The Dirt This Week: Updates, Secret Campsites & 97 More Reasons to Keep Trekking 🥾
Hiking America's latest American Discovery Trail updates bring intel from our boots-on-the-ground network of hikers. From unexpected detours to secret campsites and trail improvements. Here's what we've been working on this past week. 97 new waypoints for camping, services, and – Discoveries! 🌲
Ohio Updates
Anderson Ferry Detour Alert ⚠️
Jeffrey Kazar is wrapping up the Eastern Segments of the ADT in Southeast Ohio and encountered a significant road closure. Hillside Avenue, northwest of the Anderson Ferry, is closed until the end of May due to ongoing repairs. The Department of Transportation is finally addressing the recurring mudslides that have plagued this section during heavy rainfall over the last several years.
Detour Instructions added to Gaia GPS & Turn-By-Turn Directions: Basically, follow River Road (US 50) instead. While vehicle speeds are higher here, there's a continuous sidewalk along the entire detour route, keeping hikers safely separated from traffic.
Buckeye Trail Scioto Section Challenges 🌳
Rhiis & Sara
Westbound - Southern Route
Began: February 21, 2025
Support Links: ImHikingAmerica, TrailJournals, YouTube, Venmo
Rhiis and Sara found the Buckeye Trail Scioto Section difficult to navigate in several areas, apparently due to recent weather events. Their recent crossing at the end of April and early May has revealed Mother Nature can pack a punch!
- Numerous blowdowns requiring navigation around, under, and over fallen trees
- Significant overgrowth in multiple sections
- Areas requiring bushwhacking to continue on the trail
Where blazes are visible and can be followed, they report being prepared for slow-going and challenging conditions.
Pro Tip: Check our Gaia GPS waypoints for the specific problem areas reported. We have also shared these with the local Buckeye Trail Association Supervisors in hopes that it will help prioritize maintenance.
Ohio Segment 5 Buckeye Trail Sinking Spring Update 💧
Some excellent news from Ohio Segment 5!
Angela Rhodes, the Buckeye Trail Sinking Spring supervisor, tells us they "recently had a trail party to clear the trails and blaze," that tackled a large section of previously troublesome trail.
Rhiis and Sara passed through there this week and reported these areas are now looking great - a wonderful example of volunteer trail stewardship in action! 👏
We've also added new water sources from streams and camping suggestions they found along the way to our data and directions.
Even better - we've removed the previous BT mandatory detour near Sinking Spring, Ohio. A property access dispute between the trail organization and a local hunter has been resolved, allowing hikers to return to the original route!
Illinois Discoveries
Stephen "SaunterinSteve" Gefell
Westbound - Southern Route
Began: February 23, 2025
Support Links: ImHikingAmerica, Instagram, YouTube
Mississippi River Stealth Camp 🏕️
Steve Gefell passed along a couple of successful stealth and dispersed campsite locations, including along the banks of the mighty Mississippi. His dozens of notes also detail:
- A small roadside waterfall from a filterable stream
- A convenient little roadside park featuring:
- Picnic table for comfortable breaks
- Water hydrant for refills
- Garbage cans for waste disposal
This park is located just up the road from the state penitentiary 👀 - an easy landmark to spot!
Gaia GPS Update Alert! 📱
Username Reset Issue: This past week, Gaia GPS rolled out a major upgrade with improved tools and faster processing, which is great news, of course! However, some users have discovered their usernames were automatically reset to randomly generated combinations like "AmpleBluff5127" or "HumidIvy8786."
This issue appears to affect Gaia GPS's newer members rather than long-standing accounts primarily. We recommend all users check their profile settings to confirm your username appears as expected, especially if you don't have a profile picture displayed. This will ensure your trail reports and waypoints remain properly attributed!
Your firsthand experiences help make everyone's ADT adventure safer and more enjoyable. 🥾☀️
On the ADT - Past and Present
🌄 One of our favorite things about the ADT is when hikers cross paths and form those unforgettable trail connections. This week, Kolten—currently trekking the Northern Route through Indiana—got a warm welcome from none other than Blackberry Brian Christner near Culver, IN. 🥾🍇
Brian, known for his trail magic and Hoosier hospitality, opened his door (and probably his pantry!) to Kolten, reminding us that the American Discovery Trail is more than just miles—it’s the people who make it home along the way! 💛
ADT Trail Angel in the News!
Chris Flood
Hike Your Hike - John.
