Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) is getting ready to release the all-new Ozarks BDR-X Route as part of their series of shorter, loop-style routes for adventure riders. In preparation for its debut, BDR has dropped a video trailer to offer a sneak peek of the upcoming expedition film that will be released along with the full route. 

The Ozarks BDR-X will offer riders a 480‑mile backcountry loop through the rugged Arkansas backcountry. The route begins and ends in the historic town of Jasper, Arkansas, tucked along the Buffalo National River — America’s first designated free‑flowing, undammed river. From there the ride ventures out of Jasper through the Boston Mountains, a steep and densely forested subrange of the Ozarks known for its narrow ridgelines and deep valleys. 

Riders will navigate winding forest roads, rocky climbs, and a steady rhythm of creek crossings that cut through the Ozark–St. Francis National Forest. The loop also ties in several of the region’s most iconic stops, including the historic Ozark General Store and scenic overlooks like Hawksbill Crag. Another highlight is the Arkansas Dragon, a tight series of switchbacks descending into Mt. Judea, offering one of the most engaging paved stretches in the area.

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

In total, the Ozarks BDR‑X forms a 480‑mile circuit that captures the character of Arkansas backcountry riding in a compact format. The route is designed as a four‑ to five‑day adventure, with abundant dispersed camping opportunities throughout the National Forest along with cabin rentals and lodging in nearby communities. The BDR team has also added ten optional “ALT Harder” sections — the most offered on any BDR route to date — for riders seeking more challenge, introducing steeper climbs, chunkier rocks, and more remote connectors while keeping the main loop accessible to a wide range of skill levels.

The Ozarks BDR‑X will officially launch on April 2, 2026 during a special community launch event hosted at Mach 1 Powersports in Rogers, Arkansas. The BDR team will present the route in person before a live YouTube broadcast beginning at 6:00 p.m. Central Time, where the full expedition film will premiere. Free GPS tracks, digital maps, and the printed Ozarks BDR‑X map will be available on launch day at RideBDR.com.

Photos by Miguel Santana