The road trip is one of the most quintessential American experiences around. But if you're looking to take the road trip up a notch, you need to leave the car in the garage and go out on the motorcycle.

Combining the freedom of the open road with the fierce independence of a motorcycle is an unforgettable experience, no matter where you're headed.

But certain routes are best enjoyed only from the saddle of a bike.

So put on your flack jacket, grab your helmet, and read on for the top motorcycle road trips around.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches nearly 500 miles between Virginia and North Carolina.

This high way winds through the beautiful Appalachian mounts, providing stunning views no matter where you look. For this reason, it's often called "America's Favorite Drive."

If you need to stretch your legs, you can find a number of hiking trails and camping sites dotted along the Parkway—as well as restaurants and breweries. Or you could go to either state park at the beginning or end of the route.

Twisted Sisters

Not all highways are created equal—and neither are all bikers. If you're not a seasoned motorcyclist, you might want to skip the Twisted Sisters in Texas.

This 100-mile loop consists of Routes 335, 336, and 337, which takes riders through steep climbs, sharp turns, and along a few sheer cliff faces.

While inexperienced riders might be too focused on the road to appreciate it, the Twisted Sisters also boast some of the best views in the Southwest.

Beartooth Highway

North America is filled with some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. But few areas top the Rocky Mountains in terms of awe-inspiring majesty.

And one of the most scenic motorcycle rides in the country is Beartooth Highway, between Montana and Wyoming.

This 68-mile stretch of road is the highest-elevation paved road in the country. This means birds-eye views, barely-used asphalt, and light traffic.

However, because of its elevation, the Beartooth Highway is impassible through certain parts of the year.

Pig Trail Scenic Byway

Anyone who's ever said Arkansas is a boring state has never biked through the Pig Trail Scenic Byway.

This trail is only 19 miles long, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in scenery. The Byway cuts through Ozark National Forest, where you can also find rushing streams right off the road so you can kayak or fish between rides.

You might even see some of the famous Arizona razorbacks—the hogs are known to wander through those woods.

Pacific Coast Highway

There are thousands of highways in the United States, but there's only one California State Route 1. And it's more than just a name—the Pacific Coast Highway is considered by many to be the best highway in the country.

The PCH stretches over 650 miles along the entire coast of California, from Mendocino County in the north to Orange County in the south.

Route 1 runs through many cities and along many seaside cliffs, and has a famed stretch through Big Sur State Park.

But be forewarned: as one of the most popular highways in the country, it has heavier traffic than most other routes. This makes it great for beginners, but if you're trying to get away from it all, it might not be the best option.

Tunnel of Trees Road

If there's a rule that great landscapes need mountains, cliffs, and oceans, nobody told Michigan. The Great Lakes State is filled to the brim with great views and exciting motorcycle routes.

But perhaps none of them are as stunning as the Tunnel of Trees Road.

Otherwise known as M-119, this 27-mile highway hugs the western coast of Northern Michigan, just north of Petoskey. And as you might guess from the name, this two-lane highway is covered with thick, gorgeous trees.

This route is especially stunning in the fall when the leaves start to change color.

San Juan Mountain Skyway

As far as picturesque landscapes are concerned, Colorado is no secret. The state is widely celebrated for its section of the Rockies, which boasts some incredible motorcycle routes.

The most famous of these is the San Juan Mountain Skyway. The full highway stretches over 230 miles, winding through the Rocky Mountains.

However, there is a 25-mile stretch that has been nicknamed the "Million Dollar Highway." This stretch runs between the towns of Silverton and Ouray.

The Million Dollar Highway is not to be taken lightly. It might host some of the best views on this list, but only because it twists and turns through treacherous mountain passes.

But that danger is all part of the fun, right?

The Tail of the Dragon

Located in Tennessee, the Tail of the Dragon is an 11-mile stretch of US 129 across Deals Gap.

But just because it's short doesn't mean its easy. Those eleven miles pack a whopping three hundred and eighteen curves, some of which can give even the most experienced rider pause.

In fact, at the beginning of this route is a makeshift shrine called The Tree of Shame, which is filled with parts that have broken off the bikes of riders who were not ready to tame the Dragon.

This route is only recommended for the most advanced riders. All others, beware.

Safety First on The Top Motorcycle Road Trips

No matter which of these top motorcycle road trips you take, you need to remember to put safety first.

After all, these are dangerous roads, and one miscalculation can be disastrous. And if you ride without the proper safety equipment, it might be the last ride you ever take.

So before you hit the open road, make sure you look through our inventory of stylish, sturdy helmets.

Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us, and we'd love to help.