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Top 5 New England Motorcycle Rides

Every spring, when the rain has finally washed the winter’s salt from the roads, and the sun has dried them, all you can think about is getting on your bike again. But aren’t those last treasured days of riding, before the snow and ice descend, just as precious? New England offers some of the prettiest rides in the country, and we’ve compiled a list of some favorite New England motorcycle rides. From Maine to Rhode Island, there’s a winding, country road to follow.

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New England Motorcycle Rides
Photo: Unsplash

Hit The Pavement With These New England Motorcycle Rides

Acadia/Bar Harbor Loop, ME

Acadia National Park Loop
Flickr/David Brossard/(CC BY 2.0)

Purely Maine, Acadia National Park offers stunning views of packed harbors, frothing waters, and pebbly beaches; here, a simple trip to the store can be a breathtaking excursion. A motorcyclist’s heaven, Rt. 233 and Rt. 3 on the island wind through this beautiful country, bringing you past lakes, along rocky ocean vistas, and through hopping coastal towns like Bar Harbor. As the colors start to change and the fall chill begins to nip its way into the air, find a cozy little inn in Maine, and enjoy this premier example of a gorgeous New England motorcycle ride.

Mad River Valley, VT

Start as far up Route 100 as you like and ride your way south along the Mad River. At the junction of 100 and 17, head west and enter the Mad River Valley. Rolling, winding roads and sites to stun (including a stretch through Camel’s Hump State Park) make this one of Vermont’s most famous rides. Whether you’re riding a cruiser, a chopper, or a zippy sport bike, this New England motorcycle ride has features to appeal to any style rider.

Kancamagus Highway, N.H.
Flickr/Jim Pennucci/(CC BY 2.0)

Kancamagus Highway, N.H.

Probably the most famous highway in New Hampshire, the Kancamagus (lovingly referred to as “The Kanc”) is the pride of the region, renowned for its sharp curves and stunning scenery. Rolling hills and mountains, wooded valleys, and quaint New England towns define this fun and picturesque ride. As the East Coast comes into peak foliage season, the White Mountains transition from the rich green of summer to a spread of rolling reds and golds. This highway is the very definition of a perfect ride, and — bonus! — it is easily accessible off of Interstate 93.

View of Charlemont from the Indian Bridge in Massachusetts.
Photo: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

The Mohawk Trail, MA

A deeply historic route, The Mohawk Trail runs across Massachusetts from the New York border to the Connecticut River. Used as a trade route over the ages, The Mohawk Trail (Route 2 on a road atlas) runs straight through the Berkshires. Besides its inherent natural beauty, the Trail offers great opportunities for good eats, good inns, and fun day trips along the way. The stunning scenery, winding road, and changes in elevation make this a favorite New England motorcycle ride for locals and tourists alike.

CT/R.I. Loop

Start out in beautiful Newport, R.I., then head West along Rt. 138, past the Plum Beach Lighthouse, before picking up Rt. 102 where it intersects. Grab a farm-fresh meal at Plum Pt. Bistro, then continue onto 102 (also known as the Victory Highway), peeling off onto 117 West towards Connecticut. Keep your westerly route and head deeper into Connecticut, or head south on Rt. 49, then east on 165, finally wending your way back to good old Newport. This New England motorcycle ride guides you through lush farmland, and along a scattering of lakes and ponds, and through wild state parks.

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