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. 🥾
The American Discovery Trail is coming alive this spring as a new generation of adventurers sets out to traverse America's coast-to-coast trail. This past Friday marked an exciting milestone as several intrepid hikers began their epic journeys across our nation's diverse landscapes.
New Faces, New Adventures ⛰️
Rhiis & Sara
Westbound - Southern Route
Began: February 21, 2025
Support Links: ImHikingAmerica, TrailJournals, YouTube, Venmo
Among our newest ADT hikers are Rhiis and Sara, a dynamic couple from California who just departed from the Delaware Cape Henlopen State Park eastern terminus...delayed by one day due to snow on the beach!
As they dipped their toes in the frigid Atlantic Ocean – a time-honored tradition for ADT thru-hikers – they set out on the southern route, embarking on a westward journey that will take them through the heart of thirteen states and their vibrant communities. Along the way, Rhiis will create video content of their journey, while Sara will journal on TrailJournals.com.
Their journey began even before their first trail steps – Rhiis made a cross-country bus journey from California to Delaware, while Sarah flew into Baltimore, the two reuniting on the East Coast to begin their adventure together.
'Cordelia Belle' - Octavia Paige
Westbound - Southern Route
Started: February 16, 2025
Support Links: ImHikingAmerica, Instagram, TikTok, Venmo
Meanwhile, Baltimore native Cordelia Belle is bringing a unique energy to the trail with her four-legged support crew.
As perhaps the first person to attempt the ADT with four dogs, she has been getting lots of tips and advice from Colleen Davis, who, in 2018, became the first African American female to complete the ADT accompanied by her labrador Jacob.
Trail Veterans and Creative Routes 🗺️
Leif Olson
Started: March 26, 2024 - Looking to complete Full ADT
Paused: February 13, 2025. Plans to resume later this year.
Has completed Northern, Southern, and Eastern sections.
Support Links: Instagram, Blog, BuyMeACoffee
Speaking of trailblazers, we're following with great interest the innovative approach of Leaf Olsen, who completed the Eastern, Northern, and Southern routes of the ADT earlier this month. In demonstrating the trail's flexibility, Leaf is executing a creative "flip-flop" strategy, temporarily shifting to the Continental Divide Trail before returning to complete the ADT's western segment later this year.
This adaptable approach to long-distance hiking showcases one of the ADT's unique characteristics – its ability to accommodate various hiking styles and schedules. Unlike more traditional long-distance trails, the ADT's diverse routing options allow hikers to craft their own perfect adventure.
The Trail Ahead 🌲
As we move deeper into the spring hiking season, we're expecting more new hikers and some familiar faces to join these pioneers on the trail.
(Looking at you, Matthew & Jen)!
Matthew Hengst (Masochist Hikes)
Starting: March 27, 2024
Support Links: ImHikingAmerica, LinkTree, Youtube, Facebook, Patreon
The ADT's 6,800+ miles of terrain offer something for everyone – from the coastal plains of Delaware to the rugged Colorado Rockies, from the urban discoveries of Cincinnati, St. Louis, and San Francisco to the remote beauty of Utah's canyon country.
Hiking America is here to help you plan for each step! 🥾🥾
Hike Your Hike - John.
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