Fall is the best riding season of the year. The air is cool, the road is dry, and the hills are on fire with color. Here are ten roads worth putting miles on before the leaves drop. Check conditions before you go, since peak color shifts by week and elevation.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway (VA/NC)
469 miles of no traffic lights, no trucks, and a 45 mph limit. Ride the high stretches near Asheville for the best color.

2. Kancamagus Highway (NH)
Thirty-four miles through the White Mountains with gentle sweepers and wall-to-wall color. Go on a weekday, because it gets crowded on weekends.

3. Skyline Drive (VA)
This 105-mile ride through Shenandoah National Park has overlooks every few miles. The speed limit is 35 mph, so take it slow and enjoy the view.

4. Tail of the Dragon, US 129 (NC/TN)
Eleven miles and 318 curves. Fall color makes it even better, but watch your lines and never cross the center.

5. Cherohala Skyway (TN/NC)
Forty-one miles of smooth pavement climbing past 5,000 feet. It’s the Dragon’s quieter, more scenic cousin, with far fewer people on it.

6. Pig Trail Scenic Byway, AR 23 (AR)
This Ozark favorite is known for twisties, hills, and hardwood color that peaks in late October. It’s a great pick for southern riders.

7. Route 100 (VT)
Vermont’s Green Mountain spine runs through covered bridges, red barns, and postcard villages. Stop for cider donuts, as the locals do.

8. Mohawk Trail, Route 2 (MA)
This was one of America’s first scenic roads, with hairpins, big views, and a steady stream of maples. The hairpin turn near North Adams is a classic photo stop.

9. M-119 Tunnel of Trees (MI)
Twenty miles along Lake Michigan’s shore from Harbor Springs to Cross Village, with branches arching right over the road. Narrow and twisty, so keep it mellow.

10. San Juan Skyway (CO)
This 236-mile loop includes the Million Dollar Highway, with golden aspens against jagged peaks. Peak color comes earlier here, so ride it in late September. Mountain weather turns fast, so pack layers.

Ride Smart in the Leaves

• Wet leaves are slick. Treat them like ice, especially in shaded corners and on bridges.
• Mornings stay cold. Layer up, and expect frost at elevation.
• Watch for wildlife. Deer are most active at dawn and dusk.
• Check road closures. Some mountain roads close early for weather.

Whichever road you pick, ride safe and keep the rubber side down.

God · Family · Motorcycles.