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Fall Motorcycle Travel Guide 2025
We’re approaching fall, when kids go back to school, the air gets cooler, and leaves start to show their true colors. It’s a great time to hit the road, and our Fall Motorcycle Travel Guide will help inspire your next motorcycle adventure. The guide is organized by region, and each destination includes important resources to help you make the most of your ride. Want your travel story published in Rider? Take notes, capture the best moments with photos, and send your pitch to rider@ridermagazine.com.
Favorite Rides
Inspiration from the pages of Rider.
Midwest
Ohio
A Zanesville Homecoming, by Ken Frick (August 2024)
Ohio’s Triple Nickle
Longtime Rider contributor Ken Frick (see his U.S. 50 feature here) hails from Zanesville, Ohio, the northern terminus of the famous Triple Nickel (OH Route 555). He reconnects with his roots and shares some of his favorite backroads that make southeastern Ohio such a popular destination for motorcyclists. In addition to the Triple Nickel, which is part of Ohio’s Windy 9, he explores State Routes 60, 78, 83, 146, 284, 340, and 376. He also visits landmarks in and around Zanesville, including the Y-Bridge, the National Road-Zane Grey Museum, the boyhood home of John Glenn, The Wilds, and Blue Rock State Park.
South
Tennessee
Tennessee Escape, by Allison Parker (April 2025)
R.M. Brooks store in Rugby, Tennessee
Rider’s managing editor, Allison Parker, is a native Tennessean. She and her husband, Jake, spent three days exploring the sights and roads of the 9 Lakes Region of East Tennessee, named after lakes created by Tennessee Valley Authority dams to provide electric power and recreation. The Appalachian Mountains define the area’s character, where roads follow hills, hollows, and rivers to connect small towns. Highlights of their trip included the Devil’s Triangle loop, Cumberland Gap National Historic Park (home of Tri-State Peak, where Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia meet), Norris Dam State Park, Fort Southwest Point, and the Victorian village of Rugby.
Northeast
Pennsylvania
By George! Enlightenment in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest, by Eric Trow (September 2023)
Allegheny National Forest
Riding Well columnist Eric Trow’s father-in-law, George, cherished Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest – “he not only loved the area but was also intimately familiar with nearly every small town, backroad, and beer garden across Clarion, Forest, Elk, and McKean counties.” After his father-in-law passed away, Trow explored “George’s Country” by motorcycle, meandering down rural state highways and U.S. Route 6 (known as PA Route 6), stopping in small towns like Kane and Smethport, and visiting landmarks like the Kinzua Sky Walk, the Eldred WWII Museum, the Zippo/Case Museum, and Serenity Glass Park. He slows down and gets to know the people and places that make this part of Pennsylvania special.
Lighting a New Path on Route 66 in Pulaski County, Missouri
Route 66 Neon Park in Missouri
For nearly 100 years, Route 66 has called out to those with wanderlust, who yearn to set out on the open road on two wheels. In Pulaski County, Missouri, a new beacon shines brightly as a symbol of the Mother Road’s adventurous spirit. Route 66 Neon Park beckons cross-country travelers to stop and marvel at the mid-century modern nostalgia on display. This free, open-air museum in the heart of the Ozarks hosts authentic neon signs that formerly stood along the Missouri portion of Route 66. Once abandoned, forgotten, and left to waste, these rehabilitated masterpieces now cast a familiar glow over the Mother Road in Saint Robert, a spectacular tribute to the roadside attractions that lured travelers during the famed highway’s heyday.
In Waynesville, the Birthplace of the Byway, the heritage of Route 66 lives on at numerous historical sites. The 1903 Courthouse Museum, one of just two period courthouses on Missouri’s stretch of the highway, immerses visitors in the history of Pulaski County, as does the Old Stagecoach Stop, the oldest standing structure in the county.
