Hiking America FIELD NOTES 🥾

New detours, a closed campsite, and 30+ new Amazon resupply locations — here's what's changed on the ADT in Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri.

Maryland

⚠️ TRAIL ALERT: C&O Canal / Potomac River Corridor — Health Advisory in Effect

Don't drink or filter water along the C & O Canal Towpath near DC. A 300-million-gallon raw sewage spill near Cabin John, MD has contaminated this ADT corridor. The towpath is passable — but the waterway is off-limits as water sources until further notice.

Trail Alert: Rock Island Trail | Pleasant Hill, Missouri

Missouri Segment 2 - Between Hiking America Waypoints 2 & 4

California

The Sierra Is Getting Hammered — Here's What It Means for Your ADT Timing

The Sierra just got 30+ inches in 24 hours. For eastbound ADT hikers counting on early May access, that early-crossing window just closed. Here's what the snow totals mean for your timeline. ⛰️

Colorado

Colorado's Record Low Snowpack: What ADT Hikers Need to Know Right Now

Colorado's snowpack is at 55% of normal — and some basins are as low as 48%. For ADT hikers planning a 2026 thru-hike, this isn't just a ski resort story. Here's what it means for your water sources, timing, and trail planning. 🥾

Great American Rail-Trail

Hiking America on the Great American Rail-Trail

We created GPS navigation for the Great American Rail Trail's 81 gaps to support Bernie Krausse's first known thru-hike. The trail is 56% complete from D.C. to Washington State — viable for thru-hiking now with the right route data.

How To

258 New Waypoints: A Look Inside How We Keep Your ADT Navigation Current

258 new waypoints added to Hiking America's ADT data—General Delivery post offices, Amazon Lockers, and hiker-friendly contacts. Each is verified and formatted to stand out when needed—a behind-the-scenes look at how we keep your navigation current.

Getting Started

Start Here: Hiking America!

You're standing at the start of a 6,800-mile question: how do you navigate a coast-to-coast route that runs through backcountry, farm roads, and river towns, and that goes largely unmarked for most of its length? Blazes and signs are sparse out here — the route

How To

When You're One Month Out: What Actually Matters in Your Final ADT Preparation

One month before your ADT start, the planning phase ends and the systems phase begins. Stop gathering more information and start testing what actually matters: your communication plan, your gear under real conditions, and your navigation tools. Confidence comes from knowing your setup works.

Colorado

New Route Alternate: Navigating Around Air Force Academy Closures

The New Santa Fe Trail through Air Force Academy property closes periodically due to security protocols. We've mapped and verified a complete alternate route around the Academy - trail-tested by Steve Gefell this summer. Includes access to resupply, restaurants, and lodging in Colorado Springs.

How To

Winter Project Update: Comprehensive Resupply Data for the Entire ADT

This winter we're expanding ADT resupply data across all 15 states - mapping Amazon Locker and Counter locations, verifying post office General Delivery policies, and documenting branch-level details. Complete, current information for confident resupply planning.

Getting Started

Thankful for the Trail Ahead - Grateful for this community of dreamers and doers 🥾

This Thanksgiving, I'm reflecting on an incredible year supporting ADT dreamers and doers. From helping Steve navigate flood detours to watching Rhiis and Sara inspire new trail angels, this community continues to prove that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things.

Winter Updates: 80+ New Nebraska Waypoints and Trail Intel

While thru-hikers rest, ADT navigation keeps improving. This week: 80+ new Nebraska waypoints from Rhiis and Sara, Steve Gefell's Nevada and Utah notes, and verified trail angel updates across five states. The continuous work that keeps your navigation current year-round.

Utah

He Did It! Steve Gefell Completes the American Discovery Trail

Steve Gefell just walked across America. 4,629 miles. Cape Henlopen to Moab. The only 2025 ADT Southern Route finisher. After heat forced a flip-flop, he adapted and finished. Congratulations! 🥾

Nebraska

"There Are No Boring Places, Only Boring Mindsets" – Guest Post from ADT Thru-Hikers

"Everyone said Nebraska would be flat and boring—just endless cornfields. But walking through it this fall, we're finding it gorgeous. There are no boring places, only boring mindsets. Quality over quantity, memories over miles. That's what makes the ADT truly worth experiencing."

How To

The Sierra Closes Early This Year – What ADT Hikers Need to Know

The Sierra Nevada closed for the season on October 13-14, more than two weeks ahead of the historical average. This early closure reinforces why the Halloween deadline matters for westbound ADT hikers and what eastbound spring crossings should expect. Updated snowpack data and planning insights. 🏔️

Nevada

First Snow on the ADT: Hiking in Shorts Through Nevada Snow and Other Trail Updates

Picture this: you're hiking through Nevada in October, snow falling around you, drifts reaching 12 inches deep in places—and you're wearing shorts and trail runners. That's precisely where Steve Gefell found himself this week as the first significant snow of the season arrived

Iowa

When Cedar Rapids Smells Like Crunch Berries (And Other Trail Updates)

When the Quaker Oats plant makes Crunch Berry cereal, Cedar Rapids smells so good "you could eat the air with a spoon." Plus Steve's money-saving Colorado tip and 276 new waypoints from active ADT hikers. 🌾

Iowa

First ADT Thru-Hikers Complete Iowa's Historic 120-Mile Loop: The High Trestle + Raccoon River Valley Connection

Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you're curious enough to take the longer route. Rhiis and Sara just became the first ADT thru-hikers to complete Iowa's full 120-mile loop.

How To

The American Discovery Trail Just Got More Flexible: Introducing ↔ Dual-Directional Navigation

Westbound hiker Steve Gefell hit unsustainable desert heat in Utah. Instead of quitting, he used our dual directional navigation to flip to California and walk back east with better timing. Hiking America is now the only complete dual directional guide for the ADT.

Quick check-in about your ADT planning 🧭

Hey there, I wanted to reach out about something I've been seeing a lot in my conversations with ADT hikers... Plan your ADT journey with confidence! 🥾 What's your biggest challenge when it comes to planning your American Discovery Trail adventure? Here's what I'

How To

When Gaia GPS Goes Rogue: A Simple Fix for Missing ADT Waypoints

Getting your navigation back on track after Gaia's summer update 🧭

Indiana

The Quiet Heroes of Small-Town America: How American Legion Posts Are Becoming Trail Angels Along the ADT

ADT thru-hikers Rhiis, Sara, and Steve have discovered something remarkable: American Legion Posts across the trail are welcoming hikers with open arms. More than just trail magic, these encounters reveal institutions filled with great people who understand service. 🥾

Utah

Wildfire Season and the ADT: Real-Time Updates When You Need Them Most

Wildfires have disrupted ADT hikers for years - from Mary Davison's close call with the Mosquito Fire to recent detours in Utah. We're currently monitoring four active fires near the trail. Real-time intel matters when conditions change fast. 🔥⛰️

How To

Why Hikers Need Better Trail Identification – How QR Code Hiker Tags Are Solving It

A recent Idaho case shows why hikers need reliable trail ID. An innocent camper was mistaken for a fugitive, triggering a manhunt. Here's how QR code hiker tags are solving identification issues for long-distance adventurers.