Published in: News
Backcountry Discovery Routes has dropped the first look at its newest regional loop: the Ozarks BDR‑X – we want to call it the GOzarks! It’s a 480‑mile adventure motorcycle route weaving through the rugged Boston Mountains and Ozark–St. Francis National Forest. Designed as a four‑ to five‑day ride, the loop mixes flowing gravel, rocky climbs, primitive two‑track, and countless creek crossings, capped off with ten “ALT Harder” sections—the most optional advanced segments ever offered on a BDR route.
Riders can expect everything that makes the Ozarks legendary: dense forests, waterfalls, river valleys, sweeping ridge views, and classic stops like the historic Oark General Store, Hawksbill Crag, and the Arkansas Dragon’s tight switchbacks into Mt. Judea.
The Ozarks BDR‑X will officially debut on April 2 during a community launch event and film premiere at Mach 1 Powersports in Rogers, Arkansas, with a live broadcast for riders tuning in from home. The full expedition film, behind‑the‑scenes route stories, and a presentation from the BDR team will introduce the new loop, while free GPS tracks, digital maps, and planning resources go live the same day on RideBDR.com. As with every BDR project, the Ozarks BDR‑X is built to channel riders through small towns and rural communities, encouraging them to fuel up, eat, and stay local while exploring some of the most scenic backcountry in the region.
Ozarks joins BDR’s growing lineup of “X” routes—shorter, loop‑style adventures designed to complement the organization’s original north‑to‑south backbone routes like the WABDR, COBDR, and NEBDR. Where the classic BDRs often span multiple states and require a week or more to complete, BDR‑X routes focus on concentrated regions, offering 2‑ to 5‑day itineraries that are easier to access, repeat, and ride in either direction. Each BDR‑X preserves the spirit of the main routes—remote dirt, immersive scenery, and small‑town character—while giving riders more flexible options to experience BDR‑style travel closer to home or as an add‑on to a larger trip.
Read the official press release below with details about the premiere screening and learn more about the route at: RideBDR.com/Ozarks
Backcountry Discovery Routes® (BDR®), the nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and preserving off-pavement riding opportunities for the adventure motorcycling community, has released the official trailer for the Ozarks BDR-X, a 480-mile adventure motorcycle loop through the rugged Arkansas backcountry, packed with winding forest roads, rocky climbs, countless creek crossings, 10(!) Alt Harder sections, and unforgettable mountain scenery.
The newly released trailer offers a first glimpse of the expedition film documenting the development of this highly anticipated route. Shot across remote forest roads, river crossings, and dramatic mountain overlooks, the film captures the thrill, challenge, and camaraderie that define the BDR experience while showcasing the stunning landscapes of the Ozark Mountains.
Riders throughout Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and the greater Midwest now have a world-class adventure route in their backyard.
The Ozarks BDR-X winds through the Boston Mountains of the Ozark–St. Francis National Forest, delivering a dynamic mix of dense forests, pristine rivers, towering rock cliffs, and legendary twisty pavement. Carefully crafted for dual-sport and adventure riders, the route features flowing gravel roads, primitive two-track, numerous water crossings, and ten optional advanced sections (the most offered on any BDR route to date) giving experienced riders the opportunity to push their skills while maintaining an accessible main route for a wide range of adventure motorcycles.
“Arkansas offers some of the most underrated adventure riding terrain in the country. This route is packed with incredible scenery, fun technical riding, and the welcoming small towns that make adventure travel so memorable. We’re excited to finally bring a BDR-style route to this incredible region.” – Michael Bielecki, Route Architect, Film Director and BDR Routes Manager
Route Launch Event & Film Premiere
The Ozarks BDR-X will officially debut during a special community launch event on Thursday, April 2, hosted by the BDR team at Mach 1 Powersports in Rogers, Arkansas. Riders from across the region are invited to gather and celebrate the newest addition to the BDR family of routes and be part of the live YouTube broadcast of the route release. Free GPS tracks, digital maps, the official Ozarks BDR-X printed map, and complete travel resources will be available to riders at RideBDR.com on launch day.
Event Details – Ozarks, AR BDR-X Release Party
Thursday, April 2
Mach 1 Powersports
2255 W Hudson Rd
Rogers, AR 72756
Event begins at 4:00 PM (Central Time)
Live YouTube Broadcast: 6:00 PM (Central Time)
Event Schedule
• 5:00 PM – BDR team presentation introducing the Ozarks BDR-X
• 6:00 PM – Live YouTube broadcast featuring route insights and behind-the-scenes stories from the expedition
• Film Premiere – Screening of the full Ozarks BDR-X expedition documentary
• Q&A Session – Q&A with the BDR team following the film
Join us in person at the dealership to connect with fellow adventure riders and the regional ADV community, or tune in to the live broadcast at YouTube.com/RideBDR to watch the event from anywhere.
About the Ozarks BDR-X Route
The Ozarks BDR-X begins and ends in the historic town of Jasper, Arkansas, nestled along the Buffalo National River, America’s first designated free-flowing undammed river. From there, the route forms a 480-mile loop through the Boston Mountains, one of the most scenic and rugged riding regions in the Ozarks.
Riders will tackle everything that makes Ozarks riding legendary, from winding forest roads and rocky climbs to endless creek crossings and scenic ridge routes with sweeping mountain views. Highlights include stops at the historic Oark General Store, breathtaking overlooks like Hawksbill Crag, and the thrilling Arkansas Dragon switchbacks descending into Mt. Judea.
Highlights of the route include:
• 480-mile loop through the Ozark–St. Francis National Forest
• Ten optional “ALT Harder” sections for advanced riders
• Numerous water crossings and primitive forest roads
• Scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and river valleys
• Access to small mountain towns offering fuel, food, and supplies
The route is designed as a four- to five-day adventure and offers abundant dispersed camping opportunities throughout the National Forest, along with cabin rentals and lodging in nearby communities.
Supporting Local Communities
Like all BDR routes, the Ozarks BDR-X is designed to guide riders through small towns and rural communities where they fuel up, dine locally, and spend the night, supporting local businesses while exploring some of the most beautiful backcountry terrain in the country.
Industry Sponsors
The Ozarks BDR-X would not have been possible without the generous support of the BDR riding community and this route’s presenting sponsors.
AllTerra by Alpinestars — BDR’s longtime apparel partner equipped the expedition team with gear from the AllTerra adventure riding line. Combining Alpinestars’ renowned protection technology, advanced materials, and modern ADV styling, the gear was designed for exactly the kind of demanding backcountry riding found on the Ozarks BDR-X.
Moto Camp Nerd — The only online store dedicated exclusively to motorcycle camping, Moto Camp Nerd has built its reputation by personally testing and proving every product they carry. Their curated selection is tailored specifically to the needs of adventure riders and moto campers, making it an ideal resource for riders preparing for routes like the Ozarks BDR-X.
Additional support was provided by local partners Mach 1 Powersports in Rogers, Arkansas (host of the Ozarks BDR-X route release event), and So Live So Ride in Ozone, Arkansas, a moto training and camping & cabins resort perfectly positioned to host riders exploring the new route.
BDR is grateful for the continued support of industry partners who help make new routes, films, and travel resources possible for the adventure riding community.
Learn More & Start Planning
Watch the trailer now and learn more about the route at: RideBDR.com/Ozarks
Free GPS tracks, maps, and travel resources will be available when the route launches during the April 2 community event in Bentonville.
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