America’s first coast-to-coast, non-motorized trail is about to get a nationwide spotlight.
The American Discovery Trail, a 6,800-mile route stretching from California to Delaware, will be the focus of a major relay in 2026 as part of the country’s America 250 celebration. Created in 1990, the trail has been traveled by hikers, cyclists, wheelchair users, and horseback riders — many of whom say the journey changed their lives.
To mark the milestone, the American Discovery Trail Society is organizing the American Discovery 250 Relay, a months-long, coast-to-coast event running from July through late November.
The relay will pass through hundreds of communities nationwide. In Ohio, it will travel through 22 cities, towns, and villages, giving residents a chance to participate for a day or a short stretch rather than the entire route.
Organizers say the relay is designed to be inclusive, welcoming runners, hikers, cyclists, wheelchair users, and equestrians, along with volunteers helping with logistics and local events. More than 100 community celebrations are planned along the route.
As part of the 2026 celebration, the trail society is also making turn-by-turn directions and GPS route files free to the public for the year, opening the door for even more people to explore the historic route.
Registration for the relay is now open.
