The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Riding in Virginia
Virginia offers motorcycle enthusiasts a diverse range of riding experiences, from scenic mountain roads to coastal highways. Before we dive into the best rides in the Old Dominion State, it’s worth noting that Virginia shares borders with some equally impressive riding destinations. To the west, West Virginia’s winding mountain roads offer breathtaking views of the Appalachians. To the north, Maryland’s varied landscapes provide a mix of coastal and rural riding experiences. And to the south, North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains beckon riders with their challenging twists and turns.
1. Skyline Drive
- Location: Shenandoah National Park
- Distance: 105 miles
- Key features: Winding road through Blue Ridge Mountains, 75 scenic overlooks
- Best time to ride: Fall for foliage views
- Notable attractions: Shenandoah National Park, hiking trails, wildlife viewing
Skyline Drive is the crown jewel of Virginia’s motorcycle routes. This 105-mile road offers riders breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. With 75 scenic overlooks, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
2. Route 16: The ‘Back of the Dragon’
- Location: Southwest Virginia, from Tazewell to Marion
- Distance: 32 miles
- Key features: 300-430 curves, technical riding, mountain views
- Difficulty level: Challenging
- Notable attractions: Hungry Mother State Park
Known as the “Back of the Dragon,” Route 16 is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. With hundreds of curves packed into just 32 miles, this road offers a technical riding experience that will challenge even the most experienced motorcyclists.
3. George Washington National Forest
- Location: Northern Virginia
- Distance: 25 miles
- Key features: Scenic drive along Potomac River, historic sites
- Notable attractions: Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery
This parkway offers a picturesque ride along the Potomac River, connecting several important historical sites associated with the first U.S. President, George Washington.
4. Blue Ridge Parkway
- Location: Western Virginia
- Distance: 216 miles in Virginia (469 miles total)
- Key features: Panoramic mountain views, elevations from 650 to 6,000 feet
- Best time to ride: Fall for foliage
- Notable attractions: Peaks of Otter, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic route that connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The Virginia section offers 216 miles of stunning vistas and varied riding conditions.
5. Colonial Parkway Ride
- Location: Eastern Virginia
- Distance: 23 miles
- Key features: Connects historic sites, scenic drive
- Best time to ride: Fall for foliage
- Notable attractions: Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown
For history buffs, the Colonial Parkway offers a unique riding experience that connects some of America’s most important historical sites. This scenic route takes you through three centuries of American history.
Best Motorcycle Rides in Virginia
1. Blue Ridge Parkway to Skyline Drive
- Location: Western Virginia
- Distance: Approximately 321 miles combined
- Key features: Mountain scenery, curvy roads, national parks
- Best time to ride: Spring through fall, especially during fall foliage
Combining two of Virginia’s most iconic routes, this ride offers an unparalleled experience of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The varied terrain and stunning vistas make this a must-ride for any motorcycle enthusiast visiting Virginia.
2. US Highway 58
- Location: Southern Virginia
- Distance: 500 miles
- Key features: Diverse landscapes from mountains to beaches
- Notable attractions: Cumberland Gap, Virginia Beach
US Highway 58 traverses the entire southern border of Virginia, offering riders a diverse range of landscapes. From the mountains in the west to the beaches in the east, this route provides a comprehensive tour of Virginia’s varied terrain.
3. Nelson Scenic Loop
- Location: Central Virginia
- Distance: 50 miles
- Key features: Mix of foothills and mountain roads
- Notable attractions: Wineries, breweries, and cideries along Nelson 151 Trail
The Nelson Scenic Loop offers a perfect blend of scenic riding and local flavor. This route takes you through the heart of Virginia’s wine and craft beverage country, with plenty of opportunities to stop and sample local products.
4. Heart of Appalachia Routes
- Location: Southwest Virginia
- Distance: Over 1,500 miles of various routes
- Key features: Curvy backroads, mountain passes, deep valleys
- Notable attractions: Small towns, local cuisine
The Heart of Appalachia Routes offer riders a chance to explore the rugged beauty of Southwest Virginia. With over 1,500 miles of routes to choose from, you can customize your ride to suit your preferences and skill level.
5. Nickel & Dime Drive
- Location: Eastern Virginia
- Distance: Approximately 3.5-hour loop
- Key features: Country drive, historic sites
- Notable attractions: Civil War sites, former U.S. Presidents’ homes
The Nickel & Dime Drive offers a more relaxed riding experience through the Virginia countryside. This route is perfect for those interested in American history, with numerous Civil War sites and presidential homes along the way.
When planning your motorcycle adventure in Virginia, it’s important to consider the state’s motorcycle laws to ensure a safe and legal ride. Additionally, if you’re looking to extend your journey, consider exploring the scenic routes in Tennessee to the southwest or the diverse riding options in Pennsylvania to the north. Each neighboring state offers its own unique riding experiences that complement Virginia’s impressive array of motorcycle roads.
Motorcycle Rides in the US by States
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Vishwanath Mathpati
I am Vishwanath Mathpati, a full-time Blogger and Motorcyclist from Bidar, Karnataka. I love writing about my Motorcycles Stories and Riding Gears on this blog.
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