Trans-America Trail
America's ultimate coast-to-coast dirt adventure
The Trans-America Trail represents the ultimate American overland adventure: 5,000 miles of dirt roads, two-tracks, and forgotten highways connecting Cape Fear, North Carolina to the Pacific Coast at Cannon Beach, Oregon. Conceived by Sam Correro and refined by decades of riders and drivers, the TAT threads through national forests, BLM lands, and rural backroads across 10 states, including iconic sections through Colorado’s high country and Utah’s red rock wilderness.
This isn’t a technical rock crawling route but demands serious preparation for a multi-week expedition across diverse terrain from Appalachian ridges to Rocky Mountain passes exceeding 12,000 feet. Any reliable 4×4 or adventure motorcycle can handle most sections, though some Colorado segments require high clearance. Best tackled May through September with fuel stops planned carefully — some sections run 200+ miles between services. The payoff: seeing America’s backcountry as few ever will.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 5000 mi / 8047 km |
| Duration | 3-6 weeks |
| Max elevation (ft) | 12100 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD or adventure motorcycle |
| Nearest town | Cape Fear, North Carolina |
| Land manager | Multiple agencies |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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