American Discovery 250 Relay Announces Iowa Route

6,800-mile journey along the American Discovery Trail to celebrate 250 years of independence

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:54pm

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The American Discovery Trail Society (ADTS) has released the daily schedule for the American Discovery 250 Relay, a 6,800-mile non-motorized journey along the entire American Discovery Trail from California to Delaware. The relay will include a leg from Cedar Rapids to West Branch, Iowa on October 4, 2026, covering 54.9 miles through several local communities.

Why it matters

The American Discovery 250 Relay aims to celebrate the outdoors and 250 years of American independence by engaging runners, hikers, cyclists, wheelchair users, and horseback riders in the longest non-motorized relay in history. The event will bring attention to the American Discovery Trail and encourage participation from local communities along the route.

The details

The American Discovery 250 Relay will start in July 2026 and end around Thanksgiving. The Cedar Rapids to West Branch leg on October 4 will have participants depart downtown Cedar Rapids and proceed through Ely, Solon, Morse, and Oasis before ending in West Branch. Organizers are encouraging interested individuals and teams to register on the ADTS website to participate in the relay.

  • The American Discovery 250 Relay will take place from July to November 2026.
  • The Cedar Rapids to West Branch leg is scheduled for October 4, 2026.

The players

American Discovery Trail Society (ADTS)

The organization hosting the American Discovery 250 Relay, a 6,800-mile non-motorized journey along the entire American Discovery Trail to celebrate 250 years of American independence.

Dave Whitson

The American Discovery 250 Relay Coordinator who released the daily schedule for the event.

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What they’re saying

“Interested participants or teams are asked to register at discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay. Organizers will work with registrants on their relay destinations closer to the start of the event. Runners, cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users and horseback riders are all encouraged to take part. We also encourage interest from those who wish to help with logistics, welcoming events or sponsorships.”

— Dave Whitson, American Discovery 250 Relay Coordinator

What’s next

Organizers will continue to work with registered participants to finalize their relay destinations as the event approaches in July 2026.

The takeaway

The American Discovery 250 Relay provides an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts across the country to come together and celebrate America's natural beauty and history through a unique non-motorized journey along the American Discovery Trail.