Big Bend Scenic Byway (US-98) — Gulf Coast
A 220-mile loop from Tallahassee along the Gulf Coast through Florida's largely undiscovered Big Bend region, where the state's northern coast curves westward. The primary motorcycle segment follows US-98 from Apalachicola east through Carabelle, Panacea, and Wakulla County — roughly 40 miles where the highway hugs the coastline closely with open Gulf views and light traffic. The loop also includes a forest trail section on SR-20 through the 632,000-acre Apalachicola National Forest. The Apalachicola estuary produces 90% of Florida's oysters. Known locally as Florida's Forgotten Coast for its absence of high-rise development.
What you'll hit along the way.
Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.
Okeechobee
A small agricultural town on the shore of Lake Okeechobee that marks the southern start of the route.
Fort Basinger
A historic settlement along the Kissimmee River with ties to the Second Seminole War era.
Mobil
A convenient fuel stop at the route's midpoint before heading into the lake-dotted interior.
Fort Meade
One of Florida's oldest inland towns, offering a quiet main street and several food options for a break.
Elena's Cuban Cafe
A local Cuban café offering a regional meal option near the northern end of the route.
Bartow
The Polk County seat and northern terminus of the route, known for its historic courthouse district.
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Runs are rider-logged & GPS-traced in the app
Ride your own ride — times are rider-logged & GPS-traced, never a race on public roads.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
Riders upload photos to their profile and tag the road or stop — tagged shots show up here automatically.