Motorcycle Rides Near Me in Georgia

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Have you ever asked the question:  Where are the best motorcycle rides near me in Georgia (GA)? 

Whether you are simply looking for some new motorcycle rides & roads in Georgia you have never been on or if you are really focused on trying to find the very best motorcycle rides in Georgia, finding out all your motorcycle road choices and options can be more challenging than you realize.  Even for motorcycle riders with many years of riding experience driving motorcycles in The Peach State can find an incredible motorcycle ride that they had driven near or past for years without ever thinking to give it a try.  Or, these same riders may just happen to talk to another motorcycle rider and learn about some nearby great motorcycle roads in an area that they’ve never thought to check out.  So, MotorcycleRoads.com (McR) has put together this short little guide aimed at helping you better answer the question - What are my best options for motorcycle rides near me in Georgia?”  

*Rankings for Georgia motorcycle rides were accurate at the time this guide was published/updated in Feb of 2020 (for more information, see Note 1 at the bottom of this article).  Additionally, McR uses a proprietary algorithm to calculate motorcycle ride popularity (for more information, see see Note 2 also at at the bottom of this article). 
 

Closest US Motorcycle Riding Hotspot to Georgia
 

First, I need to tell you about some motorcycle riding HOTSPOTS across the United States.  After 20+ years of collecting data on approximately 2000 US motorcycle roads & rides, motorcycle rider reviews and ratings of those motorcycle roads, along with countless photos and videos, it has become clear that some sections of the United States have become motorcycle riding hotspots.  As you'll learn, these motorcycle riding hotspots are found in different parts of the country; in areas that are well known to offer amazing scenery and in some areas that don't have such a strong reputation.  There are a variety of reasons that motorcycle riders gravitate to certain parts of the country and every rider has their own preferences, so an area that may not be anything special to one rider, may be an absolute paradise for another rider.  For whatever the reasons are, each of these hotspots attract riders typically from all over their region (e.g., the Midwest, the Northeast, etc.) and sometimes all over the entire USA or even the world at large. 

Note: Georgia motorcycle riders are lucky in that one of these motorcycle riding hotspots (explained in a paragraph below) actually extends into a small portion of Northeastern Georgia and expands Northward from there; so you will not have to travel a far distance to get one of these hotspots.  

Four of these key US motorcycle riding hotspots are depicted in the map image below.
 

US motorcycle riding hotspots


Nearest Motorcycle Riding Hotspot for Georgia Motorcycle Riders: The Blue Ridge Box

blue ridge box motorcycle riding hotspot

As mentioned above, one of the US motorcycle riding hotspots actually (a portion of it) is found in northeastern Georgia.  And, not only is this a close hotspot for Georgia motorcycle riders but as hotspots go, this one really stands out for having some of the highest quality and most popular motorcycle roads in the entire USA.  The Blue Ridge Box is an approximate 50 x 50 mile “box” located at the southern end of the Blue Ridge mountains and including portions of SE Tennessee, SW North Carolina, NE Georgia, and NW South Carolina.  This concentrated collection of spectacular motorcycle rides is home to a motorcycle ride that has been named a top motorcycle ride in the USA as long as the site has been running: The Tail of the Dragon (AKA Deal’s Gap).  The Tail of the Dragon draws enough attention and motorcycle riders from around the world that it alone could arguably represent a motorcycle riding hotspot in and of itself; yet the Blue Ridge Box contains many, many more top motorcycle roads including the following:

 

Iconic US Motorcycle Rides

Now if you are interested in not just in motorcycle riding hotspots in the USA but instead the hottest/most-popular individual motorcycle rides across the entire country, then you need to be introduced to some motorcycle rides that have reached iconic status. Fortunately for Georgia motorcycle riders, a few of these incredible motorcycle rides are just a few states away.  These are the kinds of motorcycle rides that all true motorcycling riding enthusiasts should add to his/her motorcycle riding bucket list.  The short list of these iconic motorcycle rides in the USA are as follows:

 
  tail of the dragon photo

The Dragon – As mentioned above in the Blue Ridge Box discussion, this route starts at the North Carolina and Tennessee border, heads north into Tennessee, and goes by many different names such as: The Dragon, the Tail of the Dragon, Deal’s Gap, and/or the Dragon’s Tail.  Call it what you want, but this is probably the most famous motorcycle road in the entire world … yes, world.  It is known for its collection of incredible curves compressed into a short stretch of 11-miles ... 318 curves in those mere 11-miles.   

 

 
  blue ridge parkway photo

The Blue Ridge Parkway – like The Tail of the Dragon discussed above, the next iconic motorcycle ride is also world famous yet this is anything but a short ride as it covers a whopping 469-miles!  This route is covers large portions of both Virginia and North Carolina and has been enchanting both motorcycle riders and car drivers for decades.

