The spirit of off-roading is about more than just the machines we ride. It’s about exploration, connection to the land, and discovering a path less traveled. For our growing community of off-road and adventure motorcycle riders here in Virginia, the Mid Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route (MABDR) offers one of the most rewarding and scenic journeys available in the eastern United States.
Stretching nearly 1,100 miles from Damascus, Virginia, to the Pennsylvania-New York border, the MABDR is part of a national system of routes designed specifically for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel. But for us in the Virginia off-road community, this route is especially significant. Not only does it start right here in our backyard, but it winds through some of the most beautiful and remote corners of the state before continuing northward.
In this deep-dive, we’ll explore what makes the Virginia section of the MABDR so special, how it aligns with our off-road values of adventure and stewardship, and why this route belongs on every dual-sport rider’s bucket list.
What Is the MABDR?
The Mid Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route was developed by the Backcountry Discovery Routes organization (BDR), a nonprofit that creates off-pavement routes for dual-sport and adventure motorcycles. These routes are carefully curated to take riders on scenic, challenging, and legal paths through backroads, national forest lands, and remote wilderness, while supporting local communities and businesses along the way.
The MABDR travels north from Damascus, Virginia, to the border of New York and Pennsylvania. Along the way, it crosses through the Appalachian Mountains, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, and parts of central Pennsylvania. It includes 9 official sections, with the first three being fully within Virginia.
Why Virginia Is the Crown Jewel of the MABDR
Virginia’s terrain offers a diverse and thrilling beginning to the MABDR. Unlike the flatter landscapes farther north, Virginia’s contribution to the route is rich in elevation changes, twisty gravel roads, stream crossings, ridgeline views, and thick Appalachian forest. The state is blessed with one of the highest concentrations of rideable backcountry terrain on the East Coast.
Here’s a breakdown of the Virginia portion:
Section 1: Damascus to Marion
- Distance: ~80 miles
- Features: Beautiful forest roads, rolling farmland, and the initial climb into the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Highlights: The Virginia Creeper Trail, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, and Whitetop Mountain
This section sets the tone for the journey with gentle climbs, sweeping views, and a mix of paved connectors and off-pavement forest roads. It’s a great entry point for newer riders.
Section 2: Marion to New Castle
- Distance: ~150 miles
- Features: Narrow gravel roads, remote forest routes, and a more technical introduction to what lies ahead
- Highlights: Burkes Garden (Virginia’s “Little Switzerland”), Jefferson National Forest, and scenic Route 42
This section feels like a step deeper into Virginia’s wild side. Riders gain elevation and get further from civilization, experiencing long stretches without cell service or fuel stops.
Section 3: New Castle to Covington
- Distance: ~100 miles
- Features: Twisty roads, elevation changes, river crossings
- Highlights: Potts Mountain, Waiteville, and the edge of George Washington National Forest
This is where the route begins to demand more from both rider and machine. The rugged terrain and loose gravel will test your skill—but also reward you with some of the most breathtaking views in the state.
A New Alliance: NRV Adventure Riders & Events Joins Virginia Off-Road
As interest in adventure riding grows in Virginia, so does our network of partners and allies. We’re excited to announce that NRV Adventure Riders & Events, a Facebook-based riding community centered in the New River Valley, is now officially associated with Virginia Off-Road.
You can check out their group here:
🔗 NRV Adventure Riders & Events Facebook Group
This group is well-known among local riders for organizing casual day trips, weekend rides, and group events that explore many of the same roads the MABDR touches—including lesser-known gravel routes, forest service roads, and scenic mountain passes throughout southwest Virginia.
With NRV Adventure Riders now part of the Virginia Off-Road family, our motorcycle community gains access to:
- Expanded ride-along opportunities
- Route-sharing and GPS tracks curated by local veterans
- Co-hosted events and campouts
- A deeper sense of brotherhood and stewardship among ADV and dual-sport riders
Together, we’re building a stronger, more unified off-road community that includes both 4×4 vehicles and motorcycles. Whether you’re riding a loaded KLR650 or a CRF300L, there’s now a clear path to join a movement that values education, exploration, and the responsible use of our backcountry trails.
