About The Longest Trail In America
The trail is a 6,800-mile route that travels from coast to coast across 15 states
A trail is defined as a marked path or route that is created for people to walk, hike, bike, or ride on. The American Discovery Trail (ADT) is the longest trail in America. The National Parks Conservation Association lists the American Discovery Trail as the longest distance of any U.S. trail.
The trail is a 6,800-mile route that travels from coast to coast across 15 states and boasts the longest distance of any U.S. trail. The northern route is 4,834 miles and the southern 5,057 miles. It is also the Nation's first coast-to-coast, multi-use hiking trail as well as the Nation's only coast-to-coast, non-motorized route.
The American Discovery Trail is divided into two primary routes, the northern route and the southern route. It begins (or ends) with your feet in the Pacific Ocean at Point Reyes National Seashore in California. Along the way, hikers and bikers can experience the history and culture of the United States, as the trail passes through many small towns and historic sites.
It begins (or ends) with your feet in the Pacific Ocean at Point Reyes National Seashore in California. From there, it traverses California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado, where in Denver it splits into two routes. The Northern Midwest route travels through Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana.
The Southern Midwest route explores Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. After rejoining just west of Cincinnati, the route continues through Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC and Delaware.
The ADT ends (or begins) with your feet in the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Henlopen State Park located in Lewes, Delaware. In 1989, the AHS and BACKPACKER magazine proposed the idea of a coast-to-coast trail that would be the backbone of the National Trails System.
The AHS hired a national coordinator who since 1991 has worked through volunteer state coordinators to develop and refine the route.
The American Discovery Trail, a hiking and biking trail, was designated as a national trail in 1991.
The trail passes through 15 states and Washington, D.C., and takes travelers through a variety of landscapes, including forests, mountains, deserts, and prairies. The trail also passes 15 mountain passes over 9,000 feet high including four that are above 12,000 feet.
The route crosses the Continental Divide twice and uses portions of the Continental Divide NST and the Colorado Trail. The American Discovery Trail (ADT) is a new breed of national trail — part city, part small town, part forest, part mountains, part desert.
This longest trail in America provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, adventure, and exploration, allowing enthusiasts to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of the United States while promoting conservation and appreciation of natural resources.
The American Discovery Trail is open to hikers and bikers of all ages and skill levels. It is maintained by a network of volunteers and organizations, and offers a unique way to experience the beauty and diversity of the United States. The ADT is currently administered by the American Discovery Trail Society. It currently is not part of the The National Park Service.