Getting Started

Start Here: Hiking America!

Hiking America is the leading resource for American Discovery Trail hikers, offering continuously updated navigation tools for your coast-to-coast journey. Our crowdsourced maps, guides, and Hiker Notes evolve with the trail, ensuring you always have the latest information. 🥾⛰️

Indiana

When the Trail Disappears Under Water: How Real-Time Navigation Saved an ADT Thru-Hike 🥾

When atmospheric rivers flooded the Ohio River and shut down the Anderson Ferry—a key ADT crossing—thru-hiker Steve wasn't stranded. Within hours, our Gaia GPS waypoints guided him safely around the deluge and back to the trail.

Missouri

The Dynamic ADT: Latest Updates and Adaptation Strategies for Modern Thru-Hikers 🥾⛰️

Two Katy Trail closures, cleared blowdowns in West Virginia, and updated Gaia GPS data for Southern Illinois—the American Discovery Trail never stays still. Neither do successful thru-hikers. Here's how to adapt to a trail system that's constantly evolving.

West Virginia

Hidden Gems & New Routes: Discover Sam Hogue's Marble Workshop & Essential ADT Updates

Spring brings significant updates to our ADT guides, with an extraordinary discovery leading the way. Meet Sam Hogue: ADT's Hidden Gem Artisan 🔥 Thanks to Stephen "SaunterinSteve" Gefell, we've discovered a true treasure along the American Discovery Trail in West Virginia. Stephen "SaunterinSteve"

Hiking America ADT Trail Update: DC Towpath Detour & Hiker Highlights

Updated C&O Canal detour maps available for ADT hikers! New route bypasses lock construction areas while welcoming Kolten to the 2025 thru-hiker class.

Delaware

Momentum on the ADT: Dual-Directional Navigation, New Hikers, and Fresh Waypoints

Spring brings navigation improvements, new westbound hikers, and fresh Maryland waypoints to the American Discovery Trail. Join Hiking America's growing ADT community!

Delaware

2025 American Discovery Trail Season Springs to Life! 🥾

The dawn of the 2025 ADT season! New thru-hikers begin their coast-to-coast journeys, from a couple's trip to a historic dog-accompanied trek. 🥾

Ohio

5,233 Miles and Counting: Leif Olson's Epic Journey on the American Discovery Trail 🥾

Leif Olson's epic journey as he conquers the Eastern, Northern & Southern routes of the American Discovery Trail. 5,233 miles down, Pacific bound!

How To

Broke but Stoked: How to Conquer the ADT Without Breaking the Bank 🌄💸

Discover insider tips and savvy budgeting advice for thru-hiking the American Discovery Trail, straight from seasoned ADT trail veterans. 🥾💰🌄

Nevada

Hiking America ADT Trail Updates: Winter 2024 Guide Improvements & Trail Alerts

Discover Hiking America major ADT trail updates, a critical Toiyabe alert, new dual-directional guides across multiple states, and follow thru-hiker Leif Olson's epic journey. 🥾 #ADT

How To

The Perfect Strategy for Conquering Your American Discovery Trail Adventure

Plan your epic American Discovery Trail journey with ease using HikingAmerica.com! Get expert tips, GPS data, and guides to conquer 6,800 miles.

Gear

2024 Gear Guide: Gear that Won't Make You Cry at Mile 100

Discover the ultimate 2024 gear guide for long-distance hikers! From backpacks to boots, find top-rated, trail-tested gear to conquer the American Discovery Trail.

California

The Sierra Closes - Slightly Later Than Average This Year

Sierra Snowpack Update – Essential Data for ADT Hikers Timing Their Fall and Spring Crossings

Illinois

Old Plank Road Trail Update: Safer Routes and Navigation Improvements to the American Discovery Trail

Explore safer routes & navigation updates on the ADT’s Old Plank Road Trail and meet new thru-hiker Emerson King. See what’s new for your next adventure!

Nevada

Trail Closures in the Spooner Lake Backcountry force ADT alternates for the next year

The closure of the Spooner Lake Backcountry impacts ADT. Explore a 16-mile detour with campgrounds and the Tahoe Rim Trail's reopening after a wildfire.

California

Congratulations to Marshall Travis on Completing the American Discovery Trail!

Marshall Travis has completed the northern route of the American Discovery Trail, finishing his cross-country hike in just under eight months. Despite detours and challenges, he stayed true to the trail and documented his journey daily.

California

Crossing the Antioch Bridge on the American Discovery Trail

The Antioch Bridge on the ADT is a challenging 1.8-mile crossing over the San Joaquin River with narrow shoulders and high-speed traffic. Discover safety tips for crossing on foot or bike, or consider using Lyft for this tricky segment through California’s scenic Delta region.

Colorado

Colorado Reroute: From Harrowing Roads to Amazing Views

Explore a breathtaking yet challenging section of the American Discovery Trail in Colorado. Learn about Matthew Hengst's trek, a safer alternate route between Cascade and Manitou Springs, and the latest trail updates across the ADT.

Utah

Wildfires Force Major Detours on the American Discovery Trail in Utah

Explore Hiking America's latest updates to the American Discovery Trail, including new wildfire detours, route adjustments, and essential camping and resupply information.

Ohio

Breaking: Bernie Has Done It! 6,800miles Complete on the ADT!

Bernie Krausse becomes one of the few to conquer the entire American Discovery Trail - a 6,800 mile coast-to-coast route from California to Delaware.

California

An Extraordinarily Busy 'Blue Line' from Coast-to-Coast

This week, the American Discovery Trail saw significant milestones as hikers from the Class of 2024 push closer to their goals, from Bernie Krausse nearing the completion of the Northern Route, to fresh trail updates from Utah to West Virginia.

Ready to Conquer the American Discovery Trail? We’ve Got You Covered!

Seeing people grow and evolve on the trail is what gets us up in the morning. No joke. We've honed and perfected our approach to helping hikers achieve incredible results on their long-distance journeys… every time. Here’s what our process looks like: 1. Expert Trail Knowledge – Tap

Utah

Trail Reports: Wildfire Detour Success, Illinois Trail Findings, and Bernie's Back!

Mike navigates Utah wildfire detours with key updates; Matt and Jen provide new trail insights and reviews from Illinois. Discover their latest adventures!

Utah

Little Twist Wildfire Sparks Change of Plans in Utah

An unexpected wildfire led hiker Mike Crowley to change his route. The Little Twist Wildfire and Gaia GPS overlays for real-time wildfire updates.

How To

Get a Glimpse of Exclusive Trail Updates with Our 'Insider' Newsletter!

Have you ever wondered what additional insights and updates you're missing about the American Discovery Trail? Today, we're excited to publicly post this edition of our exclusive "Hiking America Insider" newsletter. Today's update is just a taste of the rich, detailed content