Motorcycle Rides Near Me in Virginia

Motorcycle Riding in the state of Virginia  

So far we have told you about Virginia'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 Virginia are, then read on as I describe 5 of the very best motorcycle rides in Virginia below. Currently there are 64 Virginia motorcycle roads registered on McR which puts the state nicely above the national average of registered motorcycle roads per state (note: the average state at the time of this publication had about 45 registered motorcycle roads on MotorcycleRoads.com).  And, Virginia also has a handful of these routes found within the coveted Top 100 Motorcycle Rides in the USA which riders should consult over time as the list is updated constantly with new routes and motorcycle rides that are gaining and/or falling in popularity.  

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

The Top-5 Best Motorcycle Rides in Virginia: 

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

The ride begins at Afton, VA and runs south till it intersects with I-77 and goes through the Virginia country side. Here you can make stops at an old mill pond with a working millwheel and Civil War battle sites. The roads finally take you towards Cherokee, NC, mostly in the Great Smoky Mountains. This region has some astounding overlooks and some major attractions like the blowing rock and an old craft house. As you get to Ashton, the views get better till you get to the end point at Cherokee Indian Reservation with a museum and an outdoor drama. It has gentle curves and limited access, which means you can go slowly and revel in the views!

2. Skyline Drive

Beginning in Front Royal, the Skyline Drive heads south to Shenandoah National Park and ends in Waynesboro, VA. You can take the route back from here or head to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The views of the Shenandoah National Park includes majestic mountains, deer and if you’re in luck, black bear. The 105-mile mountain roads are super twisty with a 35 mph speed limit. It can get damp in the mornings. There are several spots to stop for a stretch, camping sites and hiking trails.

3. US 250

This Virginia motorcycle road takes you up two mountains with panoramic vistas of the valley below. Farm lands, lush forests and rocky creek beds are just some things you can see down below. Ride early in the morning to have the road all to yourself, advises the author. The road has some challenging switch backs, tight turns, drastic elevation changes and more. There are few spots for a break. Some sections are a rough ride. The way to George Washington National Park and the Monongahela National Park offers eateries, picnic areas, hiking, scenic overlooks and more.

4. Virginia's State Route 16

This is a Virginia motorcycle ride that offers mountains, countryside, two state parks, awesome scenery and thrilling twisties. The Hungry Mother State Park and the Grayson Highlands State Park are both worth riding through. The road also has some chain restaurants, local mom n pop places and some nice towns with amenities. The pavement is smooth and well-maintained.

5. The Secret Blue-Ridge Mountain Northern Stretch

This is a non-so-well-known route in the Blue Ridge Mountains that goes through lush green forests, some fields, picturesque lone homes and quaint stone fences. It also covers some great valley views and makes for a nice summer and fall ride. The road is in perfect condition with no potholes or gravel. The road isn’t jam-packed with traffic, although it isn’t very empty either. There isn’t much to do except for enjoying the remote ride in nature’s lap.

In addition to the great/popular Virginia motorcycle rides listed above, Virginia is the proud state where 4 of the first 5 presidents were born and holds the record of 8 total, the most in any state. And with that presidential history distinction also comes a whole host of other historical based attractions that history buffs will revel in.  Additionally, the site has some wonderful scenic destinations that draw in visitors from all over the country and world.  Overall, planning a great Virginia motorcycle ride would be easy if you were to combine any of the great nearby Virginia motorcycle roads along with these popular attractions described below: 

• Colonial Williamsburg is a rare spot that recreates the setting of the American Revolution period. 18th century buildings have either firmly stood still or have been restored to their original shape. Tourists get to walk the path taken by Thomas Jefferson and the spot where Patrick Henry gave his speech, as well as eat where George Washington did. Costumed interpreters show the lives of gentry, farmers and slaves from then.
   
• Virginia Beach features a wide expanse of golden sand with hotels, amusements and long boardwalks along. Nearby are the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum, Ocean Breeze Water Park, Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, New Lighthouse and Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. More than 9,000 acres of coastline is protected as a part of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which offers hiking and picnic facilities.
   
• Arlington National Cemetery is spread across 600 acres and is where most famous personalities of the country are buried. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, carved out of white marble, contains the remains of soldiers from both the World Wars, Korean Conflict and Vietnam War, and is one of the most visited spots. The grave of President John F. Kennedy is marked by an eternal flame. Built in the 1800s as a tribute to George Washington, Arlington House is known for being the residence of Robert E. Lee. The mast of the Battleship Maine is a memorial to the casualties of the ship that sunk in Havana Harbor. Nearby is tomb of Pierre L’Enfant, the designer of the city of Washington D.C.
   
• Colonial National Historic Park encompasses the site of the Revolution’s end – Jamestown and Yorktown. The foundations of the 1639 church tower and a few buildings at the outline remain in its original condition. A museum, exhibition galleries focused on England’s colonization, history and culture of the Powhatans and Jamestown’s first 100 years are the highlights. It also has some spectacular re-creations of historic structures.
   
• Luray Caverns have the most breathtaking calcite formations within an extensive underground system that exude an extra-terrestrial feel. Limestone crystals here have been formed over centuries to create the impressive landscape. Titania’s Veil, the giant double column, interior lakes and one-of-its-kind Great Stalacpipe Organ are the highlights here. Nearby are the Luray Valley Museum that explores the history of the region’s 19th century rural life, and the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum that features an 1897 Mercedes Benz.
   
• Shenandoah National Park is at the center of Virginia and houses part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Skyline Drive along the length of the park overlooks some great views and President Hoover’s summer residence, Old Cave Cemetery and Dark Hollow Falls. Hiking trails take you through flowering trees and shrubs with different gorgeous shades through spring, summer and autumn.
   
• Manassas National Battlefield Park was where two key Civil War battles were fought in Virginia – Battle of Bull Run and the engagement on the plains of Manassas. It is a historically significant site that is also a haven for over 160 species of resident and migratory birds.