5 Scenic Drives in New England for the Perfect Road Trip on Two Wheels

Nothing makes a few hours on wheels fly by like the right surroundings. In New England, serene coastal sunsets and sprawling acres of mountain foliage give us year-round opportunities to take in the incredible environment, especially when it comes to road trips.

For many New Englanders and visitors, a road trip means packing up an SUV for a long weekend escape. But for motorcycle enthusiasts, it’s about gearing up and setting out to ride along some of America’s most scenic highways.

Don’t own a motorcycle or looking to try a different model? With EAGLERIDER’s Boston location as a starting point, riders can easily embark on an unforgettable journey through New England’s scenic landscapes. Those seeking a deeper connection to the ride would do well to discover what EAGLERIDER has quietly perfected over the years—the art of immersive travel on two wheels.

“On a motorcycle, you’re not just passing through scenery—you’re part of it,” explains EAGLERIDER CEO Sebastian Schoepe.

Ready to experience the ride of a lifetime? Here’s some inspiration to fuel your next two-wheeled adventure through New England.

The Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts
Miles from EAGLERIDER Boston: 115

The Mohawk Trail was the first scenic trail in the state of Massachusetts, having opened on October 22, 1914. It’s 63 miles long, and takes about two hours to get there when you begin your journey at EAGLERIDER.

While riding along the trail, which follows the Deerfield River until it splits off in Charlemont, you’ll find yourself at the top of a hairpin turn in Clarksburg. The turn is famous, and at its crest is The Golden Eagle restaurant perched over the breathtaking valley below. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset before turning back to Boston or continuing on a night ride.

After the Clarksburg hairpin, you’ll ride through the town of North Adams before entering picturesque Williamstown and finally veering north into the Taconic Trail State Park. The Mohawk Trail ends here, but the ride home just means taking in the views one more time.

Ocean Drive, Rhode Island
Miles from EAGLERIDER Boston: 81

Craving a trip to the coast? Ocean Drive, known as simply “The Drive” by locals, might be your next stop. Located in the quintessential coastal town of Newport, R.I., it’s just 10 miles long—but packs a punch with heart-stopping Atlantic Ocean views on one side and towering Gilded Age mansions on the other.

Ocean Drive is under two hours from Boston, but feels like another world. While you’re in Newport, stop by Brick Alley Pub for dinner and a drink. Or grab sandwiches at Ash Mart and park to enjoy the scenery at Brenton Point (the park located on Ocean Drive). You can watch people fly kites, get a Del’s lemonade, and enjoy the view.

As you continue along Ocean Drive, you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and its rocky cliffs, which will make it clear why these 10 miles comprise one of the most sought-after stretches on the entire East Coast.

The Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Miles from EAGLERIDER Boston: 132

Tucked in the famous White Mountain National Forest of New Hampshire, the incredible Kancamagus Highway (pronounced “kanca-MAW-gus”) spans 34.5 miles, and you can get there in fewer than three hours from EAGLERIDER Boston.

On your way north, make a stop for lunch in college town Plymouth, N.H., at Biederman’s deli, the 45-year-old establishment known for its signature sandwiches served on Balboa bread. Then stop at The Lucky Dog for a soda and a game of pool. Fill up on gas right in Plymouth and hop back onto Route 175.

About 45 scenic miles later, you’ll arrive at the start of the Kancamagus. Some riders prefer to take in all the sights while on the move, but if you’re looking to stop off and take photos, check out Rocky Gorge Scenic Area and the Swift River Covered Bridge.

In the summer and fall, consider adding a detour to your scenic drive by heading to Lake Winnipesaukee. While on two wheels in the lakes region, there’s no better place to stop than High Octane Saloon in Laconia. The spot is known for drawing a huge crowd with its great food and live music, especially during Laconia Motorcycle Week, celebrating its 102nd year this summer.

Route 100, Vermont
Miles from EAGLERIDER Boston: 164

If you have time for a longer trip, Vermont might be your destination. Route 100, also known as “Vermont’s Main Street” and “The Skier’s Highway,” could be the perfect stretch of road for your summer motorcycle trip. It’s a 217-mile stretch of highway that spans nearly the entire length of the state, situated just over three hours from EAGLERIDER Boston.

This route is a dream ride for motorcyclists, offering an ever-changing backdrop of rolling farmland, winding rivers, and towering peaks. In the fall, the foliage is nothing short of breathtaking, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows painting the landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming small towns like Wilmington, Ludlow, and Stowe, each offering their own unique attractions, from craft breweries to general stores stocked with local Vermont cheeses and maple syrup.

A must-stop destination along the route is the Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury, where you can grab a hot cider donut and a fresh-pressed apple cider before continuing north. If you’re craving something heartier, stop at The Mad Taco in Waitsfield for some of the best smoked meats and tacos in the state.

As you ride further north, consider a detour to Smugglers’ Notch, a dramatic mountain pass that twists through towering cliffs.

Acadia Park Loop, Maine
Miles from EAGLERIDER Boston: 251

Given that it offers riders a front-row seat to some of the nation’s most jaw-dropping national park views, the Acadia Park Loop in Maine might just end up at the top of your list. The ride is 27 miles long and takes you around the east side of Mount Desert Island past Acadia’s lakes, mountains, and coast.

The Acadia Park Loop is a longer journey from Boston’s EAGLERIDER headquarters, totalling around five hours to the Hulls Cove Visitor Center where you’ll start the scenic ride. On your way north, you’ll pass through cities like Augusta, Winslow, and Bangor. In Bangor, stop for a bite at Geaghan’s Pub before continuing down into the Acadia region.

Follow signs to favorite local attractions—Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs for your coastal cravings; Jordan Pond and the Rockefeller carriage roads for a fascinating bit of scenic history; and Cadillac Mountain for a good climb (on foot or on wheels).

This is a paid partnership between EAGLERIDER and Boston Magazine