Longboarding offers one of the coolest and most enjoyable ways to get about, whether it’s commuting to work or just cruising around a city. Step it up a notch, and longboarding provides one of the greatest natural thrills for the daredevils out there—all you need is a big hill and a bit of gravity to help you down it!
We’ve done our research and checked out the very best longboarding roads in the US, considering all things from gradient, curves, terrain, and the sweet, sweet view you’ll get as you bomb down at rocket speed. Caution: not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced!
Maryhill Loops Road, Washington
You’ll find this road in Goldendale, Washington. The stunning road takes you through picturesque rolling hills, with a smooth surface and some challenging but exhilarating curves. It’s closed off to motor vehicles, making it a thrilling ride without the added hazard of cars in the mix. Maryhill Loops is considered one of the most famed longboarding roads, with top speeds of up to 50mph when the wind is behind you.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
This iconic road takes you through a spectacular Glacier national park in the Rocky Mountains. The mountainous path stretches for 50 miles, but you can just hop on for a section. The road is only for the ultra-experienced, due to its sheer drops and high volumes of traffic. For the pros, it’s a sweet ride past breathtaking snow-capped mountains. The famous road also features in pop culture, including the movie Forrest Gump, and is the title of a track by indie band Fleet Foxes.
Haleakala Highway, Hawaii
Not only is Hawaii a surfer's paradise, but it’s got some pretty sweet longboarding spots too. The most notorious is the Haleakala highway, also known as Crater Road, leading to the summit of Haleakala, the large volcano on Maui Island. This is a common route for bikers, but longboarders take it up a notch. With the ocean on one side and mountains on the other, the road offers a dreamy backdrop for your hair-raising ride. The road is incredibly steep, with warning signs in place even for cars. With plenty of blindspots and big drops, it’s only one for professionals.
Mulholland Drive, California
There are few things cooler than the thought of cruising along the hills of Hollywood. The technical ride, with tight corners and a steep descent, takes you through the hills, passing houses in places, with occasional ocean views on the horizon. It’s an adrenaline-pumping run in the heart of Los Angeles, certainly not one to be missed!
Angeles Crest Highway, California
Another great ride for those in Cali! The Angeles Crest Highway, also known as California State Route 2, is a longboarding hotspot in the west-coast state. With multiple curves, switchbacks, and changes in elevation, it offers a varied and thrilling ride. What’s more, you’ll get some stunning views of some dreamy Californian landscapes, such as the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles Basin.
Skyline Drive, Virginia
Skyline Drive runs through the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. You can expect to see a whole range of woodland animals on this route, including deer, wild turkeys, and black bears, so watch out for any that might cross your path! The entire length of the park spans 105 miles in total, so there are plenty of sections to choose from. The route is particularly popular in the fall due to the changing color of the leaves, making it an even more spectacular ride, but also a busier time for vehicles in the park. The route is slightly less steep than others we’ve mentioned, offering a more cruisey ride, with views of the Blue Ridge mountains.
Pikes Peak Highway, Colorado
Your ultimate high-altitude longboarding experience. The elevation of Pikes Peak is over 14,000 feet, with the road leading to the Pikes Peak mountain at the summit. Pikes Peak Highway hosted the 2015 longboarding world cup, drawing longboarders from far and wide.
The City of Colorado Springs keeps the road surface in excellent condition, resulting in a smooth ride, aside from some potential debris from the sandstone shoulders of the track. With top speeds of 55 miles per hour and a run time of 2-3 minutes, it’s a thrilling 1.4-mile run.
The Tail of the Dragon, North Carolina/Tennessee
A hotspot for motorcycles and sports cars, The Tail of the Dragon Road is also a longboarder's haven. Consisting of 318 curves over its 11-mile stretch, you’re in for one hell of a ride! Tight corners and a steep descent make it quite a technical ride as you make your way along the tree-lined route. The speed limit is set at 30mph, so it’s a great spot to try and break it!
Mount Lemmon, Arizona
Located near Tucson, Arizona, Mount Lemmon is the highest point in the Santa Catalina mountains. The 27-miler sees an elevation gain of 6,000 feet, serving up a thrilling descent for those who dare to try it. The desert landscape of Arizona surrounds you as you bomb down this one, with a smooth pavement surface guiding you around the sweeping curves. Finally, it must be noted that the route has a sheer drop to one side of you for the majority of the ride—not a ride for the faint-hearted.
Cherohala Skyway, North Carolina/Tennessee
Another gem that stretches across the state borders of North Carolina and Tennessee is the Cherohala Skyway. It’s called the Skyway for a reason, as it travels up through 5,400 feet of mountains offering spectacular scenic views. The 18-mile ascent through North Carolina is met by a 23-mile descent into Tennessee, crossing through the Cherokee and Nantahala National forests, with some stunning treescapes, especially in the fall. With great views of the Appalachian mountains, smooth surfaces, and sweeping curves, the route is the perfect juxtaposition of speed and scenery.
Long Story Short...
With all of the roads above, we recommend only trying them if you’re a highly experienced longboarder; these routes are not for beginners or even intermediate riders. If your skill level is up to it, we’d suggest tagging along with a local who knows the route, and familiarizing yourself with the road before bombing down it—you never know when a hairpin bend is going to sneak up on you!
Written by AC Callahan
