Motorcycle Touring 2026
It’s June and the touring bug creeps in again. While riding in Florida is year-round, bikes are seasonal up north and you’re almost pulled to get up there during that 3–5-month window. The last two summer excursions were solo trips to Alaska and Newfoundland and had all but worn me out on Touring. I had plenty of incentives to do something closer to home and after some research, found they’re still a few riding places to get excited about. Riding North Carolina icons like the Dragon and Cherohala annually are almost obligatory, then a crack at the Natchez Trace and Vicksburg MS. Finally, return to Florida through central Mississippi / Alabama. Highlights….
The Rattler (NC RT 209)
While the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway still are the riding gold standard for the Smokie Mountain area west of Ashville, there is a new route gaining internet notice called “The Rattler.” This is NC RT 209 out of Lake Junaluska north to Hot Springs, NC. It’s only 37 miles, but it’s a workout. Riding is a cross between the Dragon and Whiskey 28. The northern finish has all the twists of the Dragon, substantially more climbs / decents, and even a few driveways and farm roads to keep you awake. The southern portion has wide sweepers and open skies in canyon-like cuts. Cars were minimal and I was the only bike on the road. Another highlight was a little diner called “Dave’s 209” that was certainly worth the stop and the town of Hot Springs at the end was a historic little gem. The big smile showed up after riding the Rattler. Definitely worth the effort to get over and ride it.
Natchez Trace Parkway
My second ride over the Trace and it still doesn’t disappoint. Although often compared to the Blue Ridge Parkway in riding publications, the Trace doesn’t climb up and down the Blue Ridge Mountains and is more about Alabama, Mississippi and 444 miles of America’s history. There is a whole different vibe on the Trace that makes you feel like you’re back in the 19th and 20th centuries. Meriweather Lewis is buried on the side of the Trace, there are several Indian Mounds from prehistoric times, and Elvis was born and raised right there in Tupelo. I prefer the Trace to the Blue Ridge Pkwy as I like the solitude, the lack of tourists, and its rolling hills. I think the Park Rangers there also give you a little more leeway on riding tempo vs the Blue Ridge. Another point is that there are plenty of small southern towns along the Trace with easily accessible local food and beds that just make it more relaxing.
Vicksburg National Battlefield Monument
The Battle of Vicksburg made Ulysses S. Grant a household name during the Civil War, and the National Parks Service has done an excellent job making this a must-see visit. Ride the bike throughout the several roads and monuments with easy stops for reading and taking pics. Downtown Vicksburg has several nice restaurants, and much of the old architecture is still intact. Antebellum homes still line some of the streets; many now doubling as Airbnbs. Good luck finding groceries or gas downtown, off the tourist strip; the place is a food desert.
I finished the ride by taking Rt 80 through Mississippi then Montgomery to Selma in Alabama. Four lane highways that you can make time on, but not much else. Another piece of riding advice is to bring along some Octane Boost if you’re on a Harley Big Twin. While those pumps might say “91 Octane”, my guess (and experience) is they don’t sell a lot of expensive gas in those parts, so to be confident that your Twins get the Octane needed, add your own. Don’t over pack as always. There is a rib joint in Selma, called Lannie’s BBQ, that was certainly memorable worth finding.
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