But a modern drive down Historic Route 66 isn’t just about remembering the glory days – portions of the original route remain just as they were generations ago. Take, for example, the iconic steel-truss bridge in the small community of Devils Elbow. Constructed in 1923, this bridge provides an unparalleled view of the majestic Hiawatha Bluffs towering over the Big Piney River and carries travelers to a can’t-miss photo op at the former Devils Elbow Cafe. Once rumored to be the deepest road cut in America, Hooker Cut carries bikers past breathtaking dolomite and limestone rock faces – a true engineering triumph. And roadside attractions like the famed Uranus Fudge Factory, Frog Rock, and the 8-foot Route 66 Shield echo the popular photo ops that have come and gone over the last 100 years, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Mother Road in Pulaski County.
Set out on the open road in Pulaski County. Check out our Scenic Motorcycle Rides itinerary.
Picture This: 301 Miles of Classic Americana on Route 66, Illinois
West End Service Station in Edwardsville, IL (Photo courtesy Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau)
The open road hums beneath your tires, the scent of sizzling burgers drifts through the air, and neon signs flicker in the twilight – Illinois Route 66 is more than a road; it’s a journey through America’s past. Spanning 301 miles from Chicago to Granite City, this legendary highway offers a nostalgic mix of diners, quirky attractions, and historic landmarks.
Your adventure begins in downtown Chicago at the iconic Route 66 sign. Leaving the city’s skyline behind, make your first stop at Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket in Willowbrook, serving crispy fried chicken since the 1920s.
The first 100 miles take you through Joliet, home of the Old Joliet Prison featured in the movies The Blues Brothers and Prison Break. In Wilmington, the towering Gemini Giant welcomes travelers. Pontiac, a favorite photo stop, boasts the world’s largest painted Route 66 shield and the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, celebrating the highway’s golden age.
Farther south, Bloomington-Normal offers the restored Sprague’s Super Service Station, a glimpse into road travel’s past. Atlanta is home to the towering 19-foot Paul Bunyon Statue holding a giant hot dog, as well as the American Giants Museum, which preserves the history of Muffler Men and other larger-than-life roadside attractions.
West End Service Station in Edwardsville, IL (Photo courtesy Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau)
In Springfield, Abraham Lincoln’s legacy comes to life at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and his tomb. Food lovers can indulge at Cozy Dog Drive-In, the birthplace of the corn dog, or try the famous Horseshoe Sandwich at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill.
Farther along, Litchfield’s Ariston Cafe, one of the oldest restaurants on Route 66, welcomes travelers. Livingston’s Pink Elephant Antique Mall offers a quirky stop with its giant pink elephant and vintage treasures. Collinsville’s Brooks Catsup Bottle water tower, a tribute to America’s favorite condiment, and Edwardsville’s historic West End Service Station (photos above) evoke early road travel.
Illinois Route 66 meets the Mississippi River, connecting with another legendary highway – the Great River Road. As you cross the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge, the mighty river below serves as a perfect farewell before the Mother Road continues westward, carrying the spirit of adventure onward.
9 Reasons to Add the 9 Lakes of East Tennessee to Your Bucket List
Cherohala Skyway
East Tennessee is where mountains meet pristine waters, where history comes alive, and where every turn in the road leads to a new adventure. Here’s why the 9 Lakes Region belongs on your must-visit list:
Five National Scenic Byways: From winding mountain passes to peaceful lakeside rides, the journey is as stunning as the destination.
Four National Parks: Hike in the Smokies, explore the wild Big South Fork, and discover protected lands teeming with wildlife.
Iconic Mountain Ranges: Two Appalachian giants – the Smokies and the Cumberlands – frame the region with unforgettable vistas.
Turquoise Lakes: Nine sparkling lakes invite you to kayak, fish, swim, or simply relax by the shore.
Year-Round Beauty: From spring blooms to fall foliage, the mountains and valleys change with each season – nine glorious months for the perfect road trip.
Outdoor Adventure: Paddle, hike, climb, camp – choose your own pace, from adrenaline rush to peaceful escape.
Rich History: Walk in the footsteps of pioneers and Native Americans, explore Civil War battlefields, and find your America250 story in the places that helped shape our nation.