Members of the group can join for free or if they wish to make a donation, we have a $10 annual membership fee (instead of the $24) which will include our official VAOffRoad badge for their cycle. Visit their FB page for the discount coupon to use.
Connecting the MABDR to Our Off-Road Mission
Virginia Off-Road isn’t just about 4x4s and trail runs. We’re a unified organization that supports responsible adventure across all platforms—Jeeps, trucks, overlanders, and motorcycles alike. The MABDR represents the kind of accessible adventure that aligns perfectly with our mission:
To unite Virginia’s off-road community through education, trail stewardship, and responsible adventure.
1. Dual-Sport & ADV Riders Are Off-Roaders, Too
We proudly welcome riders from every off-road discipline. If you’re navigating a rocky hill on a KTM 690 or loading up your GS Adventure for a week on the trails, you’re part of this community. The MABDR lets riders connect with others who respect the trails, the terrain, and the journey.
2. Education & Trail Stewardship
Sections of the MABDR travel through sensitive national forest land and shared-use areas. Virginia Off-Road helps educate riders about proper trail etiquette, Leave No Trace principles, and how to ride responsibly in multi-use trail systems. By promoting these values, we help keep the MABDR open and beautiful for generations to come.
3. Supporting Local Economies
One of the BDR initiative’s core goals is to support rural economies through tourism. Riders on the MABDR often stop at local diners, gas stations, and campgrounds. That’s a mission we share. Whether you’re in Damascus, Troutdale, or Paint Bank, every stop is an opportunity to give back to the communities that host these amazing trails.
4. Adventure as a Lifestyle
The MABDR is more than a ride—it’s a rite of passage. It calls to the rider who wants more than just a weekend escape. It’s for those who want to test their grit and feel the joy of navigating remote ridgelines with nothing but a paper map, GPS, and a tank of fuel. For our members, it represents the very essence of off-roading.
Trail Tips for Riding the MABDR in Virginia
Before you twist the throttle and hit the trail, here are a few essential pieces of advice for tackling the Virginia portion of the MABDR:
✅ Prep Your Bike – Knobby tires, crash protection, and proper luggage setup are a must
✅ Use Offline Maps or GPS – Don’t rely on cell coverage. Bring a paper map and offline GPX
✅ Fuel Up Frequently – Don’t pass a gas station without topping off
✅ Be Respectful – Yield to hikers, horses, and others using the land
✅ Carry the Essentials – Tools, first aid, water filter, and emergency comms are vital
What’s Next? Adventure Events, Badges, and Resources
We’re just getting started. With the help of NRV Adventure Riders and our wider community, Virginia Off-Road will continue expanding support for motorcycle off-roaders. Look for:
- 📍 Ride + Camp events linked to the MABDR
- 🏕️ Backcountry basecamps for ADV and 4×4 riders to meet
- 🏅 Motorcycle-specific trail badge challenges
- 🛠️ Tech and safety workshops hosted by seasoned dual-sport riders
Final Thoughts: The Trail Is Calling
For the dual-sport and adventure motorcycle community, the MABDR is more than a line on a map. It’s a journey of self-discovery. A challenge to conquer. A quiet invitation to wander.
Here in Virginia, we’re lucky to have this route running through the heart of our mountains. It connects the communities we serve, the forests we protect, and the off-road spirit we celebrate. With the support of groups like NRV Adventure Riders & Events and the unity of the Virginia Off-Road community, the ride becomes more than just miles—it becomes a movement.
Explore Further:
- 🧭 Official MABDR Website & Maps
- 🏞️ Virginia Trails You Can Pair with MABDR
- 🛒 Earn Your Badge After Riding
- 📬 Join the Community—It’s Free!
- 🔗 NRV Adventure Riders & Events Group
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