Winter Project Update: Comprehensive Resupply Data for the Entire ADT

While most ADT hikers are off-trail during the winter months, we've been deep into a project that should make resupply planning significantly easier for everyone hitting the trail in 2025 and beyond.

We're systematically updating and expanding our resupply data on Gaia GPS and Turn-By-Turn Guides across all 15 ADT states, including Amazon Locker and Counter locations along the entire trail route, as well as comprehensive Post Office information with branch-level details and General Delivery policies.

Here's what we're working on and why it matters for your planning.

Beyond the Main Post Office

The American Discovery Trail passes through hundreds of communities across 15 states, from tiny rural towns to major metropolitan areas. Each community has different options for receiving mail drops and resupply packages - and those options keep changing.

Traditional resupply planning has always centered on post offices, and for good reason. They're reliable, they're everywhere, and General Delivery has been the backbone of thru-hiker logistics for decades.

However, our previous data included only the main post office in each town. Many ADT communities have multiple post office branches, but not all accept General Delivery packages. Some have limited hours or specific policies about how long they'll hold packages.

We're beginning to document all of this now - every branch, their General Delivery policies, how long they'll hold packages, and any specific requirements or restrictions. You'll notice more locations being added throughout the coming year.

The Amazon Network Expansion

Amazon has expanded its network of Lockers and Counter locations into many ADT communities over the past few years, creating new pickup options that didn't exist when many ADT resources were last updated.

For those unfamiliar with the distinction: Amazon Lockers are self-service kiosks (at top) where you can pick up packages using a 6-digit code or barcode, while Amazon Counter locations are staffed retailers (often convenience stores, pharmacies, or small businesses) that hold Amazon packages for pickup during their regular business hours.

Both options have advantages depending on your situation. Lockers typically offer 24/7 access, while Counter locations may have extended evening or weekend hours that traditional post offices don't.

We're mapping over 500 Amazon Locker and Counter locations within reasonable proximity to the American Discovery Trail route across all 15 states, including location addresses, hours of operation, and trail proximity. This data is being added to both Hiking America on Gaia GPS and our Turn-By-Turn Guides. This, too, is a significant undertaking, with more locations being added throughout 2026.

The Rhiis and Sara Connection

One of the most valuable aspects of this update project has been the incredible contribution from Rhiis Lopez, who, along with Sara, is currently spending the winter off-trail with family in the American Southwest.

Rhiis jumped into this research project to 'keep his head in the game' during the off-season. But he brings a hiker's perspective to what could otherwise be just data entry. When someone who's actively planning to return to the trail in March to continue their thru-hike is helping verify resupply information, you know the data reflects real-world hiker needs.

This kind of collaboration is exactly what makes the Hiking America community work - hikers helping future hikers with on-the-ground intelligence that makes everyone's journey more manageable.

What This Means for Your Planning

When this update is complete later this year, you'll have the most comprehensive resupply resource available for the American Discovery Trail.

Instead of cobbling together information from blog posts, forum threads, and guesswork, you'll be able to see the viable resupply options in each trail community - Post Offices, Amazon facilities, their hours, their policies, and their locations relative to the trail route.

This doesn't mean resupply planning becomes effortless, but it does mean you can make informed decisions based on current, verified information rather than relying on assumptions about small-town infrastructure.

The Ongoing Nature of Trail Intelligence

Here's something worth understanding about comprehensive trail resources: they're never truly "finished." Communities change, businesses close, post office policies shift, and new Amazon locations open.

That's why we're committed to continuous updates informed by hiker reports, regular verification, and projects such as this winter's resupply expansion. The trail doesn't sleep, and neither does the work of maintaining accurate intelligence about it.

What's Next

We're working through this systematically, prioritizing updates for areas where hikers will soon be hiking. Throughout the hiking season, we aim to stay one step ahead of hikers on the trail, ensuring the intelligence you need is ready before you reach each section.

Our goal is to integrate comprehensive coverage into our Gaia GPS data and planning resources across all 15 states throughout the following year, with priority given to the sections being hiked. 🥾

Hike Your Hike - John.