Let’s ride
Hit the road with these 8 great motorcycle road trip rides & destinations.
LOCAL Life reached out to Sandra “Sam” Lea at Savannah Harley-Davidson for advice on the best motorcycle road trips to take in our neck of the woods. Read ahead to find out which destinations will be worth your while in both South Carolina and Georgia. Choose either the fastest path or plot a backroad route. There’s no right or wrong way to get there, just get there. The only road trips motorcyclists regret are the ones they never got around to taking.
Miller’s Bread Basket Ride
Ride to this Amish-Mennonite restaurant in Blackville, South Carolina. They serve made-from-scratch dessert, homemade bread and a salad bar, all with a Southern twist. There are three ways to get there, so take a different way back, passing through Ehrhardt and Coosawhatchie.
Trip duration: 108 miles from Hilton Head
Saddle time: 2 hours
Church Ruins Ride
While the Old Sheldon Church and the Chapel of Ease in Seabrook are just the remains of what was left after time, fire, and war, it’s a site full of beautiful structures. Visiting hours are from daylight to dark, and patrons are asked be respectful of cemeteries located on the premises. Get there via I-95, S.C. 462 or U.S.-21.
Trip duration: 52 miles from Hilton Head Saddle time: 1 hour
Lighthouse Ride
Head down to Tybee Island and St. Simons Island to see two of five remaining lighthouses in Georgia. Built in 1732, the Tybee Island light was ordered by Gen. James Oglethorpe. In 1810 the St. Simons lighthouse was built but was destroyed by Confederate forces in 1862. It was rebuilt in 1872, along with the lighthouse keeper’s house.
Trip duration: 171 miles from Hilton Head
Saddle time: 4 hours
Andersonville Ride
Located in Andersonville, Georgia, this historic site is home to the former Camp Sumter, a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp during the final year of the Civil War. More than 45,000 Union soldiers were confined here, leaving almost 13,000 dead. Today, you can visit The National Prisoner of War Museum and learn all about this historic site that’s a part of our nation’s history. Take I-16 West for the quickest route, or hit the back roads by taking U.S. 280 through Claxton, Milan, Abbeville and Rochelle.
Trip duration: 238 miles from Hilton Head Island
Saddle time: 3 hours, 47 minutes
Museum of Aviation Ride
Located outside of Warner Robins, Georgia, the Museum of Aviation is the second largest aerospace museum of the United States Air Force. Sitting on 51 acres, visitors will see four exhibit buildings with more than 90 historic aircraft among other exhibits.
Trip duration: 199 miles from Hilton Head
Saddle time: 3 hours
Providence Canyon State Park Ride
Also known as Little Grand Canyon, this park in southwest Georgia is known for its beautiful rock erosion and clay colors. The park, which consists of 1,003 acres, is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia. It is also home to the very rare plumleaf azalea.
Trip duration: 291 miles from Hilton Head
Saddle time: 4 hours, 50 minutes
South Island Ride
Take a leisurely ride through the countryside of southeast Georgia to the beautiful islands of St. Simons and Jekyll. You’ll find food, beaches, tours and a multitude of history at each location.
Trip duration: 133 miles from Hilton Head
Saddle time: 2 hours and 26 minutes
Okefenokee Swamp Loop
The Great Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia is said to be the largest, intact, undisturbed freshwater and black water wilderness swamp in North America. There are three major entrances that open to the prairies of the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area and the forest cypress swamp at Stephen C. Foster State Park. Go and visit a plethora of habitats, plants and wildlife.
Trip duration: 165 miles from Hilton Head Saddle time: 2 hours, 48 minutes
King of the road
2021 Harley-Davidson Road King Special
This sleek touring model from HD runs a big Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin engine, giving it plenty of muscle for the great riding roads of the Southeast. Starting at $22,999. Buy one at Savannah Harley-Davidson.
