Motorcycle Rides Near Me in Ohio

Closest US Motorcycle Riding Hotspot to Ohio

First, if you are a Ohio motorcycle rider that is willing to travel a bit to wherever the best motorcycle rides are, then I need to tell you about some motorcycle riding HOTSPOTS across the United States.  After 20+ years of collecting data on 1,000s of great US motorcycle roads & rides, motorcycle rider reviews and ratings of those motorcycle roads, along with thousands of photos and videos, it has become clear that some regions of the USA are simply motorcycle riding Hotspots.  And, lucky for you Ohio motorcycle riders, your very own state of Ohio is host to one of these US motorcycle riding hotspots which is located in southeastern Ohio.  I'll provide you some specific information about that hotspot below but I want you to also consider that there are other hotspots located in different regions of the US that you may want to consider traveling to at some point in your "motorcycle riding lifetime."  Each of these hotspots act like “magnets for motorcycling” and are depicted in the map image below.

Showcase: The Buckeye Hills Motorcycle Riding Hotspot (located in Southeastern Ohio)

As mentioned above, Ohio motorcycle riders are lucky in the fact that your very own Buckeye State is a host of one of the country’s motorcycle riding hotspots: The Buckeye Hills (Southeast Ohio)! I’ve been observing the growth in popularity of Southeast Ohio for many years now and I have to admit that when I started MotorcyceRoads.com way back in 1998, I would not have ever guessed that Southeast Ohio would end up becoming one of the country’s most popular areas for motorcycle riding. It is a small area compared to many of the other hotspots but that is good news for you as you’ll access to a lot of great motorcycle rides in a relatively small area which means you can compress some great motorcycle riding in a shorter amount of time and shorter amount of travel distance.  This area is referred to by some riders as simply the Buckeye Hills  

Now if you are a Ohio motorcycle rider who has known about this great little hotspot in your state, then you’ve no doubt enjoyed some of those great roads and great rides. However, if you are like a lot of riders in Ohio or in other parts of the country, maybe Ohio isn’t the first state that comes to mind as US motorcycle riding hotspot. Despite that, the amount of riders who are leaving raving reviews, great photos and videos, and sharing these motorcycle roads with fellow riders, prove that The Buckeye Hills offers an area with one of the biggest concentration of great motorcycle rides! and has earned the designation on MotorcycleRoads.com of a  US motorcycle riding hotspot.  Below I provide you with an explanation of what makes this area such a magnet for great motorcycle riding so read on ...

The wonderful Southeastern Ohio curves are a result of the 'marvelous for motorcycling' topography/terrain of this region which is referred to as the Appalachian Plateau.  The Appalachian Plateau is area covered in rolling hills and valleys.  The Appalachian Plateau covers portions of a number of US states but is part of a particularly that get particularly steeper and more pronounced as you go further south making this the most rugged region of Ohio and potentially that of the entire US Midwest.  Southeast Ohio absolutely dominates in terms of the most popular motorcycle rides in the Midwest region with 4 of the Top 5 ranked routes.  So if you are looking for a Midwestern motorcycle hotspot and love curves and twistees, check out these favoritesOnce in southeast Ohio you will want to focus on these stand out Ohio motorcycle rides:

• #1 motorcycle ride in Ohio (and #1 in the entire Midwest) – Ohio’s Triple Nickel – Route 555 
• #2 motorcycle ride in Ohio (and #3 in the Midwest)   The Ohio Cousin of the Tail of the Dragon 
• #3 motorcycle ride in Ohio (and #4 in the Midwest)  Ohio Route 26 
• #4 motorcycle ride in Ohio (and #5 in the Midwest)  Ohio’s Dragon’s Tail 

Since the remaining three motorcycle riding hotspots are significantly further away than the Southeastern Ohio hotspot, I didn't go over those other hotspots.  However, if you are interested in learning about those any of those other US motorcycling centers of gravity, simply visit our Motorcycle Rides Near Me in the USA guide where you can read the detailed and full report.
 

