FRONT ROYAL, VA – In 2026, the American Discovery Trail Society (ADTS) celebrates the outdoors and 250 years of our independence with the American Discovery 250 Relay — a 6,800-mile (11,000 km) journey along the entire American Discovery Trail from California to Delaware, starting in July and ending around Thanksgiving.
This event will be the longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history. The ADTS invites all to join in the celebration by participating for a day or more in a relay, attending one of over 100 local events, or sharing your story of personal growth and adventure. Together, we commemorate America’s past and shape our future.
Interested participants or teams are asked to register at discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay. Organizers will work with registrants on their relay destinations closer to the start of the event. Runners, cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users and horseback riders are all encouraged to take part. We also encourage interest from those who wish to help with logistics, welcoming events, or sponsorships.
As of March 1, 2026, over 1,000 people have signed up to participate in the relay, with over 100 communities along the route expressing interest in assisting with the event. Users will take part in a variety of non-motorized means, including running, walking, bicycling, horseback riding, and by wheelchair.
