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.
Without question, this has been one of the busiest years for hikers following Hiking America's Blue Line to the American Discovery Trail.
Currently from coast to coast, The Class of 2024 represents every category of crossing, from Section Hikers to those working to complete the entire 6,800-mile ADT. And in both Westbound and Eastbound directions.
Of particular note this week is Triple Crowner Bernie Krausse, who, on Tuesday, will join the elite list of American Discovery Trail hikers to complete the entire 6,800-mile route.
Bernie Krausse
Started: June 22, 2024 - Westbound - Northern Route
Completed Full ADT Southern Route - 2022
Bernie conquered the ADT Southern Route in 2022, from California to Delaware, and is two days away from completing the Northern Route and thus Long Distance Hiking's Grand Slam!
Leif Olson is almost halfway to achieving a full ADT crossing, getting his first glimpse of the Rocky Mountain silhouette (at top) this week. He shared his second-half completion plans on Instagram a couple days ago.
On the other side of the state, Matt Hengst and Jen Blackie (ššāØHappy Birthday, Jen! š°š„³) left the heatwaves of Kansas and walked into the storms of southern Colorado. Give it a week, and they, too, should get that first breathtaking view of The Rockies. No doubt to be captured on an upcoming episode of the Masochist Hikes.
Utah is another state currently hosting more than one ADT Hiker.
John Kiracofe Moschetti
Started: March 12, 2024 - Westbound - Northern Route
Support Links: Linktree, Alex'sLemonadeStand, Venmo, Instagram
John Moschetti arrived in Moab, Utah this week and promptly - "Walked all the way to Utah to jump off this cliff." The video is amazing!
Marshall Travis is further south passing through Bears Ears National Monument.
Welcome to the Trail ā
Christopher Fiorello
Started: Mid-July
Section Hiking: Harpers Ferry to Elizabethtown, OH & St. Louis to La Junta, CO - part of a Brooklyn, NY to Santa Barbara, CA crossing.
Support Links: GoFundMe, Instagram, TikTok, christopherfiorello.com
The newest hiker on The Blue Line is Christopher Fiorello who will be Section Hiking part of the American Discovery Trail on his cross-country journey from Brooklyn, NY, his native home, to Santa Barbara, California, his new home. He joined the ADT in Harpers Ferry after hiking down the Appalachian Trail from New York
And finally, your moment of Zen courtesy "Blackberry Brian" Christner.
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California - Segments 7, 8, and 9:
Brian Christner has been busy updating several segments in California. He pinpointed additional water sources and dispersed campsites in Segment 7, enhanced water reports, and identified a fantastic scenic view in Segment 8. For Segment 9, he provided new details on resupply services and lodging options in Tahoe City.
Colorado South - Segment 5:
Camping restrictions have been enforced around the John Martin Reservoir as control of the Wildlife Area has shifted back to the US Corps of Engineers. Dispersed camping is now prohibited, with camping allowed only in the Point Campground and Lake Hasty Campground. However, thereās a handy water spigot available for refilling at the campground, as shared by Matt Hengst.
Indiana - Segment 1:
The services in Highland have been updated, along with the locations of several benches along the North Judson Erie Trail. Additionally, a new Tippecanoe Alternative has been added, which avoids the hazardous 55 mph, two-lane US 35. Mary āMedicare Pastorā Davison mentioned, āUS 35 has been my least favorite road to walk on. Cars and semis going very fast.ā This alternative is also 0.2 miles shorter, courtesy of Bernieā24.
West Virginia - Segment 4:
Christopher Fiorello, the newest hiker on the ADT, had an encounter with an aggressive German Shepherd that blocked his path. Thankfully, the owner quickly regained control using a shock collar. Christopher also provided fresh notes on key spots, including Dolly Sods, Indian Head Campground, and the Canaan Mountain Shelter.
Hike Your Hike - John.
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