How to Read Hiking America ADT Turn-by-Turn Guides

Understanding the Guide Format

Hiking America Turn-By-Turn Directions are presented in a similar format to other major trail guides. The Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and others are published in a familiar Northbound (NOBO) and Southbound (SOBO) vertical layout.

Hiking America guides do the same, but for Westbound (WEBO) and Eastbound (EABO) hikers - pronounced 'WE-bo' and 'EE-bo.' Cool! 😎

Visualizing Trail Directions

The key to Hiking America Dual-Directional guide information (directions, turns, etc.) is to think of you and a map of the U.S. –

🚶‍♀️ West/Left🚶‍♀️

Westbound hikers are essentially walking LEFT across the U.S.
So look for your information on the LEFT!

🚶‍♂️‍➡️East/Right🚶‍♂️‍➡️

Eastbound hikers are walking RIGHT across the U.S.
So, where's your information? That's RIGHT!

Brilliant!
Now let's apply that to our Turn-By-Turn Directions and Gaia GPS data.

TURN-BY-TURN DIRECTIONS

Column Headers ––

Hiking America Turn-By-Turn Directions are listed in five columns:

WP: Waypoint ID
WEBO: Miles traveled for Westbound hikers
To Next: Distance to the next waypoint for both directions
EABO: Miles traveled for Eastbound hikers
Directions: Turn instructions, Coordinates, Elevation, Hiker Notes, and other important information.

Reading Directions ––

Let's look at this actual waypoint ILN1-22 (Illinois North, Segment 1, Turn 22):

At EVERY TURN, you will find
1) Direction Symbols: > W | E < (which way to turn)
2) the Trail Junction: 20th Street & 3rd Avenue, CR3 (where to turn)

You probably already have figured out the Direction Symbols -

> W | E < WEBOs turn RIGHT, EABOs turn LEFT
< W | E > WEBOs turn LEFT, EABOs turn RIGHT
– W | E – NO TURN for WEBO or EABO - just keep going straight.

For the Trail Junction, remember West is Left, East is Right.
And an ampersand "&" separates them.

Putting it all together ––

> W | E < 20th Street & 3rd Avenue, CR3

WEBOs: Turn RIGHT onto 20th Street
EABOs: Turn LEFT onto 3rd Avenue/CR 3

Hiking America Gaia GPS Data

Consistent Across All Formats

The best part? This dual-directional navigation system is identical across all formats - whether you're using our printable PDF guides or navigating with Gaia GPS tracks waypoints.

When You're On The Trail

Hiking America Gaia GPS waypoints contain the same information in a condensed format. Direction and Mileage on either side (LEFT and RIGHT) of the Waypoint number.

Again, West on the Left, East on the Right

>66.6 [In1-22]9.5<
20th Street & 3rd
Avenue, CR 3 -
SILVA SERVICES

WEBOs (W): Turn RIGHT onto 20th Street
EABOs (E): Turn LEFT onto 3rd Avenue, CR 3
SILVA SERVICES cues the hiker that there is more information inside the waypoint.

Helpful Tips

Review the "Updates" section at the front of every Hiking America guide to the American Discovery Trail for recent trail and guide modifications.