Motorradfahren in New York-Staten Island

The Catskills and Woodstock Ride

New York

A mere 100 miles northwest of New York City, the Catskill Mountains offer a perfect getaway for motorcyclists looking for great riding and charming scenic views. Quaint little towns boasting artisan breweries and cideries, artistic communities, serene river views and luxurious lodges dot this route, making it an ideal weekend destination. Whether you are starting out from Albany or Long Island, this ride is guaranteed to quench that thirst for freedom and adventure right on the doorstep of the world’s most famous and hectic metropolis, New York City.

Harriman State Park

On your way, this route will take you across Harriman State Park, the second largest park in New York State. A hikers’ heaven featuring dozens of lakes, streams, and creeks, Harriman State Park offers an oasis of tranquility and unspoiled nature. Once part of a private estate owned by Edward and Mary Harriman, the park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which built the roads, campgrounds, and hundreds of excellent hiking trails.

Route 87 skirts the western boundary of the Park, and if you have the time, it’s worth taking the Kanawauke Road detour to enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Kanawauke. You can turn off Route 87 at Tuxedo Park and Ride, take the Kanawauke Road and the Seven Lakes Drive, and then jump back on Route 87 at Arden.

Woodstock

As you ride past Kingston and Hillside, turn off Route 87 and take Route 28 towards Woodstock, New York, the location of the legendary Woodstock Festival. Listed as number 19 of the “Fifty Moments That Changed the History of Rock and Roll” by Rolling Stone magazine, the Woodstock festival became an international icon for counterculture and rock music in the sixties and seventies. To visit the original festival site on Yasgur Farm and the interactive museum offering artifacts and displays from the Woodstock Festival, however, you will need to do another detour and ride west to reach the Museum at Bethel Woods situated some sixty miles away.

The Catskills

After visiting Woodstock, Route 32 will take you into the Catskills Mountains. Meandering in gentle sweepers and big curves, this is a quiet two-lane road frequented by local and visiting motorcyclists. In the fall, the road sees heavy traffic as New Yorkers drive up to see the panoply of turning leaves. During the summer, on the other hand, this road is ideal for motorcycle riders getting away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

At the end of your ride, Acra and other neighboring towns offer plenty of dining and lodging options. If you are out for the weekend, this is a great place to stay and explore the Catskills on numerous smaller backroads crisscrossing the area. There are several scenic hiking trails, campsites, and mountain resorts to enjoy before heading back to the Big Apple.

Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy Acadia National Park - ME Motorcycle Ride

375 Riverside Street, Portland, Maine 04103

With its long coastline and endless acres of green forests dotted with rivers and lakes, Maine is a natural scenic paradise for motorcycle travel. With plenty of curvy back roads, tranquil countryside, and great roadside stops, Maine makes for a fantastic motorcycle destination during the summer and fall months. One of the most splendid locations in Maine is Acadia National Park, paired with small coastline towns brimming with history and unique local culture.

The absolute best time to ride in Acadia National Park is late summer, as several sections of the road here are closed between the 1^st of December and the 14^th of April. So plan your ride accordingly. The Park entrance fee for motorcyclists is $5, and there are plenty of places to stay and eat in nearby Bar Harbor.

The area receives high tourist traffic as holidaymakers flock to the ever-popular Bar Harbor to sample the local delicacy, Maine lobster, and explore the Park. On a motorcycle, you will be able to move freely and experience Acadia in the best way imaginable – on two wheels. We do recommend that you book accommodations in advance, as the town gets booked out well in advance in the summertime.

Here is how to best explore Acadia National Park on your motorcycle.

Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park

As you leave Portland, jump right on Interstate 295 and head North. This is the best way to get to Acadia quickly. If you prefer coastal views and have more time to explore, choose to ride Route 1 North instead. At Farmingdale, it will merge into Interstate 95 leading you to Bangor, Maine, and from there it’s a fast ride to Mount Desert Island via route 1A. This is where the scenic ride begins, as the road takes you deeper into Maine countryside skirting lakeshores and crossing rivers.

As you ride over Trenton Bridge, you will arrive at Mount Desert Island. Route 102 will take you straight to the entrance of Acadia National Park, which has been called "the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast”. Encompassing over 76 square miles, the Park boasts a rugged coastline, rocky beaches, woodlands, and stunning ocean views from Mount Cadillac. Once home to the Native Algonquian and Wabanaki people, Mount Desert Island subsequently became a popular summer retreat for the well-to-do families such as the Rockefellers, the Fords, and the Carnegies in the late nineteenth-early twentieth century. Currently, Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park attract thousands of tourists and travelers from all over the USA and Canada, and it is a beloved spot by local motorcyclists.

The best way to explore Acadia National Park is by riding the Park Loop Road, taking you around the perimeter of the Park. Along the way, stop at Thunder Hole to admire the stunning rocky beaches, and stretch your legs using one of the many hiking trails and paths available. At times, park rangers may close off certain sections of the road due to unpredictable weather, so it is wise to double-check for closures beforehand. Mount Desert Island is notorious for its crawling fog which can sometimes completely obscure the scenic ocean views, but don’t give up: the fog may dissipate just as unexpectedly as it rolled in.

Bar Harbor

The iconic Maine coastal city of Bar Harbor is a quaint and quirky little town offering plenty of lodging, dining, and shopping options. Stay at one of the little guest houses or Bed and Breakfasts for the full experience, and make sure to sample Bar Harbor’s local brews whether you are into craft beer or organic homemade kombucha. Needless to say, tasting Bar Harbor lobster is a must while visiting. We recommend going for a full lobster dinner instead of just grabbing a lobster roll: the seafood here is fresh and mouth-wateringly delicious.

Seal Cove Auto Museum, Bar Harbor

If you love history, plan to stop in Seal Cove and visit their small but impressive motorcycle and automobile museum featuring rare cars and bikes from 1895 to early 20^th century. Mount Desert Island has some very interesting history when it comes to motorized vehicles. When automobiles were first introduced on the Island in the early twentieth century. Half of the local population was very suspicious towards the cars and wanted them off the island, while the other half embraced the modern machines with enthusiasm.

A decades-long war between horse and carriage and motorized vehicle proponents ensued, and the Seal Cove Auto Museum has a brilliant interactive exhibit explaining the saga. Curiously enough, the island remains undecided about the virtue of cars and motorcycles to this day as motorized traffic is banned in several places to prevent over-crowding.

Rte. 112, Bear Notch Ride

239 Daniel Webster Hwy, Meredith, NH 03253

Take a scenic ride through the White Mountains. This ride is perfect for a Summer Day or Fall Foliage viewing. Ride time is hours but you will be stopping to enjoy the breathtaking views and to take photos of the scenic vistas you encounter along the way.

Evans and Grafton Notch Ride

239 Daniel Webster Hwy Meredith, New Hampshire 03253

Enjoy Western Maine and Eastern NH Mountain Notches. Spend the day riding the hidden gem, Evans Notch, experience the breathtaking view at the top and look into the beautiful valley along the Maine, New Hampshire border. Next you will enjoy more breathtaking views as you traverse through Grafton Notch State Park in Maine. Screw Auger Falls is a must stop along the way located in the Grafton Notch State Forrest and close to the road. It will be a beautiful day of riding along the Maine , NH border area with lots of scenic views and stops.

North Country Ride

239 Daniel Webster Hwy Meredith, New Hampshire 03253

Enjoy the day long ride in the White Mountains. Enjoy the best of the White Mountains. This is a stunning ride where you can enjoy the views that the White Mountains offer anytime during riding season.