Austin and Texas Hill Country Motorcycle Routes
Texas is best known for its endless pastures and cowboys, but Texas Hill Country is a one of the most beautiful regions in the U. S. It also offers terrific motorcycle routes to explore little towns and scenic vistas. Here are a few of the best. For more information, visit RideNow Powersports Austin in Austin, Texas, serving San Marcos, Round Rock and New Braunfels.
Austin to Llano – Hill Country Views
Highway 71 runs straight from downtown Austin to Llano. It’s a simple path to follow, and a great choice for beginners or motorcycle enthusiasts who want to get a feel for the area before getting too adventurous.
Just because it’s a simple route doesn’t mean it’s boring, though. To get the most out of this trip, take the drive in late spring. The Hill Country explodes in wildflowers, and you’ll want to keep a camera with you. Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ is an infamous hotspot for tourists and locals alike. Ribs, pork chops, sirloin steak, and apple cobbler await your arrival in Llano.
Austin to Fredericksburg – Hidden Town and German Bites
The route begins at Oak Hill. Take Highway 290 west until you reach Henly. Take Highway 165 south to Blanco, where you will take FM 1888 west. Turn onto FM 1376 north to Highway 290, west.
The route passes Blanco State Park, LBJ National Historic Park, and the tiny town of Luckenbach, which is about 25 residents away from becoming a ghost town. This last stop may be the most unique, with its general store (open since 1849), blacksmith, bar, and dance hall.
The route ends in Fredericksburg, which – as the name suggests – has strong German roots. It offers tremendous German restaurants to this day. Depending on the season, Fredericksburg also has fresh peaches or a variety of peach preserves for sale. Jams and jellies are always available, of course, and they make tempting souvenirs that may not make it back home.
Austin to Wimberly – Twists, Turns, and the Blue Hole
To begin this trek, leave from Oak Hill west on Highway 290. Follow 290 until you reach FM 1826 – also called Camp Ben McCulloch Road). Take 1826 south to FM 150, which you should continue following south. When you reach FM 3237, head west until you reach Wimberly. This route features a blend of well-maintained and somewhat rough roads, so beginners should plan to take it slow, preferably with other riders.
This is one of those rides that is less about the destination and more about the adventure. If the twists and turns leave you hungry, though, one of Texas’s most famous BBQ destinations, Salt Lick BBQ, is waiting. The Blue Hole, a natural swimming hole lined by beautiful cypress trees, can help you cool down after a long ride. From Wimberly, you can also try The Devil’s Backbone. This looping ridge trail is notorious for beautiful views and measures about 24 miles.
There are many more roads for bikers to explore in and around Austin. The Hill Country is full of unpaved market roads and gravel routes intermediate and advanced riders may enjoy. To learn more, visit RideNow Powersports Austin in Austin, Texas, serving San Marcos, Round Rock and New Braunfels.