The Best Motorcycle Roads in Virginia
Virginia has long been a favorite destination for motorcycle riders, and it does not take many miles in the saddle to understand why. The Commonwealth offers an impressive variety of landscapes packed into a relatively compact area, allowing riders to experience everything from winding mountain roads to rolling farmland and charming small towns.
Western Virginia is home to some of the most celebrated riding roads on the East Coast, where the Blue Ridge Mountains create endless curves and elevation changes. Meanwhile, central Virginia offers scenic byways through vineyards, forests, and historic communities, while the eastern part of the state delivers quieter country roads leading toward the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast.
If you are planning a multi-day touring adventure and need a nudge on where to go, just remember that Virginia has no shortage of memorable routes. Here are some of the best motorcycle roads to add to your list.
Back of the Dragon
For riders who love technical roads, few destinations generate as much excitement as the Back of the Dragon.
Stretching along Virginia Route 16 between Tazewell and Marion, this 32-mile route features more than 400 curves as it climbs and descends through the Appalachian Mountains. Tight switchbacks, sweeping corners, and dramatic elevation changes make it one of the most challenging, and rewarding, rides in the Southeast.
Unlike some famous motorcycle roads (Tail of the Dragon, for instance), that can become heavily congested, the Back of the Dragon often feels less crowded while still delivering an unforgettable riding experience. Because of the road’s technical nature, it is best ridden at a comfortable pace. The goal is not to conquer every curve as quickly as possible; it is to safely enjoy one of Virginia’s most iconic stretches of pavement.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Few motorcycle roads are as recognizable as the Blue Ridge Parkway. Aptly known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the parkway runs 216 miles through Virginia before continuing into North Carolina, with nearly half of its total distance running through Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
The route passes countless overlooks with panoramic mountain views, historic sites, hiking trails, and picnic areas. During spring and summer, wildflowers blanket the hillsides, while autumn transforms the mountains into one of the country’s most spectacular displays of fall color—a sight that should not be missed.
Skyline Drive
If your ideal ride includes mountain views around nearly every corner, Skyline Drive deserves a place on your itinerary. Running 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains and connects seamlessly with the Blue Ridge Parkway to create one of the East Coast’s premier touring routes.
Keep in mind that Skyline Drive requires an entrance fee and can become busy during peak fall foliage season.
Nelson Scenic Loop
For riders looking to venture beyond Virginia’s most famous roads, the 50-mile Nelson Scenic Loop offers a rewarding alternative. Located in Nelson County, this loop combines several state routes to create a ride through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, passing wineries, orchards, craft breweries, and small mountain communities along the way.
The roads feature a comfortable mix of gentle curves, rolling hills, and scenic farmland, making the route approachable for riders of nearly every experience level. It is less technical and challenging than the Back of the Dragon but still engaging enough to keep the ride enjoyable.
The loop is especially beautiful during late spring, when the mountains turn vibrant green, and again in the fall, when colorful foliage surrounds nearly every bend.
The Crooked Road
Motorcycle trips are not always about finding the twistiest pavement. Sometimes, they are about experiencing the places along the way.
Virginia’s Crooked Road, a heritage music trail stretching through Southwest Virginia, connects dozens of communities known for preserving Appalachian music traditions. While portions of the route include enjoyable mountain riding, the real attraction is the opportunity to stop at local venues, historic towns, and cultural landmarks between stretches of scenic pavement.
It is the kind of ride where the destination changes throughout the day, making each stop just as memorable as the road itself.
Plan Your Commonwealth Riding Adventure
One of Virginia’s greatest strengths as a motorcycle destination is the variety it offers. Riders seeking technical mountain curves can spend a day tackling the Back of the Dragon, while those looking for a more relaxed touring experience can cruise along Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at overlooks, small towns, and local restaurants along the way.
Before you head out, take time to map your route, check weather conditions—especially in the mountains, where temperatures can change quickly—and identify fuel stops if you are riding some of the more remote scenic roads. If you are planning a weekend trip, consider building in extra time for overlooks, hiking trails, or local attractions, since some of the state’s best riding moments happen when you decide to pull over and explore.
There is no denying that Virginia offers miles of unforgettable riding. The only question is which route you will point your front wheel toward first.
Aysia Jackson
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