GREAT MOTORCYCLE ROADS IN OHIO
The Best Roads Are Here
What Are The 10 Best Motorcycle Roads In Ohio?
- Route 536 (12 miles)
- Route 555 (58 miles)
- Athens to Clarington (106 miles)
- Route 26 (68 miles)
- Hocking Hills Scenic Byway (26 miles)
- Route 56 (111 miles)
- Woodbury Wildlife Loop (50 miles)
- Route 164 (45 miles)
- Route 147 (55 miles)
- Route 374 (23 miles)
Motorcycle Rides Near Me In Ohio
This is our detailed list for the best Ohio motorcycle rides! With its scenic byways and natural wonders, Ohio has some great motorcycle roads to explore while riding in the Buckeye State. You'll see some fantastic parks, waterfalls and scenic stops to take a break and enjoy the views. Click on each Ohio motorcycle map link for the direct Google Maps routes and find the best motorcycle rides near me in Ohio. The best Ohio motorcycle road trips are here!
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Tips for Ohio Motorcycle Rides
Looking for places to ride motorcycles in Ohio? With an extensive network of scenic byways and country roads, there are miles upon miles of great motorcycle rides to discover here. Being a northeastern state, the best riding weather will be from April to October. If riding in the colder months, it's a good idea to layer up to keep your body warm, and watch for snow, sand and black ice. Summer riding won't be as hot and humid as the more southern states, but July and August can bring the heat, so gear up appropriately.
Is There a Helmet Law in Ohio?
While you're discovering scenic motorcycle rides near me in Ohio, keep in mind the state's law. Ohio requires a motorcyclist to wear a helmet if under 18 years of age or if he or she is within the first year of getting a motorcycle license or driving with a temporary permit. If the operator of the motorcycle is required to wear a helmet, any passenger must also wear one.
Read more at codes.ohio.gov
ROUTE 536
OH-536
DISTANCE: 12 miles
TIME: 25 mins
Steep hills and tight curves through the deep forest will describe this great Ohio motorcycle road that has been dubbed by many as "Ohio's Tail of the Dragon". While relatively short in distance, this Ohio route is a delightful challenge. Motorcycle riders will find this road so challenging, there's not a lot of opportunities to enjoy the scenery, but look for great views of the Ohio River towards Hannibal, OH.
(photo: flickr.com)
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
ROUTE 555
OH-555
DISTANCE: 58 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours
Route 555 will delight with its challenging twists and curves - this should be on any rider's to-do list. Ride among the beautiful isolated farms of southeastern Ohio with rolling hills, plenty of turns and elevation dips. There's not much traffic as this OH motorcycle road is often very secluded. The portion from Brush Creek, OH to Chesterhill, OH is known to many as the Triple Nickel. This is the most challenging section of the ride, as there are lots of very tight corners, elevation drops and plenty of blind hills. The road has been recently repaved, making for a huge improvement as of 2023. If you're looking for a challenging ride to hone your technical skills, this is the road for you!
(photos: image source / flickr.com)
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
ATHENS TO CLARINGTON
OH-78
DISTANCE: 106 miles
TIME: 2.5 hours
There are many great motorcycle routes in southeastern part of the state, but OH-78 is definitely one of the best motorcycle roads in Ohio! Ride through tight twisty roads that takes you through numerous elevation changes near Wayne National Forest and Burr Oak State Park. The portion between the rural farm towns of Glouster and McConnelsville is a special 20 mile stretch dubbed as the Ohio's Dragon's Tail. Here riders can test their technical skills with tight turns, 180-degree switchbacks, and steep terrain—this route isn’t for the faint of heart. This is a great ride for motorcycling in solitude, as there is minimal traffic on this road.
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
ROUTE 26
OH-26
DISTANCE: 68 miles
TIME: 2 hours
If you're looking for more of a relaxing motorcycle ride in Ohio, Route 26 is definitely one to check out, and it's not far from the above mentioned Route 555. It's a great, winding road that showcases the state's natural beauty, as well as scenic covered bridges. Autumn may be the best season to check out this Ohio motorcycle ride. The twists and sweeping curves are fun, but not too technical that you can't enjoy the scenery. The section from Marietta to Woodsfield will take you through the heart of the National Forest, but the ride continues to be great north to Route 148. The pavement quality is very good overall, so riders can enjoy the beautiful scenery with usually very little traffic.
(Photo: flickr.com)
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
HOCKING HILLS SCENIC BYWAY
OH-374
DISTANCE: 26 miles
TIME: 40 mins
The Hocking Hills region of Ohio is a beautiful place to ride a motorcycle. This 26.4 mile byway follows State Route 374 through Ohio's scenic Hocking Hills and around Hocking State Forest. On this road, riders can see some of the most scenic parts of Ohio. Beginning at the intersection of Ohio Route 374 and U.S. Route 33, the byway stretches nearly 30 miles from Rockbridge to South Bloomingville and includes portions of state Routes 56, 374 and 664. Autumn offers some spectacular riding as the lush foliage of southeast Ohio will be in full display.
