AMERICAN DISCOVERY TRAIL

“what is anybodys opinion of the adt? to me, it is intriguing. backpacker purists might not like it for having many urban sections and lots of road-walking, but it wasnt made for the backpacker or wilderness purist. over the course of some 4800 miles, one might welcome an occasional foray into town. and it gives a nice cross-section of urban, appalachian, plains, badlands, desert, mountainous, small town, etc. thats why its called "american discovery" youre discovering ppl and wilds. i think its cool and would like to do it end to end some day, probably in sections, after ive had a few more years experience.”

“Educate me as to what the route is. If it doesn't go through Kansas, it can't be much of a trail.”

“it does go thru kansas”

“http://www.discoverytrail.org/

its a coast to coast trail from delaware to san francisco that combines wilderness hiking with urban hiking for an unprecedented experience. i just wish i was experienced enough to try it.”

“I learned about it three years ago. It used to cross the Dolly Sods on foot trails, but the current routing is along Forest Service Roads. I think it is primarily meant to be a bike path. Parts of it would be tough for foot travel.

There are still metal signs posted for the ADT up on the Sods, but they appear to be old.”

“parts of it would be better for bikers, and also parts of it bikers are not allowed. i just read the journal of a guy who RAN it with just a hip-pack”

“I think I am going to just stick with the AT,NCT and the other trails that I like.

Go for it 2scoops!!!!!

8)”

“" "


thats my $.02”

“WHAT is your two cents?”

“My wife and I needed to get out, and the weather was GREAT. 73 degrees, sunny, light breeze, and we only had a few hours. So we headed west of Chicago to the Illinois and Michigan Canal trail that is part of the ADT. It wasn't wilderness, but it was a nice hike. The trail parallels the canal built in the 1800's, and river. We did share the trail with bikes. :-( At one point the ADT leaves the 'bike-friendly trail.'

Saw LOTS of turtles. Mama's with babies sunning themselves. Funny to watch them "plop" into the water as they realized we were near. Also saw ducks, geese and many birds, not to mention a heron. (All this just 45 miles from downtown Chicago!) :-)

After a picnic lunch had to head back. No bag nights, but a nice break!”

“Glad ya had fun, stumprider!”

“I biked part of the trail near Batavia a few years ago and it was a great way to spend a Saturday.”