Top Motorcycle Roads in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers a diverse range of motorcycle riding experiences, from coastal routes to winding mountain roads. Before we dive into the Bay State’s best rides, it’s worth noting that neighboring states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut also boast excellent motorcycle routes that can easily be combined with a Massachusetts trip for an extended New England adventure.
1. Shelburne Falls Loop: Country Twist
- Location: Western Massachusetts
- Key features: Mountain scenery, river views
- Highlights: Shelburne Falls, Bridge of Flowers
- Best time to ride: Spring through fall
This loop showcases the beauty of Western Massachusetts, including the charming town of Shelburne Falls and its famous Bridge of Flowers. The route offers a mix of mountain and river scenery that’s particularly stunning during the fall foliage season.
2. North Shore Loop
- Location: Eastern Massachusetts
- Key features: Colonial history, coastal scenery
- Highlights: Minute Man National Park, Salem, Rockport
- Notable attractions: Old Manse, Salem Witch Trials sites
This ride combines historical significance with coastal beauty. Starting in Concord, home to Revolutionary War sites, the route takes you through charming towns and along the scenic North Shore, ending in the picturesque fishing village of Rockport.
3. Quabbin Reservoir Loop
- Location: Central Massachusetts
- Distance: 54-64 miles
- Key features: Forests, fields, small towns, farmland
- Highlights: Scenic views of the reservoir, well-maintained roads
- Best time to ride: Summer (for cooling breezes off the water)
The Quabbin Reservoir Loop takes riders through a diverse landscape of forests, fields, and quaint New England towns. The well-maintained roads and cooling breezes from the reservoir make this an ideal summer ride.
4. Mohawk Trail
- Location: Northern Massachusetts
- Distance: 72 miles
- Key features: Scenic views, hairpin turns, high-speed sweepers
- Highlights:
- Natural Bridge State Park
- Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls
- French King Bridge
- Best time to ride: Spring through fall
- Notable attractions: Connecticut River vistas, panoramic mountain views
The Mohawk Trail is a historic and scenic route that offers riders a thrilling combination of challenging turns and breathtaking vistas. As you navigate the hairpin turns and sweeping curves, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Berkshire Mountains and the Connecticut River Valley.
5. . Route 57
- Location: Western Massachusetts
- Distance: 30 miles
- Key features: Well-maintained road, scenic farmland
- Highlights: Quiet road with less traffic than MA-202
Route 57 provides a peaceful ride through Western Massachusetts’ picturesque countryside. The well-maintained road surface and lighter traffic make it an ideal route for riders looking to enjoy the scenery without the stress of busy highways.
6. Route 8A
- Location: Northwestern Massachusetts
- Key features: Mountain and river views, elevation changes
- Highlights: Deep woods, Mill Brook creek, quiet landscapes
- Difficulty: Slower speeds due to narrow mountain road
For those seeking a more intimate connection with nature, Route 8A offers a serene ride through dense forests and along babbling brooks. The narrow, winding road demands careful navigation but rewards riders with unspoiled natural beauty.
7.Route 116
- Location: Western Massachusetts
- Key features: Winding roads, vast flowering fields
- Highlights: Beautiful farmland views, curves in the Plainfield area
Route 116 takes riders through a pastoral landscape of rolling hills and expansive farmlands. The winding roads in the Plainfield area provide an enjoyable mix of sweeping turns and scenic vistas.
8. Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
- Location: Northeastern Massachusetts
- Distance: 41 miles
- Key features: Coastal scenery, historic towns
- Highlights: Salem, Rockport, Cape Ann
The Essex Coastal Scenic Byway offers a different flavor of Massachusetts riding, showcasing the state’s maritime heritage and rugged coastline. This route passes through charming coastal towns and provides stunning ocean views.
Best Motorcycle Rides in Massachusetts
1. Wachusett Reservoir Area Loop
- Location: Central Massachusetts
- Distance: 75 miles
- Key features: Picturesque farmland, forests, small towns
- Highlights: Wachusett Reservoir, Harvard center, Victorian architecture
- Notable attractions: Tower Hill Botanic Garden in West Boylston
The Wachusett Reservoir Area Loop offers a diverse riding experience, from serene reservoir views to charming town centers. The route passes through quintessential New England landscapes and provides opportunities to explore local attractions.
2. Route 119
- Location: North-central Massachusetts to New Hampshire border
- Distance: 60 miles
- Key features: Twisty, winding road through mountains
- Highlights: Well-maintained single-lane road
- Notable attractions: Ashburnham State Forest, waterfalls
- Best time to ride: Spring through fall
Route 119 is a motorcyclist’s dream, offering a perfect combination of twisty roads and beautiful mountain scenery. The well-maintained single-lane road provides an engaging ride, while attractions like Ashburnham State Forest offer opportunities for scenic stops.
When planning your Massachusetts motorcycle adventure, consider extending your trip to neighboring states. Rhode Island offers coastal rides with a different flavor, while New York provides access to the scenic Adirondacks and Catskills. Each state has its own unique riding experiences that complement the diverse offerings of Massachusetts.
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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