A Motorcycle Adventure Along the East Coast, USA

It was an epic ride from Virginia all the way to Maine. Can you believe we covered 4,400 km in just 22 days? It was our first long-distance ride on a motorcycle. We visited Acadia National Park, White Mountains, Portland, and the off-the-beaten-path town of Machias. In this article you will find our roadtrip itinerary along the East Coast and some tips to make your trip unforgettable.

Summer 2024 was my second summer in the United States. We were staying with my husband’s parents, working, and trying to survive the sweltering Virginia heat. One day, out of nowhere, I heard the loud rumble of an engine outside. I ran to the porch and saw my husband parking a massive Suzuki V-Strom 1000 on the lawn.

“Tomorrow we’re heading to Maine!” he said, grinning like a kid with a new toy.

Honestly, it felt like a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. I didn’t even think twice; I just rushed to start packing our stuff into the saddlebags.

I’d been dreaming about a motorcycle road trip across the U.S. for years. Last summer, we toured the States in a camper van we’d converted from an old ambulance, and we had a motorcycle with us for short trips. But we’d never taken on a long-distance adventure like this on a bike before.

Itinerary, Costs, and Tips from Our Epic East Coast Ride

We covered 2,700 miles (4,400 km) in 22 days and spent about $1,000 for two people.

Our motorcycle, the Suzuki V-Strom, was perfect for long-distance travel—thanks to one of my Instagram followers who recommended it over a cruiser. For the first time in my life, we could comfortably ride for 6–8 hours a day!

A Roadtrip Itinerary Along the North East Coast

📍 Richmond to Limerick (Maine): We celebrated the Fourth of July by a lake, feasting on lobsters, riding ATVs, and watching fireworks.

📍 Machias: We gathered mussels on the beach, swam in wild lakes, caught eels in the river, and stayed in a cozy cabin in the woods. It was stunning and completely off the tourist radar.

📍 Acadia National Park: Explored the park by motorcycle and hiked some short trails.

📍 New Harbor: Took a boat tour to the islands and spotted Atlantic puffins.

📍 Portland: Fished for bass and admired the iconic lighthouses.

📍 White Mountains (New Hampshire): Hiked to many waterfalls and rode along scenic mountain roads.

📍 Harrisburg (Pennsylvania’s capital): Spent an entire day exploring the city.

I’ll share more details about each destination in the this article!

Many travelers in the U.S. stick to highways to save time. But on the East Coast, where major attractions are fewer and farther apart, highways can make the journey feel monotonous. Instead, we chose mountain roads along the Appalachian range and coastal routes up north. These quieter paths offered stunning views and near-empty roads, making the trip unforgettable.

I feel like we made the most of this part of the U.S., visiting the most captivating places—excluding major cities like Philadelphia or New York, which would need more time and aren’t ideal for motorcycling. If you’re planning a trip, consider using this route as inspiration!

How Much Did Our Motorcycle Trip Cost

Here’s the breakdown of our expenses for a 4,400 km (2,700-mile) journey:

• Fuel: $254. One of the big perks of motorcycle travel is the fuel efficiency. This trip would have cost us $840 in a camper van!
• Accommodation: $220. We mostly stayed with friends or in free campgrounds, keeping this expense minimal.
• Attractions: A boat tour to see puffins cost $55. Access to the national parks was covered by our $80 annual pass, which is valid for the driver and all passengers.
• Food: We spent $100 on 14 lobsters and caught fish and mussels for free. An additional $200 went toward fast food since cooking isn’t very convenient on a motorcycle trip.
• Other expenses: Midway through the trip, we had to replace the battery, oil, and a cooler, which cost $140.

Total: $970 for two people.

Also check out: What It’s Really Like Living on the Road in a Van — A Detailed Guide (2023)

Where We Stayed

1. Friends and Family. In this part of the U.S., my husband has many relatives, so we mostly stayed with them. Once, we even pitched our tent in the yard of one of my Instagram followers (thank you, blog community, for new friendships!).
2. Motels. The U.S. has plenty of roadside motels where a room typically costs $80–$100 per night. By evening, many offer discounts to fill vacant rooms, so it’s possible to find a deal for $60–$80.
3. Campgrounds. America offers both paid and free camping options. Below I listed the websites I use to find them. There are also various park types, such as national grasslands, national forests, and wildlife management areas, where dispersed camping (camping in undeveloped areas) is often permitted for free. Always check the specific rules for each park. Paid campgrounds with showers start at $30 plus taxes, but prices can be higher depending on the location.

