Atlanta is a diverse city that has taken off since the 1996 Summer Olympic games. It’s the 10th largest city in the United States, with an economy in the world’s top 20. Several of the largest companies in the world are headquartered in Atlanta. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, find a motorcycle rental with Twisted Road to explore this City in a Forest. Use our guide to find the best routes and hangouts when you’re in Atlanta.
Renting a Motorcycle in Atlanta
Twisted Road makes finding a motorcycle to rent easy. You can browse through the listings on our site to find the bike of your choice. We have a large selection from street bikes to cruisers. If you’ve ever wanted to try out a new model, here’s your chance to enjoy riding in a new city.
Great Rides in Atlanta
Atlanta is right in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Because the city straddles the Eastern Continental Divide, rainwater on the east flows into the Atlantic Ocean, while the rain on the western side of the divide flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The mountain roads around the city are challenging and fun on a bike. You’ll find plenty of great rides in the area, but here are a few of our favorites.
- Cloudland Canyon State Park
- Tate to Dawsonville Route 53
- Buford Dam Road
Cloudland Canyon State Park via Lookout Mountain Scenic Highway
Start in Kennesaw, about a half-hour north of Atlanta, off Route I-75. Go north into Acworth and follow the road through Rome and Lafayette. You’ll probably want to plan a day and maybe a night because it is about a 2-hour ride without stops. The park has some great hiking trails and attractions, but the best part is riding in the mountains. Acworth is a nice place to stop and explore if you have time.
Tate to Dawsonville Route 53
Take I-75 north to Tate, Georgia. Make a stop to see the Tate House before tackling Route 53 to Dawsonville. The route is just under 20 miles, without a lot of amenities. Gas up before you leave, both your bike and yourself! The hilly countryside offers a ton of stunning scenery. The route has a lot of turns and twists through the Smoky Mountains. This route is fantastic in the fall when the leaves are turning colors.
Historic Buford Area
Take I-85 out of Atlanta to Buford Dam. Explore the area around Lake Lanier. There are dozens of parks where you can stop off and walk around before getting back on your bike. Buford is a historic town with a lot of unique boutiques and restaurants that will have their flair for the South. The roads around the lake have plenty of charming personality and great views.
Great Motorcycle Hangouts in Atlanta
Atlanta hosts several great events and rallies for motorcycles. Check out the Bike Week Events calendar.
The Vortex Bar and Grill has one of the best bike nights in Georgia. Every Thursday night, this Little Five Points bar provides riders of all kinds a fun night out. From modern sportbikes to classic Harleys, and people from all walks of life show up. Veteran bikers and novice riders bond outside while they admire each others’ rides, and all types of people fill the place. From tattoo artists to white-collar types, everyone knows that Thursday nights are the best at the Vortex.
Euclid Avenue Yacht Club in Atlanta
Bikes line the front of this place, and the theme keeps going inside with road signs and biker-themed deco. Great place for drinks and barbecue. Forget about the name, there are no yachts here, but it is pretty laid back.
Atlanta Weather and Riding
Atlanta has a humid, subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 80F in July. Winters are cool, but snow is not a huge problem. Rain is a different story. Atlanta averages around 50 inches of precipitation annually, with most months getting between 3.5 and 4.5 inches of rain. Fall and spring are considered the best seasons to ride in Atlanta, but if you don’t mind the humidity, summer isn’t that bad. It’s common to have a heavy rainstorm every afternoon for about a half hour in the summertime. Just pull over and wait it out, you’ll be fine. You can usually ride in the winter, too, but be mindful of the lower temperatures in the morning and late afternoon.
Atlanta Motorcycle Laws and Tips
In Georgia, all motorcycle riders are required to wear a helmet. You must also have eye protection unless your bike has a windscreen. Bikes need at least one mirror as well.
Lane-splitting is prohibited in Georgia. However, the laws do allow for motorcycles to ride two abreast in the same lane. According to Georgia laws, you must always wear some type of footwear, shoes, or boots. Wearing socks alone to ride a motorcycle is not allowed. Yes, this is on the rulebooks.
Preparing for Your Atlanta Motorcycle Rental
Atlanta is a busy city. When you know your travel dates, browse through the motorcycle rentals on the Twisted Road website. Reserve your bike to enjoy your downtime exploring Atlanta on a motorcycle. Choose the type of bike you like to ride.
Pack your favorite riding jacket or wear it on the plane to save space in your luggage. If you’ve got room, remember to pack your gloves and clothes to layer for riding. Check the weather report before you pack. Come, and have a great time in Atlanta. Your ride is right here, ready and waiting!
