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" Gefell
Westbound - Section Hiker
Began: February 23, 2025
Support Links: ImHikingAmerica, Instagram, YouTube
Sam Hogue (above), an 80+-year-old glass artisan, handcrafts beautiful marbles in his workshop just off the trail. We're thrilled to feature Steve's video of Sam in action, demonstrating this vanishing craft.
If you're passing through West Virginia Segment 1 before mid-April, make this a must-stop destination! Sam only works three months per year due to the heat of glass-making, so this is a limited-time opportunity to witness his incredible artistry firsthand.
More Trail Updates from Our Recent Research:
Southern Indiana Improvements 🌲
All southern Indiana segments now feature Dual-Directional waypoints in our Gaia GPS data. This makes navigation smoother whether you're heading east or west on the trail.
Maryland Updates - Segment 2 ☀️
Rhiis & Sara
Westbound - Southern Route
Began: February 21, 2025
Support Links: ImHikingAmerica, TrailJournals, YouTube, Venmo
- New Restaurant Reviews: We've added two fresh restaurant reviews in Shepherdstown, MD
- C&O Canal Enhancements: Thanks to hikers Rhiis and Sara who contributed dozens of bench locations along the C&O Canal towpath. Perfect for those moments when you need a quick break!
West Virginia - Segment 3 🏞️
SaunterinSteve (Westbound since February 23, 2025) has reported two significant blowdown areas:
- Eastern edge of Dolly Sods
- Within Canaan Valley Resort State Park
We've updated these locations in both our Gaia GPS data and turn-by-turn guides.
West Virginia - Segment 1 (Additional Updates)
- New Stealth Camp: Added location between West Union and Salem along the North Bend Rail Trail
- Weather Shelter: Marked the location of a rock cave near Ellenboro - good for rain protection but not suitable for camping.
- Trail Safety Note: Steve reports an increased presence of individuals using large backpacks for illicit activities around Clarksburg. Be aware of your surroundings and maintain an "official hiker" appearance.
SHAMELESS PLUG: These encounters are becoming increasingly frequent, which is why we urge all hikers—ADT and other trails—to consider registering for a Hiker Tag - which is FREE to Hiking America subscribers!
Illinois South - Major Route Changes 🌄
- Segment 3: The River to River Trail has been rerouted around Cedar Lake. We've updated all maps, turn-by-turn directions, and Gaia GPS data to reflect this change.
- Segment 4: The River to River Trail around Dutchman Lake also has a new route, adding just over a mile to this segment. Complete updates to all our resources have been made.
As always, we rely on trail reports from our amazing community to keep these resources current. Special thanks to everyone who sends updates and helps fellow hikers have safer, more enjoyable experiences on the ADT!
Welcome to the Trail
Philip Grele and Drew Diaz
Westbound
Began, March 1, 2025
Support Links: Convoy of Hope, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram
Hike Your Hike - John.🥾
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