Iconic US Motorcycle Rides

Now if you are interested in not just hotspots but the USA's hottest individual motorcycle rides that are generally considered to be the very best motorcycle roads in the entire USA, then I need to tell you about the motorcycle rides that have reached iconic status. Unfortunately none of these motorcycle rides are located in Ohio, they are rides that all die hard motorcycling riding enthusiasts should add to his/her motorcycle riding bucket list.  The short list of these premium motorcycle rides in the USA are as follows:

	The Dragon – This is a route that starts at the North Carolina and Tennessee border and goes north from there for 11-miles into Tennessee.  This motorcycle ride goes by many 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 most likely 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.
	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 – 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.
	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.
	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.
	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.

The Best Motorcycle Riding areas in the state of Ohio  

So far we have told you about Ohio's nearest motorcycle riding hotspot, Southeast Ohio, as well as iconic US motorcycle roads that are spread out around the USA, but all of these motorcycle rides are a considerable distance from Ohio.  And, some motorcycle riders simply aren't up for the long distance travel to get to these exceptional motorcycle roads (or at least not at this point in time).  

So, if instead you simply want to find the best motorcycle rides near you in Ohio, then read on as I describe 5 of the very best motorcycle rides in Ohio below.  Each of these rides has been a top ranked motorcycle ride in Ohio for years as our ranking algorithm doesn't let a newly added ride simply jet right up to the top of the list of motorcycle roads but instead factors in the route's popularity over time by looking at many different factors that indicate a motorcycle road's popularity (e.g., page views for that motorcycle road, the number of motorcycle riders following that route, the number of times that route has been saved to riders' To Ride list, the number of times that motorcycle ride has been saved to a riders' Rode It list, the number of motorcycle ride photos or videos that have been uploaded to that page, etc, etc.).  Keep in mind however, that even though we use a somewhat complex rating algorithm to keep 'undeserving routes' from erratically rising to the top, certainly the ratings can & do change over time and so the list you see below of the best motorcycle rides in Ohio was current at the time of the publication of this guide to the best motorcycle rides near me - Ohio (date of last update is found at the top of this guide in the "note" section). Currently there are 27 Ohio motorcycle roads registered on McR and unfortunately none of those 27 Ohio motorcycle rides are currently ranked in the Top 100 Motorcycle Rides in the USA. 

Below are short descriptions of 5 of the best motorcycle rides in Ohio (complete/updated listing of all Ohio motorcycle rides).

The Top-5 Motorcycle Rides in Ohio: 

1. The Triple Nickel - Route 555

Beginning at the town of Brush Creek, just south of anesville, Oh, this is the top Ohio motorcycle route. The drive takes you through and next to Wayne National Forest, other than farms and rolling hills you would see along the way. The road is like an adventure park for sport bikers and definitely not for novices. It is calm, isolated and has minimal traffic lights (which means you need to take extra caution while riding these tricky roads).

2. The Ohio Cousin Of The "Tail Of The Dragon"

Take Ohio Route 536 from Hannibal till you get to Ohio Route 78 for this isolated, town-less 12-mile motorcycle ride. It is tucked in the southeastern corner of the state, hiding some spectacular views through the deep woods that words can summarize! Steep hills and valleys where you might have to make 180-defree turns at 15mph. Although most curves are marked, tread cautiously. The reviews say that there are no guardrails and some sections are gravel; so stay alert. Overall, it is an exciting Ohio route!

3. Ohio Route 26

Follow Route 26 up to Marietta and go on to Route 800 in Woodsfield, which is also a pretty great route, says the author. It takes you through some ‘S-curve’ elevations along the curvy motorcycle ride. Prepare yourself to become one with nature as there is no cell reception here. You can fill up near Woodsfield.

