This information to the Trans-America Path is delivered to you by our pals at Midland USA. Their MicroMobile two-way radios are a favourite amongst overlanders who rely upon dependable communication on and off the path.
Iconic trails just like the Pacific Crest Path and Appalachian Path showcase our nation’s pure magnificence by way of mountaineering. Well-known roads like Route 66, Pacific Coast Freeway, and the Blue Ridge Parkway spotlight scenic landscapes by way of paved freeway. However what about those that wish to enterprise off the pavement however keep on wheels?
Enter the Trans-America Path. The TAT is a 4×4 automobile route that stretches 5,000 miles throughout the decrease 48 whereas avoiding paved roads as a lot as doable. The primary vacationers of the TAT are dual-sport bike riders and overlanders who common about 200 miles per day winding via stunning American landscapes from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific.
In case you discover pleasure within the challenges of navigating off the overwhelmed path, then this epic overlanding route may be the journey you’re in search of.
The Trans-America Path was based by passionate dual-sport bike rider Sam Correro, who spent 12 years working to carry the path to fruition. Sam wished to share his ardour for off-road exploration.
So in 1984, he set off to create an off-pavement, cross-country path of epic proportions. Sam’s route makes use of public roads, virtually solely. The Trans-America Path doesn’t cross any non-public land, due to this fact your journey ought to by no means be minimize brief by a locked gate.
Navigating the Trans-America Path
Sam is passionate concerning the offroading path and sharing that pleasure with others. After 30 years, he nonetheless rides the route and updates TAT navigation assets frequently to maintain up with any non-public and public property adjustments which will have an effect on navigation.
He additionally makes himself available for questions and suggestions concerning the route. He’s very happy to help you on planning your TAT journey. Sam has created a route that will get off the pavement however stays near companies, meals, and lodging.
His web site, TransAMTrack.com, is the unique useful resource for maps, roll-charts, and GPS Tracks – vacationers ought to keep away from utilizing different GPS information which will incorrectly lead them via non-public lands. Based on Sam’s web site, there are a number of different sources offering inaccurate (and unlawful) path navigation via non-public property. Authorities have been made conscious and are issuing citations to trespassers, due to this fact it’s vital to solely use the official navigation assets offered by Sam on TransAMTrack.com.
Relying on the way you select to expertise the TAT, there are a number of navigation assets obtainable to you together with GPS tracks, roll charts, and maps. To maintain you protected and your journey enjoyable, Sam recommends utilizing a number of navigation instruments and dependable communication like a dash-mounted MicroMobile or handheld two-way radio. A lot of the route is out of cell tower vary, so drivers will be unable to depend on their cell telephones for navigation or communication. In case you’re in a pinch you should use the offline maps and campgrounds of The Dyrt PRO to seek out the free public lands close to you.
Maps
Sam’s maps present a 20,000-foot view of the route. His maps embody deliberate stops for meals, drink, gasoline, upkeep, and lodging choices alongside the path. A few of these choices even embody houses, ranches, and companies that help the adventurous spirit of the TAT and lengthen pleasant hospitality alongside the route.
Roll Charts
If you will embark on the path with a dual-sport bike, then the TAT roll charts are for you. These rolls of paper, additionally referred to as route sheets or highway books, present flip by flip directions. Riders can simply view the following route instruction via a small viewing window of the roll chart holder mounted on the handlebars.
Whereas GPS is just not required, and riders can navigate all the path with roll charts, it is suggested that you simply additionally use GPS.
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GPS Tracks
In case you’re tackling the TAT along with your overlanding rig, then the GPS tracks together with maps will assist navigate you throughout the nation. It needs to be famous that GPS tracks and GPS routes are usually not the identical factor.
A GPS route is for a sequence of predefined paths that allow you to navigate to a particular vacation spot. In case you take a incorrect flip, the GPS route will recalculate your path based mostly in your present location.
GPS tracks are like breadcrumb trails from earlier vacationers. Against GPS routes, tracks are once you wish to comply with a particular path. In contrast to the previous, if you happen to take a incorrect flip, the GPS observe will redirect you again to your authentic path reasonably than recalculating a brand new one.
They help you recreate the precise path another person accomplished earlier than you. Subsequently, that is the GPS navigation Sam has offered for the TAT.
Earlier than heading out, we suggest getting your self accustomed to your navigation instruments and assets. Discover ways to use a compass and take an orienteering class to cut back your probabilities of getting misplaced.
Routes of the TAT
Picture from TransAMTrack.com
There are 4 routes of the TAT — the primary Trans-America Path and three spur routes. The three facet routes are the Shadow of the Rockies, the Atlantic Ocean Spur, and the Pacific Ocean spur. The spