The Hiking America Library

📚 Books, Resources about the American Discovery Trail

– and trails that are a part of the ADT.

(listed in reverse chronicle order - from most recent to oldest)

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Fruits of the Unknown

A Veteran's 4,592 Mile Hike Across America

By Alexander Seling - Published in Summer of 2022

This is the true story of a former Army medic’s 13-month hike across America as an attempt to physically undergo the archetypal “Hero’s Journey” as a method of therapy and profound self transformation, while campaigning for veteran suicide prevention along the way.

"Unlike some of the legendary men and women I had the honor of serving with, I am no hero, but this journey was my real-world attempt at undergoing the archetypal "Hero's Journey." To go out into the unknown and bring back precious fruits to help save one's people and himself. The lessons I learned throughout the journey are my fruits from the unknown.

"This book is an attempt to share those priceless lessons I learned along the way."

Hike Across America: Fine Art Photo Book

A photographic experience of a veteran's 4,592 mile Hike Across America

By Alex Selig - Published April 19, 2022

On December 21st, 2020, a combat veteran by the name of Alexander Seling set out to hike across America from coast to coast for Veteran Suicide Prevention. He started at Cape Henlopen, Delaware and finished at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California on January 31st, 2022, after hiking 4,592 miles.

This is a photographic experience of that journey without any narrative.

Aren't You Afraid?

American Discovery Trail from the Atlantic Ocean to Nebraska

By Mary "Medicare Pastor" Davison – published September 11, 2020

79-year-old Mary—Triple Crown long-distance hiker—Hikes Again!

The American Discovery Trail is a trail for discovery. It's a different kind of trail. And it's a different kind of hike. And this is a different kind of book.

Mary holds nothing back as she pours onto the page a rich narrative of life experiences and her reflections on fear and overcoming fear. Up close and colorful, she recounts her solo hike along the ADT from the Atlantic Ocean to Omaha, Nebraska.

Other books by Mary: Old Lady on the Trail: Triple Crown at 76

Tahoe Rim Trail

The Official Guide for Hikers, Mountain Bikers, and Equestrians

By Tim Hauserman - published July 7, 2020 (fourth edition)

Experience the Unparalleled Beauty of Lake Tahoe and Its Trail

Author Tim Hauserman first hiked the complete Tahoe Rim Trail in 1999 and has since circumnavigated it three times. Put his expertise to use. Get the most from your time on the trail, and safely traverse a landscape rich in history and alive with nature.

The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook

10th Updated & Revised Edition Paperback

By Brett Dufur - Published August 1, 2013

Missouri author Brett Dufur releases the new 11th edition of his book, The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook.

At 240 miles in length, this hike/bike path is the longest rails-to-trails project in the country. Stretching cross-state from Kansas City to the St. Louis area.

Dufur has been updating and publishing his book, The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook, since 1995. Recent years have been challenging for trailside businesses. “2019 was the second highest flood year along the trail, and then in 2020, Covid hit,” he said. “But then everyone wanted to be outdoors...and enjoying nature. I’ve been inspired by the tenacity of many of these small towns to not only survive the economic challenges they have faced but to see they have really dug in their heels and have doubled down to improve and enhance the trail experience for visitors up and down the trail.”

River to River Trail Guide

Across Southern Illinois

By John O'Dell - Published January 1, 2002

American Discoveries

Scouting the First Coast-To-Coast Recreational Trail

By Ellen Dudley and Eric Seaborg – published September 30, 1996

Media strategist Ellen Dudley and writer Eric Seaborg left behind the security of jobs and the comforts of home to scout the route for the American Discovery Trail, a transcontinental recreational trail stretching from California to Delaware.

In American Discoveries, Dudley and Seaborg recount their 14-month, 4,835-mile hiking and biking adventure, fondly remembering the places they encountered and the people who opened their hearts and homes to them along the way.

This dual, male/female narrative offers different yet complementary perspectives on the journey. One is that of a fifty-year-old grandmother who overcame a life-threatening illness just a year before. The other is that of a mid-thirties writer. The two saw different details, faced different fears, and felt different emotions.

The American Discovery Trail Explorer's Guide

By Reese Lukei, Jr. – published January 31, 1995

No trail does it better! The American Discovery Trail combines the best of the backcountry with jaunts through small towns and big cities. It captures the diversity of landscape and experience that is the United States.

Running 6,300 miles from Delaware's Cape Henlopen State Park to Point Reyes National Seashore in California, the American Discovery Trail is much more than a single multi-use hiking trail. It is a discovery route, incorporating many regional and local trail systems and five national scenic trails.

This overview guide to the trail features general route descriptions, color photographs, Trails Illustrated maps, and a comprehensive listing of local trail organizations and resources along the route.