The vast continent of North America has a lot to offer, from the jungles of Central America to the Great White North of Canada and Alaska. Yet so few actually get to appreciate all the continent has to offer -- with exception of true motorcycle riders. Riding a bike across North America on various incredible stretches of highway lets you truly experience the natural beauty of the New World.
Below are a few of the finest motorcycle rides in all of North America. They're musts for any biker who wants a truly amazing long-distance journey across this great continent.
NEEDLES HIGHWAY, BLACK HILLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
You've probably never had plans to go to South Dakota before, but this ride will make the trek to one of the least populated states in America well worth it. There's beautiful scenery in just about every direction, multiple tunnels that take you through the bellies of mountains and usually very few people on the roads. And if you time this trip right, you will end up smack dab in the middle of the annual, epic Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which is a once in a lifetime experience unto itself.
TAIL OF THE DRAGON, DEAL'S GAP, NORTH CAROLINA
With 318 curves over 11 miles and incredible Smokey Mountain wilderness foliage, Tail of the Dragon earns its self-proclaimed title as the number one motorcycle and sports car rally road in the nation. It's also quite dangerous, as many rides have crashed on the road, putting their names on an actual monument known as the Tree of Shame. If you do choose to ride the Tail of the Dragon, make sure you have the experience and gear to protect you in the event of an accident.
BEARTOOTH PASS, WYOMING
If you want incredible mountain vistas, thousand-foot drops of highway in a few minutes, dense Rocky Mountain forests and incredible rivers and waterfalls, you will get all of that and more on this incredible ride through the Beartooth Pass in Wyoming. Very few drivers are on this road, so there are often more motorcycles than cars, making it relatively safe and allowing you to concentrate on the breathtaking scenery all around you. If you're in the mood for a real adventure through the still unsettled Great American West, then this is the ride for you!
THE TUNNEL OF TREES ROAD, MICHIGAN
A road through a canopy of trees in northern Michigan, along the Great Lakes and near the popular tourist destination of Mackinac Island, is widely considered to be one of the more amazing motorcycle routes in all of North America. As the name suggests, the ride will take you through a long stretch through a tunnel of trees, like something out of a fairy tale. There are also incredible views of the Lake Michigan coastline and a number of places to stop along the way. It's especially incredible to ride this route during September and October, when the leaves are changing into a dizzying array of colors.
