Motorcycle routes immersed in nature
The perfect pandemic outing might be cruising through the country on a motorcycle, says Paige Bouma of Cycle Trader. “It naturally lends itself to social distancing, and it’s a great fun thing to do. You just feel like you’re at one with nature,” says the vice president of the online marketplace for new and used motorcycles. She shares some favorite routes with USA TODAY.
Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park Virginia
This 105-mile, ridge-hugging route runs the entire length of Shenandoah National Park, offering scores of scenic overlooks with valley views and Blue Ridge Mountain vistas.“It’s the prettiest ride out there. I don’t think there’s anything more beautiful,” Bouma says. With a speed limit of just 35 mph, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, but watch out for bear, deer and other wildlife.
For more: nps.gov/shen
Tunnel of Trees
Harbor Springs to Cross Village, Michigan At just 16 miles, it won’t take long to drive this forested route in northern Michigan, but the trip’s still unforgettable. “It’s a narrow path with sharp turns. It’s beautiful in all seasons,” Bouma says. The trip along highway M-119 offers views of Lake Michigan and plenty of places to make a pit stop or pause for meal.
For more: mackinawcity.com/daytrips/tunnel-of-trees/
Route 100 Vermont
Located in the center of the state, this Green Mountains ride is particularly popular during the fall color season. Covering more than 200 miles, riders can pick and choose their route. “It’s right in the heart of Vermont. You ride and you can get out and do some hikes,” Bouma says. A must-visit: the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory in Waterbury. “Get a little Chunky Monkey or Cherry Garcia to make it an even more fun day.”
For more: vermontvacation.com/ landing-pages/byways/scenic-route100-byway
Kancamagus Highway New Hampshire
Although the riding’s wonderful, visitors will be tempted to get off their motorcycles to hike to waterfalls and take in White Mountains views. The 341⁄2-mile route on New Hampshire State Highway 112 is particularly popular with visitors seeking fall foliage, but the area attracts visitors in the spring and summer too, Bouma says.
For more: visitwhitemountains. com/the-kancamagus-highway
Pig Trail Scenic Byway Arkansas
Twisting through the Ozark National Forest on Arkansas State Highway 23, this byway takes riders on curves and climbs and under canopies of trees. Although it’s just 19 miles long, there are many other sites in the region. “It’s a quick fun ride. A good adventure,” Bouma says.
For more: arkansas.com/ozark/ tours-experiences/pig-trail-scenicbyway
Historic Columbia River Highway Oregon
One of the nation’s first purposebuilt scenic highways, this 75-mile route follows the Columbia River and offers views of Mount Hood, the state’s highest point. A must-stop: thundering Multnomah Falls with paths climbing to the top of the cascade. But the ride itself is worth the trip, Bouma says. “Any time you’ve got twists and turns along the route, it’s going to make a fun day.”
For more: oregon.gov/odot/regions/ pages/historic-columbia-riverhighway.aspx
Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
Kentucky and Tennessee Commonly called “The Trace,” this 43-mile route through forests and open fields features gentle curves and rolling hills as it follows a ridge route between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Riders find many places to stop and stretch their legs, Bouma says.
For more: fhwa.dot.gov/byways/ byways/2345
Mohawk Trail Massachusetts
Once a Native American trade route, this 69-mile scenic drive offers breathtaking scenery through the Berkshire Mountains. The best section covers the section from North Adams to Greenfield, Bouma says. “This is one of the most popular places to drive in all of New England.”
For more: mohawktrail.com