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American Perimeter Trail

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

American Perimeter Trail
Length14,000 mi (23,000 km)
LocationContinental United States
DifficultyHigh
Websiteamericanperimetertrail.org

The American Perimeter Trail (APT) is a proposed 14,000-mile (23,000 km) hiking trail system that circumnavigates the continental United States.[1][2]

The proposed trail system integrates existing trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and portions of the North Country Trail.[3]

History

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In July 2019, American professional backpacker Rue McKenrick set off from Bend, Oregon to hike the proposed American Perimeter Trail.[4] He successfully completed hiking the trail on October 8, 2022.[5][6]

An interactive map of the trail was released on May 9, 2023.[7]

In 2024, McKenrick published American Perimeter Trail: Volume 1 West: A 14,000 Mile Journey, a book detailing his experiences on the Trail.

Planning

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The American Perimeter Trail Conference (APTC) is responsible for planning the proposed the trail. As of 2023, McKenrick serves as the executive director.[8]

States

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Clockwise starting from Oregon, the trail passes through 34 of the 48 continental states.[9]

Most of the proposed sections of the trail are in the southern United States. The northern sections of the trail use various existing trails.[10]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Sabatier, Julie (May 4, 2021). "Dream of 'American Perimeter Trail' still alive for Bend backpacker". opb. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  2. ^ "Man walks 14,000 to map the American Perimeter Trail". MSN. June 16, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  3. ^ "About the Trail". American Perimeter Trail. November 19, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  4. ^ "Watch NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt Excerpt: Meet the hiker dreaming up the 14,000-mile American Perimeter Trail". NBC. June 6, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  5. ^ Gordon, Tim (November 21, 2022). "'This is my life's work': Bend hiker set on creating 14,000-mile American Perimeter Trail". kgw.com. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  6. ^ Morical, Mark (June 7, 2023). "Bend hiker Rue McKenrick completes his last scouting trip of the 14,000-mile American Perimeter Trail". The Bulletin. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  7. ^ "American Perimeter Trail Launches First Interactive Map". Sierra REC Magazine. May 9, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  8. ^ "American Perimeter Trail with Rue McKenrick". Backpacker Radio: #201. May 15, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  9. ^ "Interactive Map". American Perimeter Trail. May 9, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  10. ^ "American Perimeter Trail". American Perimeter Trail. Archived from the original on May 17, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
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