Best Motorcycle Rides in New England and How to Ride Them Safely

From Berkshire switchbacks to Cape Cod shore roads, Massachusetts packs a lifetime of great rides into a few hours of riding. Here are a few worth pointing the bars at, with a note on riding each one well.

The Mohawk Trail, Route 2

The classic Berkshire run, with the famous hairpin turn and long ridgeline views. It rewards a warmed-up tire and a clear head. Mind the sand at the edges in spring and the wet leaves in fall, and pull off at an overlook for the view rather than rubbernecking through the corners.

Route 6A and the Old King's Highway

The old shore road along Cape Cod Bay past weathered shingled cottages, sea captains' houses, and antique shops. It is a flow road, not a race road. Watch for coastal fog that rolls in fast and for cars pulling out of the village side streets.

The North Shore coast, Route 127

Through Gloucester and Rockport with the Atlantic on your shoulder. Tight in spots and busy in summer, so leave room and keep your speed honest. The reward is some of the best ocean riding in the Northeast.

Mount Greylock and the western hills

The auto road up Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts, plus Route 7 and Route 112 through the Berkshire and Hampshire hills. Cooler air, tighter corners, and a summit view that pays off the climb. Plan a diner stop and make a day of it.

Ride them like they deserve

These roads are good enough to ride your whole life, which is the point. Gear up, leave the ego at home, and bring someone with you. The best rides are the ones you get to do again.

Enjoy the roads. This is a community guide, not legal or safety advice for any specific situation.