The American Discovery Trail
About The American Discovery Trail
The American Discovery Trail (ADT) is the nation’s first coast-to-coast, non-motorized recreation trail. The ADT was conceived in 1989 and initially led by the American Hiking Society. In 1996 the ADT Society (ADTS) was created and has been the prime advocate for completing a continuous trail across the United States. The ADTS considers it the east-west “backbone” of our country’s national trails system, connecting to the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, East Coast Greenway Trails and 50 other national scenic, historical and recreational trails. In the Midwest, two options are possible: either through northern Illinois and Indiana, or a route through the southern parts of these states.
Visit Discoverytrail.org for information on the entire 4673 mile route, including stories of those who have hiked or biked it.
Openlands is the northern Illinois representative of the American Discovery Trail. The route, which crosses into Illinois from Munster, Indiana utilizes the Thorn Creek Trail, Old Plank Road Trail, I&M Canal Trail, Hennepin Canal Trail, and a final stretch on the Great River Trail in Rock Island before crossing into Iowa. Autumn and spring are excellent times to walk and bike across Illinois!
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About The American Discovery Trail
The American Discovery Trail (ADT) is the nation’s first coast-to-coast, non-motorized recreation trail. The ADT was conceived in 1989 and initially led by the American Hiking Society. In 1996 the ADT Society (ADTS) was created and has been the prime advocate for completing a continuous trail across the United States. The ADTS considers it the east-west “backbone” of our country’s national trails system, connecting to the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, East Coast Greenway Trails and 50 other national scenic, historical and recreational trails. In the Midwest, two options are possible: either through northern Illinois and Indiana, or a route through the southern parts of these states.
Visit Discoverytrail.org for information on the entire 4673 mile route, including stories of those who have hiked or biked it.
Openlands is the northern Illinois representative of the American Discovery Trail. The route, which crosses into Illinois from Munster, Indiana utilizes the Thorn Creek Trail, Old Plank Road Trail, I&M Canal Trail, Hennepin Canal Trail, and a final stretch on the Great River Trail in Rock Island before crossing into Iowa. Autumn and spring are excellent times to walk and bike across Illinois!
The American Discovery Trail System
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Connecting people to nature where they live.
As innovative protectors and stewards of the land since 1963, Openlands exists to create access to nature for all. Through local alliances, forward vision, and persistent action, Openlands connects and leads conservation work, serving as a guiding voice for communities, organizations, and more effective policy in northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region.