Riding is fun throughout much of the year, but many riders believe fall rides to take in the season’s colors provide the ultimate riding experience. However, not all parts of the country offer truly scenic riding options. That’s why riders are encouraged to explore options from around the nation.

Prepare for a Magical Experience

Before leaving on any road trip, riders are strongly encouraged to prepare their bikes and themselves properly. First, take the time to ensure your bike is ready for the trip. That generally means dealing with repair or maintenance issues to minimize the odds of experiencing mechanical problems while on the road.

Also, remember that not all types of motorcycles will provide a great riding experience. Touring bikes provide the comfort riders and passengers look for, but other options can work well if they’re correctly equipped. If you’re unsure whether your current bike is up to the challenge of a road trip, discuss any issues with an expert before leaving.

Riders (and passengers!) also need to prepare themselves for a long trip. Schedule longer day trips or weekend excursions to build up a tolerance for hours on the bike. Make sure you’re both physically and mentally prepared for long days, as being sore or tired won’t make the trip enjoyable. Now, start reviewing the many scenic routes available.

Scenic Routes Aren’t Limited to Certain Regions

While some of the most brilliant colors are experienced in the northeastern and midwestern areas, several parts of the country offer dramatic fall colors and great riding. Here are a few great rides bikers should consider.

• The Three Sisters (Texas). This option, also called the “Three Twisted Sisters,” is located west of Austin and south of I-10. Take in the dramatic sites along the 100-mile loop route to enjoy the majestic views and the scenic towns along the way. Don’t forget about nearby Lost Maples State Park while you’re in the area.
  
  
• San Juan Skyway (Colorado). Farther north and west of The Three Sisters, the San Juan Skyway is located in the Rocky Mountains due west of Colorado Springs or North of Durango. The San Juan Skyway encompasses a loop that’s roughly 233 miles long and passes through breathtaking scenery and historic mining towns. The route includes the state’s famous “Million Dollar Highway.”
  
  
• Jackson (Wyoming). While most people associate Jackson, WY, with skiing, the area’s scenery is worth taking in during the fall. The area’s aspens turn from bright yellow to gold and, finally, a dark red shade before falling. Even the area’s cottonwood trees and shrubs provide splashes of yellow and red to enjoy.
  
  
• The Black Hills (South Dakota). Most bikers know about Sturgis, but a fall ride through the Black Hills region isn’t on every biker’s bucket list. It should be. The hills aren’t as tall as the Rockies, but the sites are still astounding. The region’s trees provide a backdrop of vivid red and gold colors that residents and visitors always look forward to. Take in the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, Boulder Canyon, and the area around Devil’s Tower.

For many riders, the colors associated with the countryside from Minnesota to Vermont and Maine provide the best colors of anywhere in the country. That’s due to the variety of trees that create a collage of colors that most other parts of the country can’t match. If that’s you, consider the following options.

• The Great River Road (Multiple states). The northern portion of the Great River Road follows the Mississippi River Valley from Minnesota into Missouri, providing riders with incredible red and yellow colors. Of course, the twists and turns, and the rural scenery, offer even more enjoyment. Stopping at Great River Bluffs State Park near Winona, Minnesota, during the peak color season is always recommended, but Wisconsin and Iowa also offer great parks that take advantage of the mighty Mississippi. At the southern end of the trip, take in the view from the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge between Madison, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri. Of course, the southern portion of the Mississippi is also worth seeing, but that leg doesn’t offer the color seen farther north.
  
  
• The Tail of the Dragon (Tennessee and North Carolina). Most riders have heard of the Tail of the Dragon, as the route’s 318 curves are legendary. However, the fall colors only add to the riding experience. If you’ve never challenged yourself to beat Copperhead Corner, Brake or Bust Bend, or Wheelie Hill, consider doing so while also enjoying the area’s unique scenery and fall colors.
  
  
• S. Route 7 (Vermont). Although the entire state of Vermont offers leaf peepers a treat during the fall, U.S. Route 7, which runs north and south through the western portion of the state, offers a special experience. Riders can enjoy 176 miles of astounding scenery through a variety of country and small towns providing true small-town hospitality.
  
  
• Coastal Route 1 (Maine). This scenic route provides a wealth of opportunities to enjoy not only spectacular fall foliage but also historic sites and seascapes. Stop in quaint villages to enjoy the ambiance or a delicious meal. Spend the night in one of the region’s historic inns and tour lighthouses that once guided ships to the peaceful harbors.

These are only a few of the many possible leaf-peeping trips riders can enjoy during the fall, so don’t be afraid to explore other options not mentioned here.

Schedule Your Trip Carefully

Remember to verify when the peak leaf color is expected when planning a fall bike trip. The weather impacts the timing, so plan on being a little flexible when scheduling a fall trip. Travel experts also recommend reserving hotels, motels, or camping in advance, as those facilities tend to fill up quickly during peak leaf color season.

Also, schedule any bike maintenance or repairs well before a trip to make sure the shop has time to provide the level of service you expect for your bike. Take safety precautions, and know where bike shops along the route are in case any problems are encountered. Above all, enjoy your trip!