American Discovery Trail
The only coast-to-coast multi-use trail — Nebraska's segment crosses the state on quiet roads and trails.
The American Discovery Trail (ADT) is the nation's first coast-to-coast non-motorized trail, running 6,800 miles from Cape Henlopen, Delaware to Point Reyes, California. In Nebraska, the ADT follows rural roads and trail corridors across the state, connecting communities and landscapes not typically seen by interstate travelers.
Trail Information
- Total Length: ~6,800 miles (coast to coast)
- Nebraska Route: Enters from Iowa via Council Bluffs; crosses the state to Colorado or Wyoming
- Uses: Hiking, biking (and equestrian on some segments)
- Managed by: American Hiking Society
Nebraska Highlights
The ADT passes through eastern and central Nebraska, linking the Missouri River bluffs with the Great Plains. The route is designed to show travelers the real Nebraska — small towns, working farms, river crossings, and open sky.
Points of Interest
- Loess Hills corridor (Iowa border area)
- Platte River crossings
- Connection to the Cowboy Trail in northern Nebraska
- Nebraska's small towns and rural hospitality
History
The American Discovery Trail was conceived in the 1980s and officially dedicated in 2000. Unlike single-corridor trails, the ADT was designed to use existing trails, paths, and low-traffic roads, weaving through communities and wild areas alike. Nebraska's section showcases the agricultural heartland that feeds the nation.
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