Michael Bilokonsky on the Top 7 Motorcycle Routes in the United States
There’s nothing quite like getting out on the open road, especially when the United States has so many incredible roads to offer. Michael Bilokonsky is an entrepreneur and motorcycle enthusiast from Fort Thomas, Kentucky. He has been riding for over a decade and currently owns not one but two motorcycles. Below, he breaks down his list of the top seven motorcycle routes in the United States.
Blue Ridge Parkway – North Carolina and Virginia
Dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway offers nearly 500 miles of stunning Appalachian scenery, says Michael Bilokonsky. Blue Ridge Parkway begins near Shenandoah National Park and ends at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This makes it the perfect motorcycle route for a longer vacation, as both of these national parks are definitely worth exploring on their own. Throughout the route, you’ll be surrounded by rolling hills, spectacular foliage, and plenty of orchards.
Going-To-The-Sun Road – Montana
Montana is known for its natural beauty and the Going-To-The-Sun Road does not disappoint in that department. According to Michael Bilokonsky of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, this route is the only paved road that goes through Glacier National Park. However, even if this motorcycle route didn’t happen to go through one of the most beautiful national parks in the country, it would still be on this list owing to the road itself. The road is paved with smooth-as-silk asphalt, is a moderate length of just under 50 miles, and has a decent number of twists and turns to make the ride that much more exciting.
Cherohala Skyway – Tennessee
Then there is the Cherohala Skyway in Tennessee. This fantastic motorcycle route connects Robbinsville, North Carolina with Tellico Plains, Tennessee. While there are limited tourism opportunities along the way, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Winter conditions can be dangerous, making summer or fall ideal for a drive on the Cherohala Skyway. Michael Bilokonsky also notes that the route is only 43 miles in length, but if you want to make a day out of it, you can create a loop out of this road and the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap. Together, it creates a full-day route that is not for the faint of heart, but well worth the trip.
Beartooth Highway – Montana and Wyoming
Sometimes referred to as Beartooth Pass or Beartooth All-American Road, there’s a reason this highway has been popular with motorcyclists for decades. Beartooth Highway is the highest paved road in the northern Rocky Mountains. It is quite remote, which means you might have the road to yourself and because it is less traveled the paved asphalt is in great condition, making for an ultra-smooth ride. But Michael Bilokonsky asserts that the real draw to Beartooth Highway is the magnificent Rocky Mountain scenery. Mountains and forest will surround you throughout the entirety of this 68.7-mile route. Be sure to plan a trip here between the spring and fall, as it is closed in the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
Needles Highway – South Dakota
Most motorcycle enthusiasts like Michael Bilokonsky know that one of the largest gatherings of bikers in the United States is the Sturgis motorcycle rally. This rally is held in Sturgis, South Dakota, which means for those driving their bikes to the rally, you may have to go via Needles Highway. This is actually a major perk as Needles Highway in South Dakota is an excellent ride. There is plenty of gorgeous nature to marvel at along the way. Plus, the highway even goes by Mount Rushmore.
San Juan Mountain Skyway – Colorado
The San Juan Mountain Skyway is one of the most rugged and naturally beautiful rides in the country. More specifically, there is a particular stretch of this 233-mile-long route between the towns of Ouray and Silverton that is as scenic as can be. This 25-mile section is known as the “Million Dollar Highway.” Throughout this section, you will be driving right up against the Rocky Mountains, with views for days. However, be careful of driving here in any sort of inclement weather as there are several steep drops, which makes it best suited for driving on clear, sunny days.
State Route 1 – California
Last but not least is State Route 1, otherwise known as the Pacific Coast Highway, in sunny California. Michael Bilokonsky is a huge fan of this route owing to the fact that it stays along the water almost the entire time. The route is over 600 miles in length and spans nearly the entire coast of California. It’s a very easy ride because of the slower speed limits and traffic, which makes it ideal for beginners. It can also easily be tackled in bits and pieces, and almost every smaller section still offers breathtaking views of the wild Pacific Ocean. State Route 1 passes through many towns and major cities along the way, so you won’t have any issues finding a restaurant or a place to stay at night.