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!
Some moments in the hiking community take our breath away and remind us of the raw power of human determination and the endless possibilities that unfold when we dare to dream big. This week, we celebrate one such moment as Leif Olson completes an astounding 5,233 miles of the American Discovery Trail, having conquered the Eastern, Northern, and Southern routes with an extraordinary display of perseverance and spirit. ⛰️
On March 26, 2024, Leif stepped into the Atlantic Ocean with nothing but faith in his capacity to transform and imagine beyond any obstacle. Now, 324 days later, he stands at a familiar junction in Elizabethtown, Ohio, having closed a loop few have dared to attempt. His journey has been nothing short of epic, as he has faced everything from blizzards at 10,000 feet in Colorado to torrential floods along the Ohio River.
"I stepped on faith and a belief in my capacity to transform and imagine beyond any obstacle," Leif reflects in an article for The Trek, capturing the essence of what makes long-distance hiking such a transformative experience. His journey has been marked by raw authenticity – sleeping on uncomfortable slopes, navigating through fog with minimal visibility, and pushing through physical exhaustion to cover 100 miles in his final two days.
Leif Olson
The numbers tell one story: 5,233 miles completed, 1,567 miles remaining to reach the Pacific Ocean at Limantour Beach, California. But the true tale lies in the moments between the miles – the kind strangers offering support, the symphony of "So Close" and "Back in Black" playing as he reached significant milestones, and the quiet moments of self-discovery on the trail.
Leif has maintained an unwavering spirit through every challenge – ruptured sleeping pads, worn-out gear, and feet that have carried him through unimaginable terrain. His gear might be reaching "a state of crisis," as he humorously puts it, but his determination remains unshaken. 🌲
But this isn't just about completing the ADT. As Leif prepares to return to Denver on February 20th, he's already setting his sights on an even grander adventure. The Continental Divide is calling, and he plans to touch both the northern and southern borders of the United States, adding yet another remarkable chapter to this epic journey.
For those who dream of long-distance hiking, Leif's journey inspires and demonstrates both an inspiration and a testament to what's possible. He reminds us that sometimes the greatest adventures begin with a single step of faith, even when we can't see the entire path ahead.
As Leif prepares for the final 1,567 miles of the ADT from Grand Junction, Colorado, to the Pacific Coast, we at HikingAmerica.com celebrate the miles covered and the spirit of adventure that drives every step. His journey embodies everything we love about long-distance hiking – the challenges, triumphs, moments of pure joy, and, yes, even the struggles.
"My journey, in many ways, has just begun; in many ways, began long before I put feet in the Atlantic and stepped forth onto a mapped and recognized trail." - Leif Olson