 

 
  three sisters motorcycle ride texas

Three Sisters – the next iconic motorcycle ride takes us down way down south & “deep in the heart of Texas” with a motorcycle ride that also goes by a few different names (Ranch Roads 335, 336,337a, or “The Twisted Sisters,” or simply “The Three Sisters”) and is positioned in an area known as Texas Hill country just northwest of San Antonio, Texas.  The ride has a cult following of riders and like the other iconic rides, draws motorcycle riders in from not just the USA but all parts of the world. 

 

 
  pch motorcycle ride

Hwy 1 - Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) – Beyond a doubt, the most iconic motorcycle ride in the west is the Pacific Coast Highway and is also one of the most famous scenic drive in all of the world.  This quintessential road trip up (or down) the California coast became popular when it was glamorized by a variety of movies and TV shows and has only grown in popularity over time.  It offers gentle curves and breathtaking scenery as well as world class amenities along the coast and in the cities/towns that grace its path.  

 

 
  tunnel of trees motorcycle ride michigan

If you’re looking for a iconic motorcycle ride in the Midwest, The Tunnel of Trees Road is like the PCH of the Midwest and like PCH (described above), this route is also a “shore hugger.”  It offers riders great lake shore scenery off to the west with a canopy of green foliage from above.  The ride is a favorite among Midwestern motorcycle riders and is particularly captivating in the fall when the autumn colors mesmerize riders as the ride beneath a canopy of golds, oranges, and scarlet reds.  

 

 
  beartooth motorcycle ride montana wyoming

The last iconic American motorcycle ride on our list is the most extreme in many aspects as it is located in a sparsely populated area in northern Wyoming and crossing over into an equally sparsely populated area of Southern Montana and is referred to as Beartooth Pass .  The route is extreme for the fact that for the sheer mountain cliffs and switchbacks as well as the fact that it can throw snow & ice into the mix as late as July.  It not only offers riders unrivaled mountain scenery but also has the added bonus of putting riders within a short drive to the quintessential US National Park - Yellowstone.   

 

 
     

 

 

Motorcycle Riding in the state of Georgia  

So far we have told you about Georgia's nearest motorcycle riding hotspot, the Blue Ridge Box, as well as some iconic US motorcycle roads that are spread out around the USA.  But if you simply want to know what the best motorcycle rides near you in Georgia are, then read on as I describe 5 of the very best motorcycle rides in Georgia below.  Note: Currently there are 25 Georgia motorcycle roads registered on McR which puts the state slightly below the national average which is 35 registered motorcycle roads per state.  Despite that, Georgia does have a few of these routes found within the coveted Top 100 Motorcycle Rides in the USA

Below we highlight 5 of the best motorcycle rides in Georgia but for the complete listing check out all registered Georgia motorcycle rides.

 

The Top-5 Best Motorcycle Rides in Georgia

 

suches georgia motorcycle ride.jpg

  1. Georgia's Dragon - The Suches Loop

Beginning in Dahlonega (worth exploring) on Route 60, go ahead it till it splits and head to the left to reach Suches. Hanf right on Route 180 till it goes to US Highway 129/19 and take right to follow it back home. Amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains and Chattahoochee National Forest, the ride goes along the base of the Blood Mountain. The exceptional motorcycle ride is best in fall when the foliage colours the views in shades of red, gold and green. Visit the Brasstown Bald observation point for those awe-inspiring views. TWO is a nice restaurant and motorcycle hostel along the way. You also have Vogel State Park along the way.

 

the extended suches loop motorcycle ride in georgia.jpg

  1. The Extended Suches Loop

This perfectly picturesque road begins with National Parks and plenty of Gaps where you can witness Georgia in all its beauty. Take this ride in October for the fall views. Lake Burton has a beautiful cabin lodge overlooking the clear lake with plenty of fish. The latter part of the ride offers flat lands and a chance to fill up at the tempting Lakeside Grill. It’s some of the best scenery you will see in the area with some slopes, turns and switchbacks that make it an exciting ride. There is some traffic, but it doesn’t overwhelm you.

 

highway 28 georgia motorcycle ride.jpg

  1. Highway 28: Tri-State Tour

Beginning in Walhalla, SC this Georgia motorcycle ride heads north into Highlands, NC. The route passes through some National Forests, Mountains, Rivers, waterfalls to offer a wholesome sampling of the best of three states in 30 miles! Going through Sumter National Forest and Nantahala National Forest, there are plenty of tight curves, sweepers and transitions. Fill up at the beginning of the ride as there is no gas or other facilities for miles on this scenic route.

 

Eastern georgia motorcycle ride.jpg

  1. Late Lunch Cruise Down South

The open road has some great scenery of rural Georgia as you go along the two-lane smooth roads between Dawsonville and Juliette. There are some amazing sightseeing opportunities in the small southern Georgian towns and some nice places to eat. The author recommends Whistle Stop in Juliette for a great meal. Go ahead across the tracks in old mill to see the motorcycle museum and some amazing waterfalls further on this fun ride. If you are at Exit 201, eat at Buckners to catch some great southern gospel music.

 

north georgia motorcycle ride.jpg

  1. Northern Georgia Scenic Byway Loop

Located 90 miles northeast of Atlanta, this Georgia motorcycle route begins in Helen on Route 17. You can take a detour on Route 365 for Unicoi State Park. Take Route 180 to get to Choestoe and head south on Route 348  to get on Route 75 to come back. It takes you through a couple of US Government designated scenic byways (you will know when the landscape gets unbelievable enthralling!). Travelling through the Chattahoochee National Forest, you will see Georgia’s tallest mountain as you go along thick hilly forests. The remote steep, curvy, perfectly enjoyable ride does not attract much traffic.


Lastly, aside from the best motorcycle rides in Georgia that we described above, overall planning a great motorcycle ride or trip in the state of Georgia is relatively easy as all you need to do is to string together some of the great Georgia motorcycle roads you find on McR with any of the nice tourist destinations/attractions in the Peach State.  A summary of some of the better Georgia tourism/travel destinations is provided below along with links for further information:

  • The Savannah Historic District has preserved the old city the way it appeared at the time of the Civil War. The romantic urban scene is complete with Spanish moss, stone-paved streets lined by trees and a lot of art, culture, museums and mansion tours. The northern end has the riverfront while the southern part has the Forsyth Park. The entire area takes you back in time to a pleasant land with paths shaded by old trees.
  • The world’s largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, holds more than 10 millions gallons of fresh and saltwater and is home to over 100,000 aquatic animals. Some very unusual creatures such as the Australian Sea Dragon, Japanese Spider Crab, Californian Sea Lion, whale sharks, manta rays and more are seen here.
  • The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site includes the Carter family home, President’s Carter’s childhood home and farm in the Plains. Visitors can get an insight into the former President’s upbringing and social influences here.
  • The Ocumlgee National Monument is a dedication to the 12,000 years of human habitation in the Macon area. The earthen mounds and a ceremonial lodge are the highlight. The history of the Native American Indians and the Civil War battles in this area can be learnt here.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta features the birth place and the grave of the great civil rights leader. A part of the home in which he was born is restored in the park. It also includes the Freedom Hall Complex with exhibits.
  • The Rock City Gardens on the Lookout Mountains is a tourist attraction that claims to show seven states from a particular spot called the Lover’s Leap.
  • The Okefenokee Swamp, also called the ‘Land of the Quaking Earth’ covers about 770 sq miles. The floating islands which once protected the Indian settlements is one of the major attractions here. The swamp is now home to several endangered species and about 10,000 alligators.
  • The Chattahoochee National Forest is a 750,000 acre spectacle of lakes, rivers, waterfalls nestled among nature’s gorgeous cover. It’s especially great for camping, hiking, canoeing, swimming, kayaking and picnicking in summers.
  • The Tallulah George State Park is adjacent to the Tallulah Falls and surrounds the 1,000 ft deep gorge formed by the Tallulah River. The park features the six waterfalls that make up the Tallulah Falls, where the river leaps more than 500 feet.

 

Interested in more motorcycle ride articles like this?

       
  Midwest's Best Motorcycle Rides

 

The Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in the Midwest  
  northeast-motorcycle-ride

 

The Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in the Northeast  
  South's Best Motorcycle Rides

 

The Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in the South  
  West's Best Motorcycle Rides

 

The Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in the West  

 

Note 1:  All facts and figures were gathered during early Jan 2019 and will change over time as new motorcycle roads are added to the collection. 
Note 2:  How were these popularity ratings calculated? 
A motorcycle road’s popularity can be based on a wide variety of factors.  Our analysis considered some obvious indicators of motorcycle road popularity such each roads’ “Rider Rating” scores (star ratings) and which motorcycle road description pages were visited the most.  But, the analysis dug deeper and looked at some less obvious yet valuable indicators of a motorcycle road’s popularity such as how often a given motorcycle road was added to riders’ “To Ride” lists, how often a given motorcycle road was added to riders’ “Rode it” lists and enthusiasm indicators such how often photos and/or videos were uploaded for a given road and which roads are attracting the most buzz among motorcycle roads indicated by those roads that are receiving the most number of new/recent comments.  For the sake of being consistent and as objective as possible we use a popularity algorithm that “crunches those number” and allows us to develop a ranking of the popularity of each of the motorcycle roads used as a basis for this guide.

 


Conclusion

As always, I hope to provide you with insightful & valuable motorcycle riding community information to help you get the most out of all of your motorcycling experiences.

I'm always looking for ways to make MotorcycleRoads.com better and more helpful so if you have any suggestions to improve the website, just contact me through the Feedback button you'll find near the top of every page.  And as always, if you have a favorite motorcycle road of yours that is not yet registered on MotorcycleRoads.com, please get that favorite of yours "on the map" by registering it at MotorcycleRoads.com.  Registering a motorcycle road (or event, or club, or place) is quick and easy and you'll be helping out our motorcycle riding community!!! 

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