PA Wilds Pennsylvania BDR-X

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The PA Wilds BDR-X is a spur off the Mid Atlantic BDR in Pennsylvania designed by one of the original architects of the MABDR. The east side of this loop includes parts of section 8 and 9 of the MABDR but then turns west into the PA Wilds before looping back to the start in New Columbia, PA some 500-plus miles later.

Similar to the MABDR, the route runs mostly on dirt and gravel roads through Pennsylvania State Forests with short stretches of pavement at the start, in between the forests, and at the end of each section. The route is designed in 4 sections with convenient places to eat, camp or lodge overnight at the end of each section. The beauty of being a loop route is that riders can start and finish from any point along the route.

The PA Wilds BDR-X has a familiar feel to that of the beloved MABDR with a few more optional advanced sections for those looking for a bit of a challenge. Ride it in conjunction with the MABDR and extend your adventure or ride the “X” alone and get your BDR fix over a long weekend.

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The latest version of this map is dated: November 2023

Route Architect Spotlight

Jack O’Connor

A big BDR Thank You to our good friend, Jack O’Connor, for not only masterminding the PA Wilds loop but for generously gifting it to BDR and in turn to the entire ADV community. His creation is now the second official BDR-X loop and will be vigilantly managed by the BDR team from now on.

Jack holds legendary status in the Mid-Atlantic adventure riding community as the force behind the long-standing Pine Barrens 500 Adventure Ride and the Pine Barrens Adventure Camp School in southern NJ. He and his team have introduced thousands of riders to ADV riding over the last two decades. His vast knowledge of the riding opportunities on the East Coast led him to his volunteer work with the BDR organization and ultimately helping to create the first BDR route on the East Coast, the Mid-Atlantic BDR (MABDR). Jack joined the MABDR filming expedition providing local knowledge and comic relief in the film, which won him loyal fans among BDR supporters.

Jack has been riding dirt bikes for over 50 years, a passion that began with the purchase of his first bike, a Honda SL70 in 1972. He went on to race Moto Cross and Enduros through the mid 70’s and early 80’s, and Rallymotos in the early 2000’s. Later he became president of a local enduro club, and in 2021 Jack was selected by the AMA to chair their recreational off-road riding commission.

In 2003, Jack was introduced to the concept of GPS guided adventure rides, and made his own ‘Dakar practice loop,’ that eventually became the Pine Barrens 300/500 Adventure Ride, now in its 16th year. After seeing a rise popularity of the sport, Jack started an adventure riding school with his friend and enduro champ, Mike Bradway.

Jack has led rides and organized events for BMW, KTM, Klim, REV’IT!, Rawhyde, Touratech, local dealers and other grassroots organizations.  He currently runs the Pine Barrens Adventures GPS Track Subscription Service offering single and multi day self-guided adventure loops in NJ, PA, VA, and WV that are easily accessible from the Mid Atlantic area.

Plan Your Adventure

Planning your adventure is half of the fun. We’ve gathered some useful information for this route in the below sections. We will be updating this content on a regular basis. You may find that there are more options than we have listed, but these are key places you may find useful. You may also find the packing lists and FAQ’s helpful for developing your plan.

LODGINGFOODFUELMOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP

PA WILDS LODGING

Address: ​330 Commerce Park Dr., New Columbia, PA 17856
Phone: (570) 568-8000

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Address: ​1357 East College Ave., State College, PA 16801
Phone:814 234 6000

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Address: 195 Comfort Lane , St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania 15857
Phone: (814) 834-2030

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Address: 328 Depot St, St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania 15857
Phone: 814 245 2020

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Recently updated 7 room country motel directly on the Pa. Wilds BDR X route at the base of the mountain. Offering 2 gas grills with utensils, chairs, picnic tables, 2 fire rings with cords of free stacked split firewood and kindling wood to relax in a mountain atmosphere outside your room alongside an award winning beautiful trout stream. Bikes can be parked under roof at the motel or at our new 5 stall horse stable. All rooms feature a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker with provided coffee pods, tea, hot chocolate and condiments. Flat screen tv’s with Dish Network. Free wifi with 3 wifi networks for superior high-speed reliability.

