Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) has announced the release of the trailer for its latest project, the Adirondacks BDR-X, a new loop-style adventure motorcycle route through New York’s Adirondack Park. The route, which officially launches on May 28 during the Americade Rally in Lake George, New York, represents another expansion of the organization’s growing BDR-X network and further strengthens the Northeast’s standing as a destination for adventure motorcycling.
The Adirondacks BDR-X builds on the success of the North East Backcountry Discovery Route (NEBDR), which introduced many riders to the region’s gravel roads, remote communities, and forest tracks. Unlike the point-to-point structure of traditional BDR routes, BDR-X routes are designed as loops, allowing riders to start and finish in the same location while still experiencing several days of backcountry travel.
According to BDR, the new route stretches approximately 700 miles through one of the largest protected park areas in the United States. The Adirondack Park covers more land than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon combined, offering a mix of forest roads, seasonal tracks, lakeside pavement, and isolated rural communities. The organization describes the route as suitable for a wide range of riders, blending accessible terrain with optional technical sections for those seeking more challenging riding.
The newly released trailer offers the first public look at the associated expedition documentary, which was filmed during the development and scouting process. The completed film is expected to run approximately 40 minutes and will premiere live on YouTube during the official route launch event on May 28. The film highlights the landscapes and riding conditions encountered throughout the Adirondacks, including forest corridors, winding gravel roads, historic towns, and lakeside sections characteristic of the region.
The route launch will coincide with the annual Americade Rally, one of the largest touring motorcycle events in the United States. Riders attending the event in Lake George will be able to participate in the in-person premiere and community gathering surrounding the release. BDR confirmed that free GPS tracks, digital resources, travel information, and route documentation will become available online on launch day, while printed Butler-style maps will also be offered through the organization’s store.
BDR Co-founder and Routes Development Director Bryce Stevens described the Adirondacks as a particularly compelling setting for a BDR-X route, given both its scale and accessibility. He noted that riders can spend full days traveling through forests and lakes while still feeling immersed in remote country despite the region’s relative proximity to major population centers in the northeastern United States.
As with previous BDR projects, the Adirondacks BDR-X is intended not only as a recreational route but also as an economic driver for rural communities. The organization emphasized that the route guides riders through small towns where they are encouraged to purchase fuel, dine locally, and book accommodations while traveling responsibly. Communities specifically identified along the route include Westport, Boonville, North Creek, Schroon Lake, Harrisville, and Au Sable Forks. BDR also highlighted the potential economic benefit to the Tug Hill region, where many businesses traditionally depend on winter snowmobile tourism and could benefit from increased summer visitation.
The project also reflects BDR’s continued collaboration with industry partners. supplied motorcycles for the expedition, including the Tiger 900 Rally Pro and Scrambler models used during scouting and filming. Fox Racing served as the official apparel sponsor, outfitting the team with gear from its adventure riding collection. BDR stated that the partnership highlights the increasing overlap between the traditional off-road motorcycle market and the rapidly expanding adventure-touring segment.
The Adirondacks BDR-X joins a growing lineup of shorter BDR-X routes launched since the concept was introduced in 2022. Existing loop routes now include destinations in Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Texas, South Dakota, California, and Georgia, complementing the organization’s longer state-to-state Backcountry Discovery Routes spread across the western and eastern United States.
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