Stretching 6,800 miles from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic coast, the American Discovery Trail is a monumental feat of outdoor recreation. Named one of National Geographic’s “100 Hikes of a Lifetime,” it stands as the United States’ first and only coast-to-coast, non-motorized trail. Now, in celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday, this network of paths is set to host a once-in-a-generation event: the America 250 Relay.
A historic journey across the nation
The journey starts around the 4th of July at Limantour Beach in Point Reyes, California – about an hour and a half north of San Francisco. Over the course of roughly 145 days, thousands of hikers and cyclists will work together to carry a physical copy of the Declaration of Independence all the way across the country. The experience concludes with a celebratory plunge into the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware on Thanksgiving Day.
Organized by the American Discovery Trail Society, this 15-state journey serves a dual purpose. Not only does it celebrate 250 years of American history, but it also commemorates the 35th anniversary of the trail’s formal conception in 1989.
What to expect from the America 250 Relay
The America 250 Relay is designed as a communal celebration of history, culture, and nature. From experienced cyclists to casual walkers, anyone is welcome to take part for a day or more. Depending on the day, between 5 and 50 participants will traverse their local segment of the trail, ensuring the historic document makes its cross-country journey safely.
The trail itself is a marvel of landscapes, passing through more than 325 communities, over a dozen national parks, and near the homes of 40 million Americans.
The route
After departing Point Reyes, the relay will traverse California landmarks like Muir Woods and the Golden Gate Bridge. From there, the trail heads toward Sacramento, climbing over the Sierra Nevada mountains, and continuing through Nevada and the red-rock canyons of Utah.
Once over the Colorado Rockies, the route splits into 2 paths – a northern and southern route winding through the Midwest – before converging again in Ohio. Participants can hit major hubs like Denver, Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Cincinnati. Finally, the eastern leg will cross the hills of West Virginia and Maryland, dip into Washington D.C. in mid-November, and conclude in Delaware.
How to join this epic adventure
The America 250 Relay is actively seeking individual relayers, teams, and local sponsors across its 15-state route. Participants will cross the western states in the summer, pedal through the heartland in late summer and early autumn, and walk the eastern forests in the fall.
Whether you’re looking to run through the streets of Chicago, cycle past the cornfields of Iowa, or hike through the forests of Appalachia, the American Discovery Trail invites you to be a part of history. You can find more information, view the route map, and sign up to participate at discoverytrail.org.
