The American Discovery Trail, also known as ADT, was founded in 1989 by the American Hiking Society. (Hika Nation). It is 6,800 miles long, crosses 15 states and stretches from coast to coast. There are continuous paths for adventurers of all types. The trail welcomes horseback riders, cross-country skiers, cyclists, hikers and of course backpackers. Anyone considering increasing ADT from start to finish should allow approximately 14 to 16 months. Some may finish early or late depending on their fitness level. For anyone who wants to hike through stunning landscapes, visit historic monuments and claim to have hiked one of the 16 Millennium Trails; the American Discovery Trail is an experience for them. The history of the trail is relatively limited since the ADT is quite young, only about 20 years old. Three volunteer hikers were chosen by the American Hiker Society to test the American Discovery Trail for the first time. They predicted the course would take approximately 8 months, taking into account their higher fitness level and expertise on similar courses. However, they completed their trek in 14 months; proving that ADT is more difficult than expected. The trail passes through 15 states: Delaware, Maryland (and Washington, DC), West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California. (HikaNation). The ADT also follows historic routes like the Pony Express and the Santa Fe Trail. (Hika Nation). There was actually a rider named Matt Parker who completed the course after a little over two years. He began the trip in May 2003 and completed it in November 2005. In 2000, the White House declared that the American Discovery Trail was to be...... middle of paper ...... injury, sprain or deep wound. Dangers and months of preparation aside, the American Discovery Trail is a life-changing event for anyone who decides to tackle the vigorous trail. When an individual sets out to travel more than 6,000 miles, with nothing but the pack on his back, himself and the wilderness around him, he discovers things about himself that he never expected. had never known. Nature has a way of helping people push themselves to the brink so that they eventually find themselves. For anyone who is in the process of finding themselves, needs a break, or just wants a challenge, do some research and tackle the American Discovery Trail. American Discovery Trail Society, Web. March 15, 2014. Damm, Nate. “How to Walk Across America – Questions and Answers.” nateam.com. Internet. March 15. 2014.HikaNation. Internet. March 15. 2014.