The American Discovery Trail is perhaps the longest nonmotorized trail in America (there’s some debate about whether it counts as slightly longer, slightly shorter, or exactly the same length as the Great Western Loop). But either way, at 6,800 miles in length, it’s safe to say this is one long trail. It connects the eastern coast of the United States with the western coast – and it cuts right through Iowa to do it.

One unique feature of the American Discovery Trail is that it utilizes pre-existing trails to traverse from state to state.
Chris Light / Wikimedia
In Iowa, for example, the American Discovery Trail is made up of the Riverfront Trail, the Hoover Nature Trail, the Cedar River Trail, the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, the Cedar Valley Lakes Trail, the Pioneer Trail, the Comet Trail, the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail, the Saylorville-Des Moines Trail, the Raccoon Valley Trail, the T-Bone Trail, the Wabash Trace Trail, the Cedar Lake Trail, and the Cedar River Trail.
pattelbert / Tripadvisor
Two bikers enjoy a portion of the Wabash Trace Trail.
With all those trails involved, chances are you've hiked some of the American Discovery Trail without even realizing you were doing so!
American Discovery Trail / Facebook
Here, board members of the American Discovery Trail Society tried out the High Trestle Trail north of Des Moines.

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And next time you notice this small red and blue triangle on a trail marker, you'll know that you are standing on a path that connects you with both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans!
American Discovery Trail / Facebook
As it winds its way through Iowa, the American Discovery Trail passes through Deerwood Park, George Wyth State Park, Wild Cat Den State Park, and Pleasant Creek State Park. In its path, you can find living history farms, President Hoover's birthplace, the National Czech and Slovac Museum, Grimes Farm, Whiterock Conservancy, and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge ...
James C. Orvis / Wikipedia
... among many other scenic sights, of course! Here's just one example: the Pine Creek Gristmill in Wildcat Den State Park.
Have you ever hiked any of the 512 miles of the American Discovery Trail that passes through Iowa? Would you ever consider hiking the whole thing?
American Discovery Trail / Facebook

 

To learn more, visit the American Discovery Trail website here. Of course, 512 miles is a lot of hiking or biking to do – so you might want to start smaller.

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American Discovery Trail, Des Moines, IA, USA