The American Discovery Trail connects the East Coast with the Pacific Coast via 6,800 miles of nonmotorized trails. It’s tied with the Great Western Loop Trail as the longest nonmotorized trail in America – and 289 miles of this massive trail that spans coast to coast pass right through West Virginia.

The American Discovery Trail is unique in that it utilizes an area's preexisting trails as much as possible to make its long pass through the nation.
Tim Kiser / Wikipedia
In fact, chances are, you've been on the American Discovery Trail and didn't even know it! In West Virginia, for example, the American Discovery Trail piggy-backs on the North Bend Rail Trail (pictured above), the Harrison County Rail Trail, the Dryfork Rail Trail, and the Allegheny Trail.
It passes through the Monongahela National Forest and swings through Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Tygart Lake State Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, North Bend State Park, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and Museum, and Mountwood Park.
Mark Fickett / Wikipedia
Let's not forget to add Dolly Sods Wilderness Area or Otter Creek Wilderness Area!
boldfrontiers / Tripadvisor

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If you were to hike the American Discovery Trail, it would put you within easy reach of many local points of interest: the Nancy Hanks Memorial, several historic depots, several veterans memorials, the Old Bank of Cairo, the Oil and Gas Museum, the Julia-Ann Historic District, and so much more.
American Discovery Trail / Facebook
With a line-up like that, you won't be surprised to learn that the West Virginia portions of the American Discovery Trail are among the most photogenic of the entire, nation-wide hike; scenes from our beautiful state are well-represented on the American Discovery Trail Facebook page. 
Nicolas Raymond / Wikimedia
Blackwater Falls is one of those particularly photogenic features.
So next time you're out and about in West Virginia, particularly in the areas listed above, watch for the little blue and red triangle that indicates that you are on a path that connects you to both oceans.
American Discovery Trail / Facebook

To learn more, visit the American Discovery Trail’s website. And if 289 miles sounds a bit too intimidating, feel free to start smaller!

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