Most outdoor types have heard of the Appalachian Trail, a favored trek from Georgia to Maine that lets day hikers and backpackers explore 2,175 miles of the country's East Coast. But mention the American Discovery Trail (ADT) — the only coast-to-coast, continuous path for hikers, bikers and other non-motorized travelers — and fewer headlamps go on.
Popularity aside, we can't think of a better way to get a handle on the country's history and natural treasures than a walk along this all-American path.
Starting in the west at Point Reyes National Seashore in California, the ADT crosses 15 states (including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia) before hitting its eastern ambit at Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware. While there are just a handful of through-hikers (those who have followed the ADT continuously from end to end) to date, those interested in tackling smaller segments have 6,800 miles of mountains, woodlands, historical sites and one-stoplight towns from which to choose.
Among its prettiest places is West Virginia's 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail, a part-scenic, part-small-town path connecting Parkersburg with Clarksburg in the northwestern portion of the state. The route runs along the old B&O Railroad line, and is nicknamed "the trail of tunnels" thanks to the 13 arched passages carved out along the way.
"All of the tunnels are different," explains Jennifer Cogar, a naturalist for North Bend State Park. "Some are made of brick and some are cut right through the rock." According to Cogar, scenic hiking is the area's biggest draw, although those in search of solitude might also want to pay this section a visit.
"You do go through a few towns," she says, "but they're so small, unless it's summer, you probably won't see a soul."