Have you ever wanted to travel on foot from coast to coast across America? The creators of the American Discovery Trail (ADT) can accommodate you. It takes one hiker about eight months to a year to finish the trail. This year, Americans are forming relay teams to complete the journey in about five and a half months! Why? To celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary. They’ll carry a total of three metal batons, each with a copy of the Declaration of Independence inside.
Participants in the American Discovery 250 Relay began their scenic peregrination at Point Reyes National Seashore in California. They crossed the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco on July 4. Relay teams will reach Washington, D.C., in mid-November. Their adventure ends on Thanksgiving at Delaware’s coastline.
The ADT splits for a stretch into northern and southern routes. The northern branch passes through Nebraska and Iowa. The southern track goes through Kansas and Missouri. They reconnect near Cincinnati, Ohio. Different relay teams cover both routes at the same time. All paths lead to the Atlantic Ocean!
On any day, there may be between five and 50 participants. Teams take turns carrying one of the batons. Each baton bears a label with one of Americans’ unalienable rights. The red baton bears the word “life.” The gold baton features the word “liberty.” The blue baton declares the words “pursuit of happiness.”
Relayers sign up for free to participate. They must commit to using no motorized vehicles. Folks can walk, jog, or roll wheelchairs down the path. Some sections allow for bikes and horses. Teams must cover an average of 42 miles each day to reach their destination on time.
The ADT’s website notes the event is not a race. It is a celebration of America, the ADT, and community.
The American Hiking Society (AHS) organized a cross-country hike in 1980-1981 from California to Delaware. It sought to raise awareness of backpacking and trails. The AHS hired a staffer in 1991 to work with volunteer state coordinators. They refined the route. The ADT was formed five years later. That was 35 years ago this year.
The ADT passes through small towns and urban areas. Relay teams witness Lake Tahoe’s deep blue waters in California. The towering Rocky Mountains greet others in Colorado. Participants pass through national parks and Ohio’s rolling farmland. Farther east, there are state parks and the historic Civil War town of Harpers Ferry in West Virginia.
Why? Traveling across our nation is a fun way to celebrate America’s 250 years. Relay teams savor community while enjoying scenic and historic sites along the way.
Click the “video” button at the top of the page to learn about the day-to-day experiences of volunteers on the American Discovery 250 Relay.
