The Route

Stretching 6,800 miles, the American Discovery Trail is enjoyed daily by long-distance hikers and bikers as well as a wide variety of users who live near the route and benefit from the convenient location.

Trailblazers often seek out the American Discovery Trail for extended adventures and long-distance journeys. The trail description is divided into four regions: Eastern, North-Central, South-Central, and Western. Since most of our long-distance travelers journey from east to west, the trail descriptions are laid out with that in mind.

Eastern States (1,062 miles) : Delaware, Maryland & D.C, West Virginia, Ohio + Kentucky

North Central Route ( 1,802 miles): Ohio, Northern Indiana + Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, + NE Colorado

South Central Route ( 1,956 miles): Southern Indiana + Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, + SE Colorado

Western States ( 1,990 miles): Western Colorado, Utah, Nevada, + California

Coast-to-coast, the northern route is approximately 4,844 miles. The southern route is about 5,008 miles.

The ADT Society recommends that travelers use the official route available from our organization. Multiple independent third-party entities sell or provide access to route data. Some provide valued additional details about the American Discovery Trail and the services and sites that are along it; however, in some instances they have directed users into closed areas. The ADT Society does not formally endorse any third party provider, and their route or track may differ from the official ADT developed route.

Purchase the Official American Discover Trail Route data online from the American Discovery Trail Society.

Portions of the American Discovery Trail pass through remote areas, regions with extreme weather conditions, and along roads that are used by motorized vehicles. Users of our trail and other trails are advised to be aware of the environment and take appropriate precautions.