PA Wilds BDR-X
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.
PA Wilds BDR-X
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.
1. Mcelhattan to Renovo
McElhattan to Renovo – 136 miles Your Pennsylvania Wilds adventure begins as you pass through the historic town of Woolrich, home of the Woolrich clothing company founded in 1830 and considered The Original Outdoor Clothing Company. A winding and flowy gravel road accompanied by ascents, ridgelines, and descents (a trademark PA Wilds BDR-X feature) will deliver your first view of the Pine Creek valley before climbing back into the wilderness. Returning to the Pine Creek valley, the quaint community of Cedar Run and the Cedar Run Inn can offer you local hospitality by way of warm beds and excellent cuisine. A beautiful stretch of ridgeline gravel parallels the Pine Creek and offers some amazing vista views including Bradley Wales overlook. Some of the best views of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon are off of the Colton Point extension track, less than a five mile side trip. Section one turns south from here, following an impressive amount of windy gravel and more amazing vistas and valley views into the small town of Renovo.
2. Renovo to Weedville
Renovo to Weedville – 107 miles A beautifully scenic and twisty paved road runs out of Renovo up to the charming town of Cross Fork, famous for their annual Snake Hunt! Be sure to grab gas and supplies from the eclectic Kinney’s Country Store and hear tales of the hundreds of people from across the country that descend upon this tiny town to capture Copperheads and Timber Rattlesnakes. Hammersley Wild Area awaits with abundant gravel, sharp turns, and a true feeling of adventure. The small town of Emporium has gas stations, markets, and restaurants for those looking for a little taste of civilization. Keep your eyes peeled for elk as you head into Benezette (actually, you may see them all around the PA Wilds!). There are a few viewing areas as well as the Keystone Elk Country Alliance Visitor Center. The terminus of section 2 is along the banks of the Sinnemahoning Creek in the unincorporated community of Weedville which offers gas, four-walled accommodations, and some excellent local fares.
3. Weedville to Milroy
Weedville to Milroy – 165 miles Section 3 begins in the beautiful Moshannon State Forest with meandering gravel roads exploring some of the sharp valleys cut by the tributaries of Sinnemahoning Creek. Back on the pavement, the track leads you across the West Branch Susquehanna River, under Interstate-80, and into the smooth and flowy gravel roads of the Black Moshannon region. Consider packing a bathing suit and take a dip at the Black Moshannon Lake Beach. Stop at the Sleepy Hollow Outpost while you’re there to grab a milkshake or a cheeseburger as well as some local souvenirs. The amazing zigging and zagging gravel roads of Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests are the perfect end to this leg of the PA Wilds BDR-X. The Appalachian Mountains in the southern section of this BDR-X are more drastic, jutting up in a tighter wavelength and steeper grades than its more northern sections. Some of the most picturesque vistas and valley views are littered along the dirt and gravel roads of Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests before reaching the town of Milroy.
4. Milroy to Mcelhattan
Milroy to McElhattan – 111 miles Gas and supplies are readily available in the town of Milroy before heading into the desolate Bald Eagle State Forest. Continuing the zigging and zagging, the Bald Eagle gravel will provide constant elevation changes, multiple mountain gaps, and have you wondering if you will ever see pavement again. This extreme terrain is home to seven optional advanced sections but also has some of the best flowy gravel roads for those seeking a slightly less adventurous path.
5. Alternate Harder Options
Section 4 Alternate Harder Options Section 4 includes seven optional advanced sections labeled as “ALT Harder” in the GPS track file. Know Your Limits and only attempt these if you have sufficient experience in difficult terrain. These rugged roads may contain steep switchbacks, large embedded rocks, boulders, deep ruts and other hazards and can be especially challenging when wet. Four Wheel Drive vehicles also use these for recreational purposes so Ride Right, as two way traffic is possible.
Interactive map preview
Open the full map for layers, filters, and route planning tools.
Open full mapYour next adventure starts here
Create your own maps with custom routes, waypoints, and layers. Then share with your friends to kick off your adventure planning.