Apps I Use for Traveling in the U.S.

• Flights. Trip.com — My top pick for 2024. It offers routes with reasonable layovers and often better prices than other search engines. Plus, it tracks flights in real time, sending updates like gate changes.
• Flight Delay Compensation. AirHelp is a great app to claim compensation for delayed flights.
• Hotels. I look for discounts on Google Maps and book via Agoda, Vio, Priceline,  Expedia. I also check Vrbo and Airbnb for interesting options, like campsites on private land or farm stays.
• Staying with Locals. Couchsurfing is a fantastic way to find free stays with locals.
• Free Campgrounds. I use Dyrt, iOverlander, Recreation.gov, and FreeCampsites. For dispersed camping, I always check the rules for specific national forests or state parks.
• Car Rentals from Owners. Turo often has better prices than traditional rental agencies.
• Cheapest Gas on the Road. GasBuddy shows current gas prices along your route.
• Tours and Activities. I rely on GetYourGuide and Viator for excursions. However, simple Google searches can also uncover local companies not listed on aggregator sites.
• Discounts on Restaurants and Services. Groupon is a go-to for deals.
• Volunteer Programs. Workaway offers opportunities to stay for free in exchange for helping out.

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Virginia to Maine on Two Wheels

Limerick: Celebrating Independence Day with Americans

The Fourth of July in the U.S. feels as big as Christmas. It’s all about Independence Day—marking the 1776 declaration of freedom from British rule. Everywhere you look, towns are draped in American flags. People dress up in red, white, and blue, and rest stops hand out free coffee and hot dogs. Fireworks light up the night sky, and families gather around grills sizzling with burgers and hot dogs. It’s the definition of an all-American celebration.

Paul, my husband, has always had big family gatherings for holidays. So we drove a record-breaking 10 hours—over 800 km (500 miles)—to his uncle’s house.

The town of Limerick is pretty small and unassuming. But it sits by the beautiful Arrowhead Lake, where Paul spent his childhood summers.

The holiday stretched across the weekend. We did everything—boating, riding ATVs and motorcycles, fishing, and feasting on neon-pink hot dogs, and a giant pot of lobsters. At night, the lake lit up with fireworks from all the families around. Watching them from the water was absolutely magical—and so American.

Machias: Maine’s Best-Kept Secret

Machias is an off-the-beaten path tucked away in northern Maine, just 45 km from the Canadian border. Tourists often overlook it, heading for big-name spots like Acadia National Park or Portland.

This town’s got history. Founded in 1763, it’s one of Maine’s oldest European settlements. The name “Machias” comes from a Native American language. It means “place with turbulent waters”, referencing the swift Machias River currents. In 1775, the town witnessed the first naval battle of the American Revolution.

We stayed for five days in a rustic cabin deep in the forest, owned by Paul’s brother. When I say “rustic,” I mean really rustic—no running water, no shower, no internet, and electricity from a generator. But we were surrounded by wild lakes, towering trees, and the occasional bear. It was the kind of unplugged adventure we love.

Machias completely won me over. It’s one of those hidden gems you don’t hear much about, but there’s so much to do. One misty morning, we headed to a beach at dawn to forage for mussels. I’d never done it before, and it was surprisingly fun—digging my hands into the shallow, murky water and pulling out what looked like little rocks but were actually mussels.

Next evening, as the sun set (and the mosquitoes swarmed), we tried our luck catching eels in the river. On the way there we foraged some Indian cucumber, a plant with edible root that tastes like a sweet, crunchy cucumber. Another night, we boiled up a feast of lobsters. Can you believe they’re only $3.75 a pound here?

There’s something deeply primitive and adventurous about finding your own food in nature—it taps into a part of you that feels wild and alive. As a kid, I was obsessed with adventure books, imagining myself as one of those fearless characters surviving on an inhabited island.

Swimming in the lake, though, was a personal triumph. I’ve always been very nervous about deep water. But with my husband’s brother cheering me on, I managed to push past the fear and swam farther than I ever thought I could. It was such a proud moment.