Charming Small Towns: Discover boutique shopping, local dining, and festivals that welcome you like family.
Views You’ll Never Forget: Stand high above the Tennessee Valley and soak in panoramas you can’t capture in a photo – you simply have to be there.
Your next great road trip starts here. Plan your 9 Lakes adventure, try one of our three-day road-trip itineraries, or request our free travel guide – and see why East Tennessee will stay with you forever. So lean into the curves, take your time, and let the journey be part of the story.
Feel the Rush, Not Rush Hour, on PA Route 6
(Photo by Curt Weinhold, Coudersport, PA)
Not all road trips are created equal. Some offer such a variety of experiences and opportunities that they keep you coming back for more. That perfectly describes U.S. Route 6 in Pennsylvania, known locally as PA Route 6. Spanning 427 miles, Route 6 offers motorcyclists an unforgettable journey across the northern tier of the state.
Majestic Scenery
From lush forests to picturesque farmlands, riders encounter a kaleidoscope of natural wonders at every turn. Beginning in the western half of the state, riders are treated to the wine country of the Great Lakes Region before riding through the Allegheny National Forest, where towering trees canopy the road. Farther east, cruise through the vast agricultural valleys of the Endless Mountains before heading on to the Pocono Mountains.
Explore all of this on one epic road trip or break it into several trips using the official “Take the High Road” Motorcycle Loop Map available through PA Route 6 Alliance. Their five signature motorcycle loops range in length from 189 to 270 miles and are designed to help riders truly experience what each region of PA Route 6 has to offer. Download maps and view itineraries here.
Historic Charm
Passing through quaint towns and villages, riders can explore charming main streets lined with historic buildings, cozy cafes, and antique shops. Each stop along the route unveils a piece of America’s heritage, starting with the Erie Canal in Erie County and the Kinzua Sky Walk in McKean County, which was once the tallest and longest railroad bridge in the world.
Journey on to the Austin Dam in Potter County, where 78 people were killed when the dam broke in 1911. Farther down the road, learn about train history at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Lackawanna County. And don’t forget a stop at The Columns in Pike County, where you can view the blood-stained Lincoln Flag that cushioned President Lincoln’s head moments after he was assassinated. These stops and many more help visitors experience not just the history of this region but of the nation.
Vibrant Culture
Traveling along PA Route 6 exposes riders to the vibrant culture and hospitality of small communities. From festivals celebrating local traditions to roadside diners serving hearty comfort food, riders are immersed in the warmth of rural America. Friendly locals welcome riders with open arms, sharing stories and recommendations.
Also on the PA Route 6 website, check out the Public Art & Mural Trail, which features dozens of murals and art displays that tell the stories of communities across the northern tier of Pennsylvania. All of these offer great opportunities to stretch your legs while learning more about this region.
Timeless Memories
Perhaps the most compelling reason to ride PA Route 6 is to create memories that will be cherished for years to come. Whether it’s watching a sunrise over the Allegheny Mountains, sharing a laugh with newfound friends at a roadside diner, or feeling the rush of the wind as you twist the throttle on a scenic stretch of road through the Endless Mountains, every moment along PA Route 6 is imbued with a sense of magic and wonder.
Riding a motorcycle along PA Route 6 is an experience that transcends mere transportation – it’s a journey of discovery, adventure, and camaraderie. So pack your saddlebags, fire up your engine, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime along PA Route 6!
Pennsylvania Resources
Bradford County
Warren County
Allegheny National Forest
Canyon Motels (Wellsboro, PA)
Sherwood Motel (Wellsboro, PA)
Wyalusing Hotel (Wyalusing, PA)
Zippo/Case Museum (Bradford, PA)
Eldred World War II Museum (Eldred, PA)
More Places to Explore This Fall:
Oberlin, Kansas
Zanesville, Ohio
Lake Cumberland, Kentucky
Franklin, Kentucky
Vernon Parish, Louisiana
The post Fall Motorcycle Travel Guide 2025 appeared first on Rider Magazine.