The American Perimeter Trail (APT) is more than a trail. It’s a movement, and it’s quickly generating interest and support from hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservationists across the world. 

Intended to provide so much more than a new hiking challenge for ambitious thru-hikers, the APT is envisioned as an opportunity for a shared sense of recreation, education, culture, and stewardship in the United States. 

At its core, the APT seeks to be an agent of change for a positive future: 

• a future in which our natural and cultural resources are not just preserved, but made more accessible to more Americans than ever before
• a future in which local economies are revitalized as Americans use and enjoy the trail
• a future in which all Americans–regardless of background, politics, and geographic location–have a shared sense of ownership and pride in “our” trail

Photos provided by: American Perimeter Trail Conference

Photos provided by: American Perimeter Trail Conference

A Continuous Footpath Around The United States

The American Perimeter Trail is an in-progress long-distance hiking trail that circumnavigates the entire continental United States, connecting a network of existing, new, and proposed trails. The APT is envisioned as a 14,000-mile trail that would pass through 31 states and provide access to a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems. 

The American Perimeter Trail incorporates pieces of some of the nation’s premier existing outdoor recreation trails (e.g. The Great Eastern Trail, The Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, North Country Trail, Florida Trail, Pinhoti Trail, and more) while also proposing new footpaths to connect these trails, conserve additional land for public use, and create a continuous loop around the country. 

Photos provided by: American Perimeter Trail Conference

Photos provided by: American Perimeter Trail Conference

A “Triple Crown” Hiker’s Vision

For the creator of the trail, Rue McKenrick, The American Perimeter Trail combines a love of hiking and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.

Rue is a long distance hiker, outdoor enthusiast, and conservationist who grew up near the Appalachian Trail witnessing first-hand the power of a trail to educate, connect, and provide economic benefit to towns. His appreciation of trails deepened as his hiking resume lengthened to include most of our country’s National Scenic Trails, including the Triple Crown.

Photos provided by: American Perimeter Trail Conference

Photos provided by: American Perimeter Trail Conference

Scouting The Trail On Foot

Rue is an advocate for sustainable trail development, and has worked with various organizations to promote the protection and preservation of national environments. 

Decades of outdoor and nonprofit experience taught him that the best way to create a functional, delightful trail is to physically scout the footpath himself. 

From 2019 – 2022 Rue walked around the perimeter of the country on foot, identifying areas that would benefit from conservation while also creating a safe and beautiful hiker experience.

An Ambitious Conservation Project

Trails and conservation are closely related. 

Hiking trails often traverse some of the most ecologically and culturally significant areas in a region or country. As people use the trails, they gain awareness and appreciation for areas, and want to protect them. The American Perimeter Trail is using a similar model to create what could possibly become one of the largest conservation projects in American history with the purpose of:

• Protecting natural and cultural resources
• Creating opportunities for environmental education and interpretation
• Promoting stewardship and volunteerism across the United States

Photos provided by: American Perimeter Trail Conference

Join The Movement

The development of the American Perimeter Trail is being led by a 501c3 nonprofit organization called the American Perimeter Trail Conference (APTC), which is working in partnership with government agencies, trail and conservation organizations, and local communities to establish and maintain the trail. 

The APTC is actively working to promote awareness of the APT and to build support for its development and completion. You can support the effort by visiting the American Perimeter Trail website and becoming a member or signing up as a volunteer.

Hike and Support Your American Perimeter Trail

The American Perimeter Trail route is coming to your favorite hiking apps soon. Please sign up for the American Perimeter Trail newsletter to receive updates and releases on the route. 

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