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
ROUTE 56
OH-56
DISTANCE: 111 miles
TIME: 2.5 hours
OH-56 is a moderately twisted road that will take you through the rural beauty of southern Ohio. You'll ride past golden wheat fields and farmlands at the start of this OH motorcycle route, and then straight into the twists and turns of the deep green Hocking Hills. This route ends in the Appalachian foothills, a prime spot for gazing into the countryside. Route 56 isn’t your typical country straightaway—it offers a mix of wide turns and tight twists. The rolling green hills surrounding Athens make for a soothing conclusion to an altogether energizing ride. It's a great ride for those looking for a motorcycle ride near Columbus, OH.
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
WOODBURY WILDLIFE LOOP
Routes 715, 60, 541, 62
DOSTANCE: 50 miles
TIME: 1 hour
For a great Ohio motorcycle route, check out this loop around the Woodbury Wildlife area. Route 715 is a twisty rural road that winds through the Walhonding and Mohican rivers with the foothills of the Appalachians in the distance. The road actually crosses the Mohawk Dam and the view can be seen for miles. The best portion of this route is OH-60, which runs seven miles through the Woodbury Wildlife Area. There's nice rolling hills and beautiful scenery. Route 541 is the next-best section of this loop as it passes strip mines, hills, and trees. This is where the road gets more twisty, along with some elevation changes. As for road quality, Routes 60 and 36 are in excellent condition overall. This entire loop crosses lots of rivers and streams. It’s so beautiful, in fact, you may turn around and ride through it again!
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
ROUTE 164
OH-164
DISTANCE: 45 miles
TIME: 1 hour
If you're looking for a fun roller coaster ride to keep you busy, this is one of the best motorcycle routes in the northeastern part of Ohio. Route 164 is a road that will definitely command your respect. Riders will want to pay attention to the speed warnings on the curves, as there are many blind corners and blind crests that can take riders by surprise.
This entire road is from Lisbon and New Hagerstown, but the best part of this route is from East Palistine to Calcutta, OH. Take a short detour to the nearby Beaver Creek State Park, and enjoy the twisty narrow road into the park. Autumn is a great time to take this ride when the foliage is in its glory.
Route 164 in Ohio is a hidden gem motorcycle road with the benefit of having very light traffic. The scenery is gorgeous and you'll love the small towns it passes through.
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
ROUTE 147
OH-147
DISTANCE: 55 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours
This Ohio motorcycle roads covers all the best topography of Southern Ohio in just 55 miles. Ride through small towns and across the picturesque Senecaville Lake. There are technical challenges to take on with this ride, such as twisties, S-curves and some switchbacks - all as you admire the rolling hill scenery. In fact, this entire part of Ohio has many great roads to explore, but OH-147 is one of the best motorcycle routes in the area.
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
ROUTE 374
OH-374
DISTANCE: 23 miles
TIME: 40 mins
Most of this great Ohio motorcycle ride is tree lined, surrounded by hills and runs through the Hocking Hills State Park. The road is very curvy, hilly and has some fun elevation changes. The pavement is smooth and the road is wide, without extreme blind curves. There are several other roads in this part of Ohio to explore, but OH-374 is one of the best motorcycle routes in the southern part of the state. Route 374 is a great motorcycle destination trip in Ohio, as its just outside of Wayne National Forest and Zaleski State Forest. It's a beautiful ride in the fall, but summer and spring will be a great time to ride as well.
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
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Where Can I Find Ohio Motorcycle Events?
Visit our friends at BikeWeekEvents.com to find local OH Motorcycle Rallies and all scheduled bike shows happening in Ohio!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the Triple Nickel in Ohio?
The Triple Nickel motorcycle route is 90 miles southeast of Columbus. Starting in Zanesville, take Route 555 on this 36 mile ride full of sharp curves and challenging turns, all with beautiful views along the way. It leads to the Ohio River on the West Virginia state line.
Where is the Tail of the Dragon in Ohio?
Approximately 90 miles east of Columbus is State Route 78, also known as Ohio's Tail of the Dragon. It is 20 miles in length and is between the rural farm towns of Glouster and McConnelsville in southeastern Ohio.
Do I need to wear a helmet in Ohio?
Ohio law only requires a motorcyclist to wear a helmet if under 18 years of age or if he or she is within the first year of getting a motorcycle license, or driving with a temporary permit. If the operator of the motorcycle is required to wear a helmet, any passenger must also wear one.
Can you ride a motorcycle year round in Ohio?
Due to its northern location in the United States, Ohio does not have ideal weather for year-round motorcycling. Mid March to mid December is when most motorcycle riders will be on the roads.
Where can I ride near Columbus?
Ohio Route 56 is a great motorcycle ride just southwest of Columbus. It's a 111 mile route that is moderately twisty and will take you through the rural beauty of southern Ohio.
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Motorcycle Rides Near Me in Ohio
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