Backcountry Discovery Routes: The Nonprofit Opening Up America’s Backroads

For many motorcyclists, the best part of a ride begins when the familiar highway disappears and the road turns to gravel, dirt and forest. Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) was created to help riders find those roads, plan their adventures and keep responsible motorized access to backcountry routes alive.

The nonprofit’s newest Northeast adventure, the Adirondacks BDR-X, puts that mission into action with a roughly 700-mile loop through New York’s six-million-acre Adirondack Park. But the route is just one piece of a much bigger story: BDR has grown from an idea among adventure riders into a nationwide 501(c)(3) organization offering free GPS tracks, digital maps, route information and trip-planning resources.

An idea that started with one route

BDR traces its beginnings to 2010, when a small group of riders set out to develop a backcountry motorcycle route across Washington State. The goal was to document a ride that other adventure motorcyclists could follow on their own, with reliable route information and resources rather than needing to join a guided tour.

That first project grew into a nationwide effort. BDR says its network now connects riders with more than 20,000 miles of backcountry roads. The organization develops routes, produces documentary films, works with land managers and public-benefit organizations, and relies on volunteers, ambassadors, donors and industry partners to move its mission forward.

The mission is bigger than the ride

Backcountry Discovery Routes is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Its work includes creating off-highway routes for adventure and dual-sport motorcycles, promoting rider education and safety, encouraging responsible travel, and helping preserve access to remote public roads.

There is also an economic benefit. BDR routes take riders through rural communities where they buy fuel, meals, groceries, supplies and lodging. That visitor spending can help support small businesses in places that may not see the same tourism traffic as major destinations. BDR’s approach is to make the ride an opportunity to experience and support the communities along the way—not just pass through them.

The new Adirondacks BDR-X: about 700 miles

The Adirondacks BDR-X loops through Adirondack Park in northern New York. BDR describes it as a 700-mile adventure route with approximately 50 percent pavement and the remainder made up of lightly maintained seasonal roads and other backcountry surfaces. Riders can encounter gravel, rocky, sandy or muddy sections, depending on the road and conditions.

The route is divided into six sections, connecting Westport, Saranac Lake, Harrisville, Old Forge, Boonville and Northville before returning to Westport. The official route page lists the difficulty as moderate and recommends riding between late May and mid-October, after the snow melts and before winter weather returns. The route FAQ describes the full loop as approximately 720 miles, so riders should use the current official GPS tracks and route information when planning mileage and daily stages.

Expect forest roads, lakes, rivers, valleys and historic small towns. The scenery is a major attraction, but this is still a backcountry ride: seasonal closures, changing weather, limited services and wildlife—especially deer—require preparation and conservative riding.

How to use BDR’s tools to plan your ride

1. Start with the route page

Visit the official Adirondacks BDR-X page. It includes the section-by-section overview, route details, frequently asked questions, planning information and links to the route resources. BDR’s full route directory is the place to compare other routes around the country.

2. Download the free GPS tracks

BDR makes its GPS track files available at no charge. Riders can get them from the GPS track download page. The route files include individual track sections and waypoints for services and points of interest, such as fuel, food, lodging and places worth visiting.

These are GPS tracks—a line to follow on your navigation device—not conventional turn-by-turn routes that automatically recalculate if you leave the track. BDR explains the difference and provides instructions for loading the files onto compatible GPS units and apps including Garmin devices, Gaia GPS, Rever and onX Offroad. Download the latest files just before departure because BDR updates tracks when route conditions or access change.

3. Use the maps and trip-planning information

Route pages provide digital planning information, interactive maps, points of interest and practical details to help riders work out fuel, food and overnight stops. For riders who prefer a paper reference, BDR also sells a waterproof, tear-resistant printed Adirondacks map with section descriptions, points of interest, fuel stops and elevation profiles. The printed map is a useful supplement to—not a replacement for—the current GPS tracks.

See the official Adirondacks BDR-X map.

4. Check route updates and local rider reports

Before leaving, check BDR’s route updates for closures and changing conditions. BDR also recommends joining the dedicated Adirondacks BDR-X rider community to read trip reports and learn what other riders are seeing on the ground. Never bypass a gate or closure, and be prepared to turn around if conditions make a road unsafe.

5. Watch the documentary before you go

BDR produces documentary films that show the routes, the landscapes and the work that goes into developing them. The Adirondacks BDR-X documentary is available on the organization’s YouTube channel and is a good way to preview the ride before planning your own trip.

How riders can support the nonprofit

BDR’s route resources are available to the riding public, but creating routes, producing films, maintaining information and advocating for access all take time and money. The organization depends on donations, volunteers, ambassadors and industry partners. Riders can learn about the mission and supporter program at RideBDR.com.

For motorcyclists who enjoy exploring beyond the interstate, Backcountry Discovery Routes is worth knowing. It is not simply publishing a list of scenic roads; it is building the tools, relationships and public-land partnerships that help riders discover these places responsibly—and help keep the roads open for the next generation.

Start planning: RideBDR.com | Adirondacks BDR-X | Free GPS tracks

Before riding, check current route conditions, download the latest GPS tracks, carry appropriate navigation and safety equipment, respect closures and private property, and ride within your abilities.