Address: 73 Crooked Run Rd. Emporium, Pa.15834
Phone: 814-486-2043

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Address: 2 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901
Phone: 570.724.3424

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Address: 18 East Ave, Wellsboro, PA 16901
Phone: 570 724-1681

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Address: 4 Main St, Wellsboro, PA 16901
Phone: 570 724 3463

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Address: 7897 S Eagle Valley Rd, Port Matilda, PA 16870
Phone: (814) 554-0024

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Address: 392 Slate Run Rd, Slate Run, PA 17769
Phone: (570) 753-8414

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Address: 338 Buck Drive, Benezette, PA 15821
Phone: 717-385-4619

With two newly constructed, 2-bedroom cabins located across the road from The Elk Country Visitor Center, In The Sticks Cabins is a great lodging choice for riders of the PA Wilds BDR-X. Our cabins sleep 4-6 adults and include all linens and towels. The kitchen includes a full-size fridge, stove, microwave, a 12-cup coffee maker, and a toaster. Outside, you’ll find seating for 4 under our covered porch. There’s also a bench and firewood at our fire rings.
Larger groups may prefer The Willow, located just 10 minutes from Benezette on Route 555. With 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a large living room and kitchen, this recently renovated 1864 farmhouse sleeps 10.

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Address: 360 Buck Drive, Benezette, PA 15821
Phone: 717-385-4619

With two newly constructed, 2-bedroom cabins located across the road from The Elk Country Visitor Center, In The Sticks Cabins is a great lodging choice for riders of the PA Wilds BDR-X. Our cabins sleep 4-6 adults and include all linens and towels. The kitchen includes a full-size fridge, stove, microwave, a 12-cup coffee maker, and a toaster. Outside, you’ll find seating for 4 under our covered porch. There’s also a bench and firewood at our fire rings.
Larger groups may prefer The Willow, located just 10 minutes from Benezette on Route 555. With 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a large living room and kitchen, this recently renovated 1864 farmhouse sleeps 10.

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Address: 4173 River Road, Weedville, PA 15868
Phone: 717-385-4619

With two newly constructed, 2-bedroom cabins located across the road from The Elk Country Visitor Center, In The Sticks Cabins is a great lodging choice for riders of the PA Wilds BDR-X. Our cabins sleep 4-6 adults and include all linens and towels. The kitchen includes a full-size fridge, stove, microwave, a 12-cup coffee maker, and a toaster. Outside, you’ll find seating for 4 under our covered porch. There’s also a bench and firewood at our fire rings.
Larger groups may prefer The Willow, located just 10 minutes from Benezette on Route 555. With 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a large living room and kitchen, this recently renovated 1864 farmhouse sleeps 10.

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PA WILDS FOOD

Address: 392 Slate Run Rd, Slate Run, PA 17769
Phone: (570) 753-8414

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Address: 3507 Mc Alevys Fort Rd, Petersburg, PA 16669
Phone: (814) 667-3670

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Address: 14167 State Rte 414, Slate Run, PA 17769
Phone: (570) 753-8551

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Address: 9682 PA-555, Benezette, PA 15821
Phone: 814-787-7456

Address: 3400 E Valley Rd, Greene Twp, Pennsylvania, 17747
Phone: 570-725-3400

Address: 20 Commerce Dr, Reedsville, PA 17084
Phone: 717-667-7952

Address: 12120 Bennetts Valley Hwy, Penfield, PA 15849
Phone:  814-369-0876

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Address: 14167 State Rte 414, Slate Run, PA 17769
Phone: 570-753-8551

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A delicatessen offering fresh hoagies, sliced meats and cheeses, milk, bread, eggs cold drinks, excellent cheesesteaks and chicken cheesesteaks, fries, etc. All food is made to order and guaranteed fresh. Indoor seating is available also.

