Staff Reports

PARKERSBURG — A national coast-to-coast trail that will be coming through the Mid-Ohio Valley will take center stage in 2026 as the American Discovery Trail Society marks the nation’s 250th anniversary with a months-long relay spanning the country.

The American Discovery 250 Relay will travel the full 6,800 miles of the American Discovery Trail, beginning in July on the West Coast and concluding around Thanksgiving on the East Coast. The American Discovery Trail will be a coast-to-coast trail, running through 15 states and Washington, D.C.

It is expected to go from Point Reyes, California to Cape Henlopen, Delaware in what organizers believe will be the longest non-motorized relay in history.

The relay will go through parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia and Delaware.

Organizers say the relay will pass through communities large and small — including the Mid-Ohio Valley — inviting residents to participate for a day or more, attend local events or share personal stories of growth and adventure. Depending on the areas, people can run, hike or bike during the relay. It depends on available routes.

Participation in the relay is intentionally broad. Runners, cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users and horseback riders are all encouraged to take part, either individually or as part of a team. Organizers are also seeking volunteers to assist with logistics, welcoming events and sponsorships along the route.

The relay is expected to come through the local area around Thursday, Nov. 5 when that leg of the relay will go from Chesterhill to Belpre on a bike/run route.

On Friday, Nov. 6, it will go from Belpre to Pennsboro, W.Va. On a bike route.

On Saturday, Nov. 7 it is scheduled to go from Pennsboro, W.Va. To West Union, W.Va. On a hike route.

There will be a day off on Sunday, Nov. 8.

On Monday, Nov. 9 the next leg of the race will be from West Union, W.Va. to Clarksburg on a run, hike, bike route.

Organizers said locations could shift, based on logistical considerations, event sites or other factors.

“This isn’t about taking the fastest route across the country,” said Dave Whitson, relay director for the American Discovery Trail’s relay to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary. “The trail was designed to connect culturally interesting places with good, walkable routes. It’s about experiencing America along the way.”

More information about the American Discovery Trail and the 250 Relay can be found at discoverytrail.org.

A sign-up sheet is available at secure.qgiv.com