Best Motorcycle Routes & Rides in New England

Aug 8, 2025

Did you know Vermont has more dirt roads than paved ones? Or that Maine’s coastal Route 1 stretches over 500 miles from the New Hampshire border to Canada? New England might be small on the map, but it packs in a surprising range of landscapes and roads that are made for two wheels. The region is made up of six states, including Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and each one brings something different to the ride. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most memorable motorcycle rides in New England, from forested backroads to scenic loops near the coast.

Top 12 Motorcycle Routes in New England

1. Litchfield Hills Backroads Loop, Connecticut
2. Connecticut River Valley Ride, Connecticut
3. Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway, Massachusetts
4. Cape Cod Outer Route 6A, Massachusetts
5. Acadia National Park Loop, Maine
6. Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, Maine
7. Kancamagus Highway Ride, New Hampshire
8. Lakes Region Scenic Loop, New Hampshire
9. South County Coastal Loop, Rhode Island
10. Blackstone Valley Ride, Rhode Island
11. Mad River Valley Backroad Trail, Vermont
12. Northeast Kingdom Forest Ride, Vermont

Skip the planning and ride with a local! At Riders Share, we offer guided motorcycle tours across New England, led by experienced hosts who know the roads and the best places to stop along the way. Browse motorcycle tours in all six states below. 

Litchfield Hills Backroads Loop, Connecticut

The Litchfield Hills Backroads Loop is a quiet, scenic ride through one of Connecticut’s most peaceful corners. Starting and ending in Torrington, the 50-mile loop takes you along US-202, CT-341, and US-7, weaving through towns like Litchfield, Kent, and Cornwall. Expect stretches of tree-lined road, small farms, and spots where the forest opens up just enough to catch a view. It’s especially nice in the early fall when the hills start to turn with the season. With low traffic and smooth roads, this route is great for a relaxed afternoon ride without needing to head too far off the grid.

Connecticut River Valley Ride, Connecticut

The Connecticut River might look calm today, but it used to be a major shipping route lined with shipyards, ferries, and river towns that still hold onto their history. This ride starts in Middletown and loops through East Haddam and Haddam, passing quiet backroads, farm stands, and stretches where the river peeks through the trees. You’ll cross over a few classic New England bridges and pass spots like the old Goodspeed Opera House, tucked right along the riverbank. It’s an easygoing loop with enough scenery to keep things interesting without feeling rushed.

Rent a motorcycle in Connecticut on Riders Share and ride along one of the region’s most historic rivers.

Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway, Massachusetts

One of the oldest scenic routes in the country, the Mohawk Trail takes you through the northern hills of Massachusetts along what was once a Native American trade route. Starting in North Adams, this stretch of Route 2 winds through the Berkshires, offering wide overlooks, forested turns, and a climb up the famous Hairpin Turn that gives you views across the valley. You’ll pass small towns, roadside gift shops, and spots like the Western Summit Overlook, where you can park the bike and take it all in. It’s a short ride, but there’s no shortage of scenery packed into these miles.

Cape Cod Outer Route 6, Massachusetts

This stretch of Route 6 takes you from the town of Sandwich all the way to Provincetown, cutting across the length of Cape Cod and giving you a ride that’s part highway, part coastal escape. You’ll pass through wooded stretches, quiet towns like Orleans and Truro, and end up near the tip of the Cape at Pilgrims’ First Landing Park. There are spots where the dunes sit just beyond the guardrails, and you’re never far from a beach, a lobster roll, or a place to pull over and take it all in. It’s a steady, low-stress ride that’s perfect for exploring the Cape at your own pace.

Explore the coast with a motorcycle rental in Massachusetts through Riders Share and ride straight out to Provincetown.

Acadia National Park Loop, Maine

The Acadia National Park Loop is one of the most scenic coastal rides in New England, offering a 27-mile tour through forest, cliffs, and ocean views that feel straight out of a postcard. The ride starts near Hulls Cove Visitor Center and follows Park Loop Road past landmarks like Sand Beach, Otter Cliff, and Jordan Pond. Along the way, you’ll get sweeping views of the Atlantic and glimpses of rocky shoreline through the trees. Some parts of the loop are one-way, and several sections are closed in winter or during certain hours to reduce congestion, especially in the summer months. Always check park alerts before heading out, since road access can change depending on the season and time of day.

Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, Maine

This ride through the Rangeley Lakes region gives you wide-open views, quiet backroads, and some of the best overlooks in Maine. Starting in the town of Rangeley, the route loops past Rangeley Lake State Park and continues along ME-17 and South Shore Drive before curving back toward Oquossoc. You’ll ride through pine forests, past lakeside cabins, and into stretches where the trees open up to views that seem to go on forever. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially in the early morning.

Rent a motorcycle in Maine through Riders Share and spend the day exploring the lakes, backroads, and overlooks around Rangeley.

Kancamagus Highway Ride, New Hampshire

The Kancamagus Highway, or “the Kanc,” is one of the most well-known rides in New England, and for good reason. This 35-mile stretch of NH-112 runs between Lincoln and Conway, cutting straight through the White Mountain National Forest. You’ll ride past river crossings, dense woods, and mountain pull-offs that give you clear views across the ranges. It’s especially popular in the fall when the foliage is at its peak, but the ride is just as enjoyable on a quiet summer morning. There aren’t many gas stations or businesses along the way, so it’s a good idea to fuel up before you start.

Lakes Region Scenic Loop, New Hampshire

The Lakes Region Scenic Loop gives you a full tour of central New Hampshire’s best-known lakes, with roads that dip in and out of shoreline views and small towns along the way. Starting in Meredith, the route takes you past Lake Winnipesaukee, through Wolfeboro and Alton, and into Laconia before looping back. You’ll pass marinas, roadside diners, and stretches of road that run right alongside the water. Between the lakes, small hills, and tree-lined backroads, this ride has a rhythm that feels smooth from start to finish.

South County Coastal Loop, Rhode Island

Start in Narragansett and you’re immediately in view of the ocean, with Ocean Road guiding you past rocky shorelines, beach houses, and the turnoff for Point Judith. From there, the ride shifts inland, rolling through Charlestown and Hopkinton on quieter stretches of road surrounded by woods and fields. You’ll swing back east through local backroads before reconnecting with the coast near Middlebridge and finishing where you started. It’s a well-balanced loop, being part seaside and part countryside, with plenty of spots to stop for food, views, or just a few minutes off the bike.

Blackstone Valley Ride, Rhode Island

Kick things off in Woonsocket and follow the roads that trace through Rhode Island’s industrial past. This route takes you through the heart of the Blackstone Valley, passing old mill towns, stone buildings, and stretches where the river still runs beside the road. It’s also just outside the Blackstone Gorge, a rocky stretch of river along the Massachusetts–Rhode Island border that's worth a stop if you’re nearby. You’ll ride through Slatersville and Lincoln, where parts of the landscape haven’t changed much in decades. It’s a short loop, but there’s plenty to see if you like rides with a bit of history built into the scenery.

Vermont River Run, Vermont

The Vermont River Run follows a scenic stretch of Route 100 through the heart of the Green Mountains, with rivers guiding nearly every mile of the ride. It begins in Waitsfield, where the road runs alongside the Mad River and passes a mix of open farmland and wooded curves. Near Warren, Alder Meadow Brook picks up the path and stays close as the road climbs gently through quiet backroads. As you near Rochester, the White River comes into view, marking the final stretch of the ride. Between the water, the small towns, and the mountain backdrop, this route gives you a steady, peaceful ride through some of Vermont’s most naturally beautiful areas.

Northeast Kingdom Forest Ride, Vermont

The Northeast Kingdom Forest Ride takes you deep into one of Vermont’s most remote and scenic regions. Starting in St. Johnsbury, the route heads north on VT-114 through miles of forest, quiet towns, and long stretches where it feels like you have the road to yourself. You’ll pass through Brighton and Island Pond before looping back down through Burke and the surrounding backroads. Locals say late September is the best time to ride it, when the trees light up with fall color and the roads stay mostly quiet. It’s a longer loop, but the landscape makes it worth every mile.

Browse Motorcycle Tour Experiences in New England

Looking to explore New England without having to map out every stop? Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours led by locals who know these roads inside and out. From one-day rides through the mountains to coastal routes with built-in photo stops and lunch breaks, each tour is designed to give you a great ride without the guesswork. Check out the available tours across all six states and find one that fits your pace and style.

Start Planning Your Ride Across New England Today

From riverside stretches in Vermont to coastal loops in Rhode Island, New England has a way of making every ride feel a little different. Now that you’ve got a list of routes to work with, it’s a good time to start planning which ones you want to tackle first. If you’re thinking about expanding your ride beyond New England, take a look at our blog on the Top Northeastern USA Motorcycle Destinations for even more inspiration across nearby states.