Address: 27 South Main Street, Milroy, PA 17063
Phone: 717-437-7740

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PA WILDS FUEL

Address: 1 W 4th St, Emporium, PA 15834
Phone: 814-486-9475

Address: 18211 Bennetts Valley Hwy, Weedville, PA 15868
Phone: 814-787-8911

Address: 63 Rolling Stone Rd, Kylertown, PA 16847

Address:  612 McElhattan Dr., Wayne Twp, Pennsylvania, 17745
Phone: 717-909-5802

PA WILDS MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIPS

KISSELL MOTORSPORTS

Tyrone, PA

WEBSITE

Kissell Motorsports was founded in 2001 and offers European motorcycle enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic region a premium motorcycle buying experience. Whether it's for sales, service, or parts and accessories, you won't find a friendlier dealership anywhere. We are a dealer for BMW, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Beta and Zero motorcycles. Just minutes off of the MABDR, we're here to help you get back on the road as quickly as possible if you're in need of repair parts or service. Please give us a call or make us a destination point on your next trip!

CROSS COUNTRY CYCLE

Metuchen, NJ

WEBSITE

Cross Country is a family-owned and operated dealership, conveniently located near the areas of New Brunswick, Elizabeth, Perth Amboy, Staten Island and Old Bridge Township.

Cross Country Cycle can provide you with the latest and best in powersports products and service to make your outdoor motorcycle adventures more enjoyable.

PA WILDS PACKING LIST

This packing list serves as an example and is not intended to be a complete list for your backcountry riding needs. Feel free to customize this list to work for you.

  • Helmet
  • Boots
  • Goggles
  • Gloves (2 sets)
  • Protective gear (pressure suit, Leatt brace, knee braces)
  • Jacket
  • Pants
  • Balaclava or neck gaitor
  • Water bladder or bottle
  • Hydration pack
  • Ear plugs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are answers to some of the Frequently Asked Questions about the Wyoming Backcountry Discovery Route.

The PA Wilds BDR-X is a backcountry loop route in Pennsylvania for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel. The route runs mostly on dirt and gravel roads through Pennsylvania State Forests with short stretches of pavement at the start, in between the forests, and at the end of each section. The route is designed in 4 sections with convenient places to eat, camp or lodge overnight at the end of each section.

Most years you should be able to ride starting mid May until the first snow fall in late fall.  The best time of year will be early June and September/October.

The PA Wilds route is designed to be ridden on adventure and dual-sport motorcycles, as well as driven in 4×4 vehicles. There are no single-track style trails on this route. Generally speaking, this is one of the easier BDR routes, however, there are a lot of tight corners on sleek gravel roads, and you can expect to cover sections of road with deep ruts, loose rocks, and other challenges.  Road conditions change from week to week based on the recent weather.  Depending on time of year and weather, there may be a few small deep water crossings. Flash floods are frequent during summer storms.  Don’t cross flooded washes. Wait until water subsides.

The Mid-Atlantic region can have strong thunder storms during the summer months.  These storms can contain lightning, hail stones and heavy downpours.

Yes. The PA Wilds BDR-X was designed for riding counter-clockwise and we recommend doing it that way, but it can be done clockwise. Signage on this route is confusing when going counter-clockwise but if you are following the tracks on a GPS unit you should not miss any turns.  Please be prepared for two-way traffic everywhere on this route and always remember to Ride Right to avoid head-on collisions around blind corners.
The average distance for a backcountry adventure motorcycle trip is about 150 miles a day. We recommend taking 4 days to complete this route.

Riders do not need any passes or permits for the PA Wilds BDR-X.

There are campgrounds along the route. Some primitive backcountry camps can be found along the way. Please make sure you camp near the road and respect the property owners’ private lands along the route. Please abide by state forest camping regulations.

In most cases camp fires are allowed, but check with local Ranger Stations to determine if campfires are allowed before you build one. In most cases, campfires are only allowed in fire rings. Be sure to fully extinguish fires so they are DEAD-OUT. Use water to ensure a fire is fully extinguished and the ground is left cool and wet.

