The best US touring routes to try this fall

After the long, hot summer months, we're getting into the fall season, which means you're probably itching to get back on your bike and ride. There is nothing better than riding through a beautiful fall landscape with the wind in your face. With that said, it's time to start planning our route for this season. 

The best thing about touring during this time of year is that it's not too hot or cold - just right for riding! Fall colors are also up all around us which makes for some amazing scenery. To help you plan your upcoming tours to ride this fall, we've collected some of our favorite touring routes from across North America. Here they are: 

1. Head out on the Blue Ridge Parkway
2. Tour the Great River Road along the Mississippi
3. Ride Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles
4. Explore the Natchez Trace in Tennessee and Mississippi 
5. Go for an epic ride around California's Big Sur coast
   
   

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic two-lane highway that runs from the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, through many of the most popular national parks and historical sites. The parkway has more than 20 overlooks, which offer magnificent views of forests, rivers, mountains, and valleys. You might be tempted to stop at everyone! However, you will need to decide how much time you have for exploring on your trip up north because there are plenty of other things waiting for you once you arrive. 

Tourists who enjoy touring with motorcycles should keep their eyes peeled for some great motorcycle riding spots along this route including Uwharrie National Forest in North Carolina and Cherohala Skyway in Tennessee. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the most scenic drive in America. It winds its way through over 500 miles of Virginia and North Carolina, providing riders with breathtaking views at every turn. You'll find that there are plenty of places to stop for a break or to take your time exploring on your motorcycle. With so many different types of scenery, you're bound to see something new each day! 

One thing's for sure: this ride will be one you never forget!

Great River Road 

The Great River Road is a tour of the Mississippi River, starting in Minnesota and ending in Louisiana. Along this route are some incredible sights, from New Orleans to Memphis to St. Louis. With so much history along the way, it's hard not to be mesmerized by this beautiful country we live in!

The Great River Road is a popular motorcycle touring destination for riders all over the world. The scenery of the Mississippi River changes as you ride along with it, with some parts being deep and slow-moving while others are more turbulent. When riding this route, you'll see many lighthouses that were constructed to guide boats through dangerous areas of water where they might otherwise run aground. There are also plenty of places to stop for food or gas on your journey down the road! 

The Great River Road begins in Dubuque, IA, and ends at its confluence with the Ohio River in Cairo, IL. Along this scenic byway, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some amazing sights like Fort Snelling, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Buffalo Bill Museum, Trail of Tears State Park and many more.

Route 66

The ride from Chicago to Los Angeles is a beautiful, scenic, and historic journey that I highly recommend. You'll be traveling on some of the most iconic roads in America, including Route 66 (of course!), US-50, AZ-80, and more. During your trip, you'll pass through or near many of the major cities along the way including St Louis, Albuquerque, Flagstaff and Tucson. The best time to go is during the fall.

The ride route will take roughly 2 weeks if you stop at all attractions along the way so plan accordingly. If it's too long for one trip then split it. The best way to enjoy it is by taking your time and enjoying each section of the journey. You'll want to stop in at all of these places on your way out west! 

-The Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas   -The Atlantic Ocean along Florida's coastline  -Rocky Mountains during fall - Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico -  Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert in Arizona -San Francisco Bay Area for some great food and wine tasting

Natchez Trace

The Natchez Trace in Tennessee and Mississippi is a scenic, picturesque roadway that's perfect for touring motorcycle riders. It starts north of Nashville in the state of Tennessee and extends all the way to Natchez, MS. Along this route, you'll be able to take in some great scenery, see small towns with rich history, and enjoy good food from local restaurants along the way! 

The Natchez Trace is a National Scenic Byway that will take you through some of the most beautiful countrysides in America. But it’s not just an awesome ride; there are plenty of points of interest along the way for those with a passion for culture and history. You can also camp or stay at one of many lodges along your journey. 

Ready to explore? Hop on your bike and head south but be sure to stop at some of these places on your way!
Baker Bluff/Jackson Falls, Fall Hollow, Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall, Tupelo -  Mississippi, Cypress Swamp.  

California's Big Sur coast

You'll be riding your motorcycle taking in the sights and smells of Big Sur Coast as you go for an epic ride around California's most scenic coastal highway. The views are stunning from every angle, but there is nothing more enlightening than looking at it all from the seat of a bike! It's not just about how amazing it feels to be out there on the open road where anything is possible...it's about experiencing life fully and living in the moment. 

From Carmel in the north to San Simeon in the south, this route is pretty short (less than 100 miles). However it’s so loaded with spots to stop and check out that you’ll be needing 2 days to complete it. Fall and spring are the best seasons to go over this route. Important thing, check out for wildfires announces before hitting the road.

Some stop-by spots on the route: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Point Lobos State Park, Garrapata State Beach, Mcway Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, Sur Light Station, Limekiln Falls, The Seals At Piedras Blancas Rookery, Hearst Castle and many more.