Story highlightsCoastal Highway 1 in Maine is dotted with over 60 lighthousesWatch out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep on Going to the Sun Road in MontanaSalt air and slow speed get you onto island time on the Florida Keys' Overseas Highway1. Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1): 1700 miles from Astoria, Oregon to San Juan Capistrano, CaliforniaThis undisputed champion of road trips presents beaches, cliffs, redwood forests, sleepy seaside towns, hot tub B&Bs, and world-class dining along a ribbon of winding, undulating road that (between RVs) can provide thrilling sport riding and contented cruising. Stop at the frequent turnouts, and don't miss wild Olympic Peninsula, rustic Big Sur, Hearst Castle, bikini-clad Malibu, or biker-friendly Seattle, San Francisco, and San Diego.Summer Travel: What to do on Oahu for $10 or less2. Appalachian Mountains: 770 miles from Front Royal, Virginia to Deal's Gap, North CarolinaThis four-in-one magic mountain ride begins with Skyline Drive in Virginia, a 105-mile run along the ridge of the Shenandoah National Park, conveniently connected with the Blue Ridge Parkway for 469 miles of smooth roads and sweeping blacktop.

Ride east to Tellico Plains along the Cherohala Skyway (Hwy 28) descending into Tennessee backcountry. Loop back via Hwys 360 and 72 to Deal's Gap, and take on the internationally famous 11 mile Tail of the Dragon and whip through those 318 curves for some bragging rights.Lonely Planet: Top 10 US travel destinations for 20123. River Road, (FM 170): 120 miles from Terlingua to Candelaria, Big Bend, TexasFarm to Market 170 is all smooth heavenly pavement along the Rio Grande through the Big Bend's Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem with its mountains, canyons, badlands, and stunted forests, and even grandma's Buick can handle the 17 mile off-road loop through the Valley of the Gods. used motorcycles for sale in chico caBut if you've got a dual-sport, you're going to be in heaven. tron light up motorcycle helmet

Once it reopens (progressing well at the time of writing), you'll be able to ride on a boat over the Rio Grande at the Boquillas Crossing for a short jaunt for lunch on the Mexican side of the border.Summer Travel: Best affordable beach resorts4. Going to the Sun Road: 50 miles in Glacier National Park, MontanaBefore this two-hour, 50-mile ride over Logan Pass was completed, it took visitors several days to get through the park, which speaks of its height and contortions. baxter motorcycle bootsWatch out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep, and pull over at the Jackson Glacier Overlook to take in the most spectacular scenery in the park.motorcycle crash salem maLonely Planet: Top 10 places to view the golden gate bridge 5. Beartooth Highway, (US 212): 68 Miles in Yellowstone National Park, WyomingSquiggle along for a couple of hours over the highest highway in the Northern Rockies as it twists and turns its way up to 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass in Wyoming.

Stop to take in views of glacier-laden peaks, alpine plateaus dotted with lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests in one of the most rugged areas in the lower 48 states.6. Highway 12: 124 miles between Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park, UtahTake a psychedelic sunset ride into fantastical sandstone rock formations, canyons, deep blue lakes, and pine forests and all the curves you might expect. Swish along to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Boulder Mountain, and Red Canyon in Dixie National Forest.7. Coastal Highway 1: 170 miles from Kittery to Bucksport, MaineDetours, not twisties, along Maine's 3478 miles of coastline is the point here. The oldest highway on the east coast is dotted with over 60 lighthouses, countless cute towns, antique shops, lobster shacks, and almost 50 peninsulas to explore. The highway connects with many other scenic routes, including a ferry ride to Nova Scotia.8. Overseas Highway (Hwy 1), Florida, 100 miles from Key Largo to Key WestPut your sun screen on and cruise out onto a narrow stretch of road made of bridges atop a living reef in the turquoise Straits of Florida sandwiched between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.

Join the margarita-saturated tourists in tropical paradise and enjoy the biker-friendly atmosphere. Salt air, sea food, and slow speed get you onto island time in no time flat.Lonely Planet: Super-sized stops: Roadside attractions worth braking for9. Route 66: 2200 miles from Chicago to Santa MonicaOn just about everybody's bucket list is Route 66. Ride all 2200 miles of this history lesson smothered in kitsch, or just grab a slice or two, like the pies you'll find in endless supply at the many biker-friendly stops between Chicago and Santa Monica.Originally published as "The USA's 10 best motorcycle roads" © 2012 Lonely Planet. World's 10 dangerous roadsChat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.Story highlightsTaking in France and Spain, the Pyrenees Loop is a favorite with European bikersDales and Moors in north England offer nonstop bends, fast straights, wild sceneryCalifornia's Pacific Coast Highway takes in redwood forests, ocean cliffsThe 2004 "Long Way Round" and 2007's "Long Way Down" TV documentary series (both featured Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's round the world rides) helped spark the trend.

In 2011, the Motorcycle Industry Council reported that sales of adventure touring bikes were up 14.2% across 12 major brands. 1. Ceuta to Marrakesh loop, MoroccoMore on CNN: 10 thing to know before visiting MoroccoEdelweiss Bike Travel, +43 5264 56902. Pyrenees Loop, France and SpainPyrenees Motorcycle Tours, +33 (0)5 62 45 08 113. The Great Ocean Road, AustraliaMore on CNN: World's 10 ultimate drives4. California and the American WestMore on CNN: 10 easy ways to experience Navajo NationEagleRider Motorcycle Rental & Tours, +1 310 536 67775. Cape Town Circuit, South AfricaMotorcycle Tours South Africa, +27 12 804 38056. Pacific Coast Highway, CaliforniaEagleRider Motorcycle Rental & Tours, +1 415 647 98987. Dales and Moors, Yorkshire, EnglandWhite Rose Tours, +44 01423 770 1038. Fjordland, NorwayEdelweiss Bike Tours, +43 5264 56909. Istanbul to Anatolia, TurkeyMore on CNN: Best of IstanbulMotoDiscovery, +01 830 438 774410. Chasing Che, CubaMore on CNN: What to do in HavanaMotoDiscovery, +01 830 438 7744