You never know when the next gas station will be closed or out of gas.  So carrying extra gas is strongly suggested. Never pass up the opportunity to get gas.
This route cannot be ridden without the use of GPS tracks.  Be prepared and bring the downloadable BDR-X PA Wilds Map AND your navigation device with the latest GPS tracks loaded. Free GPS tracks are available for download on this site. The route can also be navigated using a smartphone GPS navigational app like Gaia, Rever and others. The BDR-X PA Wilds documentary film is a great source of information about the route. 

Any GPS unit capable of handling 15 track logs with a minimum of 1500 points each is suitable for use on the WYBDR. Garmin models that work best for this application are: Zumo 590/595/395/396, Montana, and 276Cx. Many other GPS units are compatible with the GPX file format, check the owner’s manual of your device for more information.  You can also import the tracks into a GPS navigational app, like Gaia GPS, but make sure you have the premium version of the app, so you can navigate via offline maps.

Cell phone service is very limited on this route so a satellite communication or tracking device is recommended for emergency situations. 

Any bike that has a license plate, can run knobby tires, is set-up to carry the gear you plan to bring, and has the fuel range to make the distance between gas stops. Most adventure or dual-sport motorcycles will be suitable for the trip.  Choose the bike that you are the most comfortable riding off-road.

DOT approved knobby tires are strongly recommended.

Segments of this route can be ridden two-up for those experienced in riding off-highway with a passenger and luggage. However, we strongly advise against riding the technical sections of this route two-up.

There are no gates along the PA Wilds BDR-X.

Please abide by posted road closure signs. Ignoring these signs is a sure-fire way of getting a road closed for good. That said, sometimes locals will post unofficial “road closed” signs on public roads for their own personal reasons. Additionally, land managers may not have removed a “closed” sign from a seasonal road – even though the sign right next to it clearly displays the open/closed dates. In these cases, use your best judgment – if in doubt navigate around the closed road and report it to BDR. And please remember never to engage in arguments with local land owners.

We do our best to post the most up-to-date information about the route on ridebdr.com/pawilds.  We depend on the BDR community to inform us about route and road conditions, so if you encounter any road closures or sever conditions that are worth reporting, please contact us with the information.

The Mid Atlantic is a habitat to many large animals like the Black Bear, Deer even Mountain Lions. Safe food practices while camping are an absolute for your safety and the animals safety.  Here is a link to find out more http://www.centerforwildlifeinformation.org/BeBearAware/Hiking_and_Camping/hiking_and_camping.html  Rattlesnakes are also found throughout the route.  You should also take special precaution and safeguard yourself from ticks, which are numerous in the forests of the Mid-Atlantic states.  Make sure to check yourself every night after riding, especially if you’re camping.  Visit this page for more information on tick-safety.  https://www.cdc.gov/features/stopticks/index.html

It is absolutely essential that you Ride Respectfully and follow the tips outlined in our Ride Respectfully campaign.  Remember, it’s up to all of you to preserve our access – we can easily lose access to many of these roads if we don’t practice proper etiquette. Always represent BDR and the ADV community in the best light.

Rating the Routes by Difficulty

We often get requests to provide the difficulty ratings of the BDR. We do not officially rate roads or routes because the difficulty can change from day to day depending on weather, changes in road conditions, and road damage caused by a variety of forces including wind, storms, flooding, snow, logging, forest fires and more.

The difficulty experienced by an individual also depends on their off-road skills, level of fitness, stamina, bike size and amount of weight carried on the bike. For these reasons we can’t provide a rating system like a ski resort or OHV park.

We can help you a bit by ranking the existing Backcountry Discovery Routes from most difficult to least difficult. Here is the list: CABDR-South, NEBDR, AZBDR, WYBDR, UTBDR, COBDR, NVBDR, WABDR, NMBDR, IDBDR, MABDR.

So CABDR-South is the most difficult especially if you ride the expert sections and MABDR is the easiest in general terms. Although MABDR is the easiest there are still a few challenging rocky sections and the several water crossings that can get very difficult if the water is high.

Be sure to also review the FAQ’s for each route and our General FAQs prior to embarking on your trip.

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