American Perimeter Trail
The American Perimeter Trail is a proposed hiking trail system that circumnavigates the continental United States.
The proposed trail system integrates existing trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and portions of the North Country Trail.
History
In July 2019, American professional backpacker Rue McKenrick set off from Bend, Oregon to hike the proposed American Perimeter Trail. He successfully completed hiking the trail on October 8, 2022.An interactive map of the trail was released on May 9, 2023.
In 2024, McKenrick published American Perimeter Trail: Volume 1 West: A 14,000 Mile Journey, a book detailing his experiences on the Trail.
Planning
The American Perimeter Trail Conference is responsible for planning the proposed the trail. As of 2023, McKenrick serves as the executive director.States
Clockwise starting from Oregon, the trail passes through 34 of the 48 continental states.Most of the proposed sections of the trail are in the southern United States. The northern sections of the trail use various existing trails.