TextExplore Virginia With These 5 Scenic Motorcycle Drives
Virginia offers some of the best motorcycle rides on the East Coast. An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Virginia offers winding mountain roads, scenic highways, and dirt bike trails for those who like to adventure off the beaten path.
With 42 state parks, 22 national parks, and over 2,500 miles of spectacular scenic byways, you’re never far from the natural beauty and history of the Commonwealth.
Ready to explore all the wonders Virginia has to offer? Let’s go!
Here are five scenic motorcycle rides, handpicked by the Redline Powersports Commonwealth team.
Can’t Miss Motorcycle Rides in Virginia
Strap on your helmet and make sure there’s plenty of gas in the tank. These rides are calling your name.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway
Spanning over 500 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway is known as “America's Favorite Drive,” especially when fall foliage is at its peak. It meanders from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, following the Appalachian Mountain chain. Extreme elevation changes—from 650 to 6,500 feet—make for some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers plenty of scenic overlooks, historic structures, walking trails, and waterfalls to explore. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for wildlife like black bears, beavers, and over 150 species of birds. The total drive time is approximately 12 hours.
2. Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive
The largest national park in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park offers incredible scenery—just 75 miles from Washington D.C. In its 200,000+ acres of protected lands, you’ll enjoy mountain views, waterfalls like Dark Hollow Falls, and hikes. Just stop on one of the 75 overlooks and take in the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
Motorcycle enthusiasts come for the 105-mile Skyline Drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The only public road in the park, it offers 75 different overlook stops where you can view the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont. The drive time is approximately three hours.
3. George Washington Memorial Parkway
Alongside the Potomac River is a northern Virginia oasis: The George Washington Memorial Parkway. A 25-mile stretch of scenic road that acts as a gateway from Northern Virginia to the nation’s capital, it was designed for recreational driving. In short: it’s a motorcyclist’s dream.
This is a short ride, but there are over 25 sites to stop at along the way. From historic homes to wildlife preserves to presidential monuments, the George Washington Memorial Parkway is a great place to spend a day on your bike.
4. Colonial Parkway
Experience scenic views and early United States history when you take a ride from Jamestown to Yorktown on the Colonial Parkway. This 23 mile ride will take you through some of the most historic spots in the state, including Williamsburg. Since it’s a quick ride, make a few stops along the way and take in a history lesson or two!
5. Back of the Dragon
Thrillseekers: this one’s for you. Near the West Virginia state line in Tazewell County, you’ll find Back of the Dragon, Virginia’s only designated motorcycle route. This stretch of Route 16 is known for its sharp zig zags through the Appalachian Mountains. In fact, it packs over 400 curves into its 32 miles! You’ll gain 3200 feet in elevation, so be prepared for some spectacular views.
Ready to Buy a New Motorcycle in Prince George, VA? Stop by Redline Powersports Commonwealth!
Get on the road and explore the beauty of Virginia with one of our motorcycles for sale in Prince George, Virginia. Check out our current inventory of 2023 and 2024 Indian motorcycles for sale! They’re ready for you to drive home for the new year.
Proudly serving Chesapeake, Richmond, and Norfolk locals. Visit Redline Powersports Commonwealth and find your new ride today!