Park

Bryce Canyon Bryce Canyon National Park

There is plenty to do in Bryce if you are staying for a while and want to get sweaty, with many hikes available to view the various hoodoos and other rock formations. But it is also worth a few hours for the casual motorcyclist visitor passing through, Highway 63 provides an easy out-and-back route down along the rim of the canyon, with many stunning scenic viewpoints.

The speed limit is low, traffic can be thick, and the road is well-patrolled so plan for the time needed to do the whole thing and stop for photos.

Tip: To help avoid traffic, try to arrive when the park opens in the morning and make a beeline straight for Rainbow Point at the end of the road. Enjoy the vista  there, then take your time coming back along the park road, against the flow of the other tourists.

Fort Griswold

800 men led by traitor Benedict Arnold destroyed the “immense” stockpile of goods and naval stores kept here. Buildings, wharfs and ships were soon in flames. One hundred and forty-three buildings, nearly all the town, were consumed.

Grotto & Indian Head Cove

Bruce Peninsula National Park – 45 minute hike out to a scenic shore cave containing a pool of blue water. Parking space is limited and quickly fills up. A new reservation system for the 4 hour Grotto parking time slots allows you to plan your trip in advance.

Harriman State Park

Nice spots for a picnic, a hike, or a ride. Try Seven Lakes Drive and Route 106.

The second-largest park in the parks system boasts 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, camping areas, and a network of scenic views and sites.

Madawaska Four Corners Park

The most northeastern town in the U.S. The first park dedicated to motorcycling. One of the 4 corners stops for those doing a 4 corners of the U.S. motorcycle ride. NER has an engraved paver at the monument.

Stony Point Battlefield

One of the last major Revolutionary War battles in the northeastern colonies occurred on this dramatic peninsula, which rises high over the Hudson River. There is about a quarter mile hike up a steep but paved driveway from the parking lot to the museum, then a nice foot path with interpretive signage and great views of the river.

The Stony Point Lighthouse, built in 1826, is the oldest lighthouse on the Hudson River.

Walkway Over the Hudson

1.28 mile footbridge with unforgettable views from 212 feet above the Hudson River. Map coordinates link to the western end. The eastern end in Poughkeepsie is at 41.7117, -73.92495.

WaterFire

Performance art installation along the river banks in downtown Providence. Be prepared to ride through urban traffic to enjoy the show, which takes place in the evenings in the summer.