How many days does it take to ride the PA Wilds BDR-X?

The route itself takes about 4 full riding days. A complete trip with travel in and out plus a rest day works out to roughly 7 days door to door for most riders.

A street-legal dual-sport or ADV bike with knobby or 50/50 tires, around 150 miles of fuel range, and good mechanical condition. Big bikes are doable but a lighter dual-sport is easier on the rougher sections.

When is the best time of year to ride it?

Late spring through early fall. Summer is warm and the days are long; early fall brings cooler temps and less bug pressure. Winter and early spring are not recommended — frozen ground, mud, and washed-out roads make sections impassable.

Route guide

PA Wilds BDR-X

Q: What is the PA Wilds BDR-X?

The PA Wilds BDR-X is a Backcountry Discovery Route running through the Pennsylvania Wilds region — primarily gravel, forest service roads, and two-track through state forests and game lands. Most of the route is beginner-friendly with sections that step up for more experienced riders.

Pennsylvania's Backcountry Discovery Route through state forests, gravel ridgelines, and the deepest woods on the east coast.

What is the PA Wilds BDR-X?

The PA Wilds BDR-X is one of the Backcountry Discovery Routes — a network of GPS-routed dual-sport and adventure motorcycle expeditions across the US. The PA Wilds segment runs through the heart of Pennsylvania's most remote region: the Pennsylvania Wilds, a 2-million-acre stretch of state forests, game lands, and ridgeline backcountry across the north-central part of the state.

The route is primarily gravel, forest service roads, and two-track — with the occasional pavement stretch to connect sections. It's designed to be ridden by a wide range of skill levels: most of it is beginner-friendly, with a few sections that step up for more experienced riders.

The route at a glance

Region: Pennsylvania Wilds — Tioga, Potter, Clinton, Lycoming, and surrounding counties
Surface: ~80% gravel / forest service / two-track, ~20% pavement connectors
Length: ~4 full riding days end to end
Difficulty: All levels — majority beginner-friendly with intermediate sections mixed in
Best season: Late spring through early fall (May–October)
Resupply: Small towns along the route — fuel stops require planning

What bike works on the BDR-X?

Almost any street-legal dual-sport or adventure bike with the right tires. Lighter is easier on the rougher sections, but heavier ADV bikes are doable if you're comfortable on gravel. The most common loadouts:

· Mid-size ADV (KTM 790/890, Tenere 700, V-Strom 650/800)
· Dual-sport (KLR 650, DR650, Husqvarna 701, KTM 690)
· Big ADV (R 1250 GS, Africa Twin) — doable, harder on the technical bits

Tires matter more than the bike. Knobby or 50/50 rubber, ~150 miles of fuel range, fresh chain and brakes, and a basic tire repair / plug kit are the non-negotiables.

When to ride it

Late spring through early fall is the window. Summer days are long and the forest is open; early fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer bugs. Winter and early spring are not recommended — frozen ground, washed-out two-track, and frequent mud closures make whole sections impassable.

Ride it with us

We're running a guided PA Wilds BDR-X trip in 2026 — a full week with the route taking the middle four days, plus travel and a rest day built in. Small group, capped at 10 riders, with two ride leaders, lodging or camping booked in advance, and the route loaded to GPS for everyone.

See the 2026 trip

The List

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