What to Do in Machias

Even if you don’t have a brother in Maine, there’s plenty here to explore:

• Roque Bluffs State Park. Perfect for a day at the beach, with a long stretch of sand.
• Jasper Beach. This unique pebble beach is famous for the “singing” sound waves make as they sift through the stones. Plus, it’s a great spot for hunting sea glass and jasper-like stones.
• Cutler Coast Public Lands. A dream for hikers, with long trails and free seaside camping. Here is a trail map.
• Blueberry Fields. Machias is known as the “blueberry capital” of Maine. If you’re here in August, join the Blueberry Festival or pick your own berries.
• Lighthouses. Visit iconic Maine lighthouses like Seal Island. You can even book tours to see puffins!
• East Coast Greenway. If cycling is your thing, this route runs right through Machias, connecting the northern and southern U.S. Here is a map of the route.

Sullivan: A Forgotten Resort Town

In the late 19th century, steamboats and railroads connected major cities like Boston, New York, and Portland to Maine’s eastern coast. Tourists arrived at Sullivan’s foothills, where steamboats docked to deliver them straight to local hotels. These hotels boasted breathtaking views of what is now Acadia National Park.

However, prosperity was short-lived. By the early 20th century, the rise of automobiles and road networks diverted the tourist flow to Bar Harbor, which became the region’s premier vacation spot. The closure of local mines and quarries, once the backbone of the community, further deepened the area’s economic decline.

In Sullivan, we stumbled upon an intriguing spot: Tidal Falls.

According to the informative signs, two hours after high tide, seawater rushes over the rocky riverbed, creating a waterfall effect as it fills Taunton Bay. When the bay is full, the water reverses direction, forming rapids as it drains back out. If you time your visit to witness this phenomenon, it’s worth seeing. Otherwise, it’s just a quiet river. You can swim here and enjoy shaded picnic tables nearby.

Acadia National Park: A Maine Must-See

Acadia National Park is the gem of Maine and the only national park in New England. It stretches across Mount Desert Island and a handful of smaller islands, offering some of the best views you’ll find on the East Coast.

We made Bar Harbor our base, staying in a simple hotel for $80 a night. Sure, camping would’ve been cheaper, but being in town gave us more time to explore the park. Bar Harbor itself was buzzing with tourists at the picturesque waterfront.

The next day, we explored Acadia on our motorcycle, stopping at various landmarks. At the park entrance, we grabbed a detailed map. You can also find maps on the park’s official website).

Here’s what we saw:

• Park Loop Road: A 43 km (28 mile) scenic drive winding through Acadia’s most famous landmarks. Every turn seemed postcard-perfect.
• Beehive Trail: Known for its steep cliffs and metal handrails, this hike might sound intimidating, but it’s actually manageable for most hikers. And the views of the bay from the top absolutely worth the climb.
• Thunder Hole: A natural wonder where waves slam into the rocks with a thunderous roar. High tide is the best time to experience it.
• Jordan Pond: A peaceful lake surrounded by mountains. We stopped for a snack at the café here.
• Wild Gardens of Acadia: A small but delightful garden showcasing plants from all over. We even spotted an owl!
• Schoodic Peninsula: A quieter corner of Acadia, perfect for a scenic drive away from the crowds.

New Harbor: Puffin Cruise Adventure

In the cold waters of the North Atlantic, you’ll find puffins—adorable seabirds often nicknamed “clowns of the sea” or “little penguins with colorful beaks.” They’re irresistibly charming and a must-see if you’re in Maine during the summer.

Every year, from June to August, puffin tours set sail from coastal towns to visit nesting spots like Eastern Egg Rock, Matinicus Rock, and Petit Manan Island. While popular locations like Portland and Acadia offer tours, I chose New Harbor for its quieter vibe and better prices.

Puffins are fascinating birds. They dig burrows for their nests, line them with grass, and care for their eggs much like penguins do. Their diet consists mainly of small fish like herring and sand eels. When winter rolls around, puffins leave land and live at sea, floating alone or in small groups—even while they sleep!

Read also: Magdalena Island in Chile. Walking with penguins at the End of the World

The 40-minute boat ride to the puffin colony was a little bumpy. The moment we arrived, the tiny island came alive with puffins darting around and filling the air with their calls. Watching these comical birds in their natural habitat was definitely a highlight of my trip. My husband, however, wasn’t as enthusiastic about the puffins. He decided to skip the tour and hang out at a nearby bar instead, catching up on some work. 

Portland: Maine’s Most Beautiful City

Portland is a historic port city in New England. It is a beautiful place with its charming lighthouses, quaint wooden houses, and a lively marine culture. It’s a place where you can easily spend a few days exploring.

Fun fact: There are two cities named Portland in the U.S.—one on the East Coast in Maine and another on the West Coast in Oregon.

Why Visit Portland?

• Old Port. This cobblestone-street neighborhood is filled with lively bars and restaurants serving fresh lobster and oysters. Lobster is Maine’s culinary pride, and even McDonald’s features a summer special called the McLobster. Be sure to catch an oyster happy hour, where oysters are just $1 apiece!
• Casco Bay Cruise. Hop on a boat to see seals and Maine’s iconic lighthouses. Pro tip: Check out a highly-rated tour on GetYourGuide (4.8/5 stars).
• Fort Preble. Built in 1808, this military fort played a role in wars from 1812 to WWII. Today, it’s abandoned and overgrown, adding to its atmospheric charm. Located on the Southern Maine Community College campus, the fort is open to visitors. From its walls, you can enjoy views of the lighthouse and nearby Fort Gorges.

White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

The White Mountain National Forest spans over 3,500 square kilometers of New Hampshire’s stunning mountains. We spent two days riding through the park on our motorcycle, taking short hikes to uncover hidden waterfalls along the way. My favorite was Sabbaday Falls, with its picturesque staircase winding alongside the cascading water. But the real adventure was at Coliseum Falls, where we ditched the trail and followed the riverbed to reach the upper falls—channeling our inner Indiana Jones the whole way!

Camping overnight was a bit of an adventure itself—park rules mean you have to hike into the woods to set up camp, so we ended up hauling our motorcycle bags up the mountains.

Practical Tips

• Entrance Fees: $5 per day, payable via self-service envelopes at parking lots.
  • No fee required if driving the scenic Kancamagus Highway without stopping.
  • Annual passes: $30 for White Mountains access, or $80 for the “America the Beautiful” pass, valid across all U.S. national parks.
• Franconia Notch State Park, located within White Mountain National Forest, charges a separate fee ($18 in 2024).
• Here is a map of all the trails and attractions of the national forest, and you can find more on their official website.

Highlights

• Mount Washington. The highest peak in the Northeast (1,917 m), accessible by hiking, driving, or the historic Cog Railway.
• Appalachian Trail. A segment of this legendary 3,500 km (2180 miles) trail winds through the forest, ideal for multi-day hikes.
• Franconia Notch. Home to scenic Echo Lake, Flume Gorge, and Basin Cascade Falls. It requires a separate pass, quite pricy, so we skipped it for the nexr trip.
• Kancamagus Highway. A 56-km (35 miles) route renowned for its fall foliage, connecting Lincoln and Conway.
• Waterfalls. Don’t miss Sabbaday Falls, Silver Cascade and Coliseum Falls, all are easy hikes with rewarding views.

Harrisburg: Exploring Pennsylvania’s Capital

Harrisburg wasn’t even on our radar. We’d planned to stop for just a quick night, but I made a mistake and booked two nights in a hotel instead of one. So, we ended up with an entire day to explore the city! And honestly, Harrisburg turned out to be a nice surprise. It’s a small, chill city right on the Susquehanna River, surrounded by nature.

We started at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, and I have to say, I was pretty impressed. The dome is huge, and it’s modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Plus, it’s totally free to visit, so we just wandered around and took it all in.

Then we headed to Fort Hunter. It’s this little historic site with an old wooden bridge and a tavern where travelers used to stop by. Walking through it felt like stepping back in time. There’s even a gas station nearby that welcomed the first car travelers in 1923.

Day was hot, so we went up to Negley Park. It’s on a hill overlooking the city, and the view is amazing. We also checked out the Sunken Garden by the river. It’s this peaceful, hidden spot, perfect for escaping the heat.

Harrisburg may not be as flashy as other cities, but it’s got a quiet charm. If you ever find yourself passing through, it’s totally worth the extra time to explore.