Indiana

84 days. 1,920+ miles. One incredible finish.

This week brought incredible milestones from ADT hikers — Suzan's 84-day Southern Route completion, Steve's Colorado peaks challenge, and Rhiis & Sara check off state #5!

John Wesley Brett

20 Jul 2025 • 4 min read

Susan Brydon finishing the American Discovery Trail Southern Route Run near Denver, Colorado

Suzan Brydon

Westbound - Running ADT Southern Route
Began - April 27, 2025, Elizabethtown, Ohio
Finished - July 19, 2025, Sheridan, Colorado
Support Links: ImHikingAmerica, Girls On The Run, BrydonRunning.net, Instagram,

Suzan Brydon completed her run across the American Discovery Trail Southern Route from Ohio to Denver this weekend, raising funds for Girls on the Run along the way. Every mile she covered helps kids who couldn't otherwise afford to participate in the program.

What makes Suzan's achievement even more remarkable is that she didn't just complete this epic journey — she did it while making public appearances and presentations, sharing the ADT trail with communities along the way, and somehow still finding time to document route updates and construction detours for future ADT travelers.

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But here's what really strikes me about Suzan's journey — and the other hikers who sent updates this week — they didn't let the usual concerns stop them from starting.

You know the ones I hear all the time: "I don't have time to plan properly," "I'm not experienced enough for something this big," "I don't know where to start with the ADT."

Here's what we've learned from this week's trail reports:

Rhiis & Sara

Westbound - Northern & Southern Route
Began: February 21, 2025
Support Links: ImHikingAmerica, TrailJournals, YouTube, Venmo

🥾 Real planning happens on the trail — Rhiis & Sara are now in their fifth state, having adapted their route mid-journey due to heat. They found camping at Fort Knox Paintball, discovered a family restaurant that's been running for five generations, and even mapped out a 10-mile solar system installation along the Erie Trail. None of that was in any guidebook.

Stephen "SaunterinSteve" Gefell

Westbound - Southern Route
Began: February 23, 2025
Support Links: ImHikingAmerica, Instagram, YouTube

⛰️ Experience comes from doing, not waiting — Steve Gefell tackled Colorado's brutal Segment 4 Peaks Alternate, which follows the Continental Divide Trail through some of the most challenging terrain on the ADT. This alternate bags seven peaks and summits (five over 13,000 feet!) in just under 10 miles of true ridge running.

But when Steve reached a shortcut section with warnings, he encountered a dangerous cornice and shifting rocks that turned hiking into technical rock climbing with a full pack! His honest assessment? "I do not regret taking this, but 10/10 don't recommend and wouldn't do again. Basically, rock climbing with a pack on. The rock everywhere else wants to start a landslide and is sharp. You are lucky to only cut a finger off. Nearly impossible if EABO [eastbound]."

Steve's honest feedback helps future hikers make informed decisions about this Alternate. His report on both the stunning ridge running and the technical challenges means our guides now include the details hikers need to consider before attempting this route.

🌲 The best starting point? Right where you are — This week, we added 139 new waypoints from active hikers: water sources, camping spots, trail angels, even porta potties between towns. These updates come from people who started exactly where you are now — with questions, concerns, and a dream.

📊 This Week's Data Update:

Hat-Tips - Rhiis & Sara, Steve Gefell, Suzan Brydon

Indiana-North: 59 waypoints (campsites, water, services, trail angel)
Illinois-North: 49 waypoints (benches, food, water, services)
Colorado-West: 28 waypoints (water, camping, discoveries)
Colorado-South: 3 waypoints (water, services)

The ADT isn't about being fearless or perfectly prepared. It's about taking the next logical step with good information and the support of people who've walked this path before you.

Ready to stop planning someday and start planning your ADT? Our subscriber updates keep you connected to the trail intelligence that matters — updated weekly, grounded in reality, focused on helping you succeed.