4. Ohio's Dragon's Tail

This beautiful 20-mile southeastern Ohio motorcycle ride takes Route 78 between Glouster and McConnelsville. It’s one of the finest routes in the area! Its twisties and elevation changes make a thrilling ride! Burr Oak state park and Wayne National Forest are both located on this route (and that means you’re in for some of the best views!)

5. Northeastern Ohio's Curve Heaven - RT 164

From Leesville to Lisbon through Perryville, Amsterdam and Monroeville, this country route is one among the top five motorcycle routes of Ohio. It is a run through some twisties, sandstone hills of Jefferson County in the Appalachian Highlands, oak and hickory forests. Beeches, maples, Tulip trees, walnuts, elms and ashes along with wild geraniums, Hepaticas and blood-roots accompanied by the sweet melodies of wild song birds make it a great ride! It’s a treat for the eyes if you visit in fall.

Now aside from the great Ohio motorcycle rides described above, overall the state of Ohio has some great places to see and visit.  Ohio motorcycle riders should work some of these destinations into a motorcycle trip (day trip, weekend, or small vacation) along with some of Ohio's many great motorcycle rides.  Standout destinations in the state of Ohio that Ohio motorcycle riders should consider are listed below along with a link to a website with more information:

• The National Museum of the US Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton has over 360 exhibits.  I personally have visited this museum (I was in the Air Force for about 20+ years) and believe it to be the best museum for aviation history in the world ... it is a Smithsonian-class museum.  If you are in to military aircraft and or a history buff, plan on spending at least a day at this truly wonderful museum.  It walks you through aviation history. The exhibits appeal to even those who aren’t aviation fanatics with pieces like the first successful aircraft by the Wright Brothers, military aircraft and more recent stealth technology. Most importantly, it is free!  
• Amish Country is a great place for a nice summer day drive through this rolling landscape. Spanning over five counties, the Amish Country shows locals working in the farms and going about their routines. One can stop to pick up some locally made cottage cheese, ice cream, fresh produce, candy and more.
• The Fountain Square in Cincinnati is a great outdoor place. Summers offer outdoor coffee places while it features a skate rink in winters. Locals often come here to escape the confines of offices and apartments. Music, entertainment and restaurants are available abundantly throughout the year. The highlight is the Tyler Davidson Fountain, an ornate structure dedicated in 1871.
• The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the top rated ones in the country that features over 10,000 animals from six regions. Visit between late November and the end of the holidays to catch the wild light displayes where one can see animals in a unique light (literally!). The zoo is lit up with over three million lights and offers visitation at night.
• The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus is open throughout the year and exhibits indoor and outdoor plants and flowers. It showcases seasonal specialties. The conservatory has more than 400 species from the Himalayas, rain forests, deserts and Pacific islands in glass greenhouses. The exquisite Victorian style glass greenhouses from the 1800s contains 43 species.
• The Cuyahoga Valley National Park preserves the rural landscape along the Cuyahoga River in Northeast Ohio. Spanning about 32,500 acres, it is the only national park in Ohio. It is adjacent to two large urban areas with dense roads, small towns and more.
• Wayne National Forest, the only national forest of the state in southeastern Ohio is in the Allegheny Plateau. It overlooks the gorgeous Hocking River through US Route 33. It was partly cleared in the 18th and 19th century for agriculture and lumbering, but was reforested.
• The 1,110-acre Mohican State Park is in Ashland County and sits on the south shore of Pleasant Hill Lake. The Mohican River flows through the park to carve a gorge. The Clear Fork joins the Black Fork east of the park. The park offers camping, mountain biking, fishing, boating, hiking and picnicking all year around.
• The Hocking Hills State Park near Logan is rugged, natural and hence popular. Hiking trails, caves, campaign facilities and cottages make it a great weekend getaway. The place is especially vibrant in fall colors. Several activities such as bird watching, photography, hikes, cave walks and winter hikes attract thousands each year. It also has outdoor adventures like zip-lining, rock climbing and canoeing.

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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