TOP 5 VIRGINIA MOTORCYCLE RIDES
The Best Roads Are Here
What Are The Top 5 Best Motorcycle Rides In Virginia?
- Blue Ridge Parkway (300 miles - VA)
- US-250 (57 miles)
- Back of the Dragon (50 miles)
- Colonial Parkway (23 miles)
- G.W. Memorial Parkway (27 miles)
Motorcycle Rides Near Me In Virginia
"Virginia Is For (Motorcycle) Lovers!" Below is our detailed list of the best motorcycle rides in Virginia. Riders will appreciate that sentiment with the state's natural beauty and scenic curves of its storied mountains. Click on each Virginia motorcycle map link for the direct Google Maps route.
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Tips For Virginia Motorcycle Rides
As you discover places to ride a motorcycle in Virginia, keep in mind that due to its relatively mild climate, most of these roads offer a comfortable ride year-round. The Appalachian region will have more dramatic weather, including snowfall in winter. Layered gear is best if riding this time of year. Even in warmer weather, it's best to pack some waterproof gear, as storms are common in the higher elevations of the state. Be vigilant during dusk or dawn, as there are an abundance of deer in Virginia's more wooded roads, including its state and national parks.
Do I Need a Motorcycle Helmet in Virginia?
Looking for scenic motorcycle rides in Virginia? If so, be aware Virginia law does require motorcyclists to wear helmets. According to Virginia law, both riders and passengers must wear helmets at all times while riding on a bike.
dmv.virginia.gov
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
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!
(Photos: D Hallock / J. Park)
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
ROUTE 250
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 that Virginia has to offer!
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
BACK OF THE DRAGON
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 motorcycle rides in the state!
(Photos: backofthedragon.com/ visittazewellcounty.org
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
COLONIAL PARKWAY
DISTANCE: 23 miles
TIME: 45 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.
(Photo: Wikipedia/Google Maps)
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL PKWY
DISTANCE: 27 miles
TIME: 40 mins
Primarily located in northern Virginia, the George Washington Memorial Parkway is a 25-mile scenic road that serves as a gateway to the nation’s capital. The route curves alongside the Potomac Gorge, connecting historic sites and attractions from Great Falls, VA to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. There are scenic views of the Potomac River as well as various woodland scenes.
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
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Where Can I Find Virginia Motorcycle Events?
Visit our friends at BikeWeekEvents.com to find local VA Motorcycle Rallies and all scheduled bike shows happening in Virginia!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many days does it take to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway?
The entire road from Waynesboro, Virginia, to Asheville, North Carolina would take nine to twelve hours if riding straight through. The entire route is 469 miles, and there are no gas stations on the road, so riders will have to take detours to fuel up. If riding an average of 40 mph, and periodically stopping for roadside breaks, it's best to plan for two to four days, depending on how often you stop to take in the beautiful scenery.
When is the best time to motorcycle the Blue Ridge Parkway?
The Blue Ridge Parkway spans from Virginia to North Carolina. Despite the relatively mild colder months, the best time to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway is from spring to autumn. Roads are not maintained in the winter, so it's a good idea to check ahead of time for road closure information.
Is the Skyline Drive the same as the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway are different sections of the same road. Skyline Drive runs north and south for 105 miles along the mountains in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Then, at Afton Mountain, the road turns into Blue Ridge Parkway, which winds through 2 states for 469 miles.
How Do I Find Great Motorcycle Roads Around Virginia?
GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is the place to find great motorcycle roads and rides around Virginia. Discover the best motorcycle roads in states around Virginia with our route descriptions and direct Google Maps links!
Motorcycle Rides Near Me
Please note: Any routes and recommendations are based solely on our opinions and are meant for informational purposes only. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. We assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. You are responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety.