Indiana riding guide
Indiana motorcycle rides: the southern hills and beyond
The best Indiana motorcycle rides are in the southern third of the state: IN 46 and IN 135 through Brown County, and the Ohio River roads around Madison and Tell City. Add covered bridge country in Parke County, the Indiana Dunes and the old National Road, and there is plenty to ride. Here is where to go, when, what the law says, and how to track it free with Rippin'.
- Helmet law
- Some riders
- Lane splitting
- Not allowed
- Prime season
- April to October
- Rippin' price
- Free
Why ride Indiana
Why ride Indiana: the south is not flat
North and central Indiana are farm country, flat and straight, and mostly a way to get somewhere. South of Indianapolis, the land starts to roll. Below Bloomington the glaciers stopped, and the country turns into wooded hills, limestone, creek valleys and the Hoosier National Forest. Keep going and you hit the Ohio River, where small river towns sit under steep bluffs.
The riding splits into a few areas. Brown County around Nashville and Bloomington has IN 46 and IN 135, the state's best-known motorcycle roads. The Ohio River from Madison and Vevay in the southeast to Tell City and beyond in the southwest has the river byway. West central Indiana has Parke County's covered bridges near Rockville. The north has the Indiana Dunes on Lake Michigan and Amish farm country around Shipshewana. And US 40, the old National Road, crosses the whole state east to west.
From Indianapolis, Brown County is about an hour south and the Ohio River is a long day loop.
The roads
Best motorcycle roads in Indiana
Well-known Indiana rides. The southern roads have the curves; the rest are scenic cruises.
- IN 46 (Bloomington to Nashville)Connects Bloomington and Nashville through the Brown County hills, close to Brown County State Park. Rolling curves through hardwood forest. Watch for heavy traffic into Nashville on fall weekends and cars slowing for the park entrance.
- IN 135 south of NashvilleRuns south from Nashville through the hills toward Story and beyond. It is narrower and twistier than IN 46 and a local favorite. Watch for blind curves, gravel in the corners and deer in the wooded stretches.
- Ohio River Scenic Byway (IN 62 and IN 66)Follows the river through southern Indiana towns like Leavenworth, Tell City and Cannelton, mixing river views with climbs through the hills. Watch for slow trucks on the climbs and flood debris on low stretches after spring high water.
- IN 56 and IN 156 near MadisonRun along the Ohio River from historic Madison toward Vevay and the river towns past it, with bluffs on one side and the river on the other. Watch for spring flooding, slick spots where creeks cross the road, and slow drivers looking at the view.
- IN 37 through the Hoosier National ForestRuns south from Bloomington past Bedford and Paoli and through the national forest toward Tell City on the river. Links Brown County to the river. Watch for trucks near Bloomington and Bedford.
- Parke County covered bridgesThe backroads around Rockville wind between dozens of covered bridges, and the county calls itself the covered bridge capital of the world. Watch for gravel approaches, slick wood decks in the wet, and October festival crowds.
- US 12 through the Indiana DunesRuns along Lake Michigan through Indiana Dunes National Park, with dune trails and beaches just off the road. Watch for heavy industrial truck traffic near the steel mills and summer beach crowds on weekends.
- Historic National Road (US 40)Crosses Indiana east to west through Richmond, Indianapolis and Terre Haute. The eastern stretch is known for antique shops. Watch for town speed limits that drop fast.
Road conditions, closures and construction change every season. Check before you ride.
When to ride
When to ride in Indiana
Indiana's season runs from about April through October, with the south a little ahead of the north in spring.
Southern Indiana's fall color usually peaks in October, and that is the busiest time on the Brown County roads. Spring storms are the other thing to plan around: Indiana sees severe thunderstorms in spring and early summer, and heavy rain can flood the Ohio River roads.
- April and May: green hills, mild temperatures, but storms and flooding along the rivers.
- June to August: hot and humid. Ride early, or take the shaded forest roads in the afternoon.
- September and October: the best months. Brown County fall color draws crowds, so ride weekdays if you can.
- November to March: cold, salted roads. Pick the dry days.
Laws
Indiana motorcycle laws: helmets and lane splitting
Indiana requires helmets for some riders, mainly younger riders; the age and conditions are set in state law. The IIHS helmet law overview has the details. Whatever the law says for you, wear one, ideally full-face.
As of 2026, Indiana law doesn't allow lane splitting or filtering. Several states are changing their laws, so check before you ride.
This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Laws change, so check the current Indiana statute or the state motor vehicle agency before you ride.
Events
Indiana motorcycle events and the riding calendar
Indiana doesn't host one of the big national rallies. Its calendar is fall color runs, charity rides, poker runs and bike nights. In October, the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival and fall color in Brown County bring heavy traffic. Check the organizers for dates.
Every May, Indiana cities join the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, the worldwide charity ride. Check the organizer for dates. Many Hoosier riders also head west each August for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.
For everything local, use the Rippin' events map, which covers the whole US. RSVP in the app, or post your own meet. Here is what is coming up in Indiana right now.
Live from the app
Indiana on Rippin' right now.
3 upcoming events and 4 rider-added roads in Indiana on the map today. This list updates whenever the site is rebuilt; the app always has the latest.
Local tips
Indiana riding tips
- Brown County weekendsIn October, IN 46 into Nashville can back up for miles. Go on a weekday or early.
- Buggies up northNorthern Indiana around Shipshewana and LaGrange County has Amish horse and buggy traffic. Slow down over hill crests and pass wide and quiet.
- Two time zonesA few counties near Chicago and Evansville run on Central time; the rest of Indiana is Eastern. Check your ride plan times.
- Toll Road across the northI-90 across northern Indiana is the Indiana Toll Road. US 20 and US 6 parallel it if you'd rather ride than pay.
- River floods and gravelSpring high water on the Ohio can close low river roads and leave mud and gravel behind. In the hills, rain washes gravel into the corners of IN 135 and similar roads.
Rippin' in Indiana
How the Rippin' motorcycle app works in Indiana
Rippin' started in Southern California, so Indiana is still early: few riders and roads in the app so far. The good news is the Turf Wars map is open. Ride a loop through Brown County that closes back on itself and the land inside becomes your turf, with your name on it. Empty land is free to claim. Spend points to lock your best ground so nobody can carve it out.
Indiana roads need riders to add them, too. Set a start and finish gate on IN 135 or the river road with Create a Segment, someone on the Rippin' team checks it, and your name stays on it. Riders who ride through it are timed automatically and land on its board. Here is how roads get added.
- Poker runs: Indiana shops, cafes and bars can become a poker stop. Arrive and get dealt a card, no QR codes.
- Squads: keep your crew's chat, plans and turf in one place with squads.
- Ride plans: use the AI ride planner or share a ride card with the route, stops and departure time so everyone shows up.
- Free: recording, turf, poker runs, segments, squads and events are free.
FAQ
Questions riders ask.
What is the best motorcycle road in Indiana?
IN 46 and IN 135 through Brown County are the best known. The Ohio River roads around Madison and Tell City are close behind.
When is motorcycle season in Indiana?
About April through October. September and October are the best months, with fall color in the southern hills, but expect weekend crowds.
Is a helmet required in Indiana?
Indiana requires helmets for some riders, mainly younger riders; the age and conditions are set in state law. Check the IIHS table or the statute, and wear one anyway.
Is lane splitting legal in Indiana?
No. As of 2026, Indiana law doesn't allow lane splitting or filtering. Several states are changing their laws, so check before you ride.
Where can I find motorcycle events in Indiana?
Indiana's calendar is mostly local bike nights, charity rides and poker runs. The Rippin' events map lists them across the US, and you can RSVP in the app.
Is there a free motorcycle app for Indiana riders?
Yes. Rippin' is free on iPhone and Android and records rides, maps turf, runs poker runs and lists meets near you.
Put your name on Brown County
Download Rippin' free, ride a loop through the southern hills, and claim the turf inside it.