The American Discovery Trail, as a 3D map you can hold
The American Discovery Trail is a system of recreational trails and roads that collectively form a coast-to-coast hiking and biking trail across the mid-tier of the United States.
See the American Discovery Trail in 3D →Free to explore in your browser. No sign-up needed.
Made to order by a partner print workshop, in your own country wherever we can. 2 to 4 days to print, 3 to 5 weeks door to door. Damaged or misprinted? Reprinted or refunded.
American Discovery Trail route map
The full route on a topographic map. Drag and zoom to explore it.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, SRTM. Map style © OpenTopoMap (CC BY-SA).
About the American Discovery Trail
The American Discovery Trail is a system of recreational trails and roads that collectively form a coast-to-coast hiking and biking trail across the mid-tier of the United States. Horses can also be ridden on much of this trail. The coastal trailheads are the Delmarva Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and the northern California coast on the Pacific Ocean. The trail has northern and southern alternates for part of its distance, passing through Chicago or St. Louis respectively. The total length of the trail, including both the north and south routes, is 6,800 miles (10,900 km). The northern route covers 4,834 miles (7,780 km) with the southern route being 5,057 miles (8,138 km). It is the only non-motorized coast-to-coast trail in the United States.
Adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Route geometry from OpenStreetMap contributors.
About this route in 3D
Open the designer and the real American Discovery Trail becomes a solid topographic model: the route rides on top of true elevation terrain, surrounding peaks and valleys included, with automatic place labels for the towns and landmarks along the way.
Everything is editable. Swap in your own dates, rename the labels, change the base shape, or replace the route entirely with the trip YOU took. The model you see is the model you get, as a watertight file ready for any 3D printer, or as a finished print made by us.
How it works
- Open the American Discovery Trail in our 3D designer. Real terrain, real elevation, in your browser.
- Make it yours: use your own route, dates, labels, size and shape.
- Download the printable STL file, or order a finished 3D print. We ship to 50 countries, with optional wood frame and LED base.
Common questions
- Is this the real terrain of the American Discovery Trail?
- Yes. The 3D model is built from real elevation data, so every climb, ridge and valley along the American Discovery Trail appears at true relative height.
- Can I use my own route instead?
- Yes. The designer accepts your Google Timeline export, geo-tagged photos, or a route you draw by hand. The American Discovery Trail is just the starting point.
- How do I get the finished model?
- Two ways: download a printable STL or GLB file for your own 3D printer, or order a finished print and we make it and ship it. We deliver to 50 countries, with optional wood frame and LED base.
- Can I download the American Discovery Trail as an STL file for my own 3D printer?
- Yes. The printable STL (or GLB) file of the American Discovery Trail costs $10, one token, and is watertight and ready to slice. You can also change the size, base shape and labels before you export it.