virginia

This 469-mile route links Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. This path has several attractions to stop at along the way so you can make it a leisurely two to three day trip.

Skyline Drive

Virginia

Skyline Drive is a National Scenic Byway running 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through Shenandoah National Park. It offers a stretch of incredible scenery with 75 overlooks connecting travelers to major visitor centers, campgrounds, lodges, picnic areas and trailheads.

Tail of the Dragon

Tennessee

An American hot spot for thrill-seeking motorcyclists, Tail of the Dragon has an astonishing 318 curves in its 11-mile stretch along Route 129. The colors of fall only add to the breath-taking views of this road bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest. If you're ready to challenge your skills, check it out!

Tunnel of Trees

Michigan

The Tunnel of Trees, a winding road that runs under a canopy of trees (very colorful in the fall), begins in Harbor Springs and stretches 20 miles along a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan to Cross Village. Along the way, you can visit unique shops, grab a bite to eat and learn some interesting history.

Pacific Coast Highway

Oregon & California

If you're looking for a longer trip, consider the Pacific Coast Highway, 655 miles of some of the most amazing scenery in the country. From Seattle, Oregon to San Diego, California, you'll see the Olympic Peninsula, giant redwood forests, San Francisco and Santa Monica. Autumn is a great time to explore when the leaves of the forest are a vibrant orange and red.

San Juan Mountain Skyway

Colorado

This 225-mile loop through the Rocky Mountains of Southwest Colorado takes you by red rock canyons, lush river valleys, hot springs and mountain peaks over 14,000 feet tall. Enjoy the fall colors when you pass the Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive

Created by glacial movements thousands of years ago, the Kettle Moraine winds 120 miles from Elkhart Lake in the north to Whitewater Lake in the south. Features include lakes, steep ridges, sloping hills and beautiful fall foliage. There are several roadside stops and restaurants along the way if you want to take some breaks.

Twisted Sisters

Texas

This 100-mile loop takes you through canyons and up twisted hills with incredible views from multiple vistas along the way. This area is most scenic during autumn with the changing leaves.

Beartooth Highway

Southwest Montana & Northwest Wyoming

This 68-mile ride takes you through the northern Rockies with winding roads climbing to 10,974 feet. On this tour you’ll see glacier-laden peaks, alpine plateaus, lakes, waterfalls and expansive forests. The trip leads you into the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

Kancamagus Scenic Byway

New Hampshire

This 34.5 mile section of Route 112 through the White Mountain National Forest is loaded with fabulous New England scenery. This stretch is considered one of the most scenic highways in the United States and offers a number of rest points so you can stop and enjoy the red, orange and yellow hues of the fall season.

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