windows down
This winding Hill Country road outside Austin was voted one of the best scenic routes in the country
There's nothing like the feeling of being on the wide open road.
If a long, out-of-state vacation isn't in the cards for you this summer, perhaps a short road trip could be a great compromise. There's nothing like the feeling of being on the wide open road and enjoying the grand beauty of the Texas Hill Country with the windows down, especially if you make it out early enough to watch the sun rise on the drive.
Cycle Trader, a classifieds sites for motorcycles, named The Twisted Sisters as one of the best routes in their recent "Top Destinations for Your Next Motorcycle Road Trip" report. Located just under three hours from Austin, The Twisted Sisters spans about 130 miles along Ranch Roads 335, 336, and 337 with dozens of bends, drops, and inclines to keep drivers on their toes the entire time.
While on the drive, Cycle Trader suggests making a few stops to fully immerse in the Hill Country culture.
"Along the way get some barbecue, pay a visit to the Lost Maples State Natural Area, and get up to date on your motorcycle history at the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum," the report says.
If you want to turn the drive into a day trip, consider adding the Devil's Sinkhole Natural State Area to your list of stops, and if you decide to stay overnight, the Historic Leakey Inn isn't too far away.
The route isn't exclusive to just motorcycles, four-wheeled vehicles are also welcome, but you'll likely need to be more alert about your surroundings. Most importantly, make sure the gas tank is full before embarking on the drive.
Motorcycle rental and tour company EagleRider provided some advice for drivers considering a Twisted Sisters trip.
"Be forewarned that some of the blind curves are unexpectedly sharp, making you feel like you’ve been snapped by a slingshot," EagleRider said. "Have fun, yet ride with caution as this is purely ranch country. There are cattle guards in between ranches, not to mention free-range cattle and deer. Plus there might be ranchers moving slowly in their pickups."
The Twisted Sisters was the only Texas route included in Cycle Trader's report. Several other well-known routes were chosen across every region in the United States.
Other prominent road trip routes include:
- The Pacific Coast Highway
- The Tail of the Dragon
- Montana Highway 200
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- U.S. Route 1
- Route 66
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Photo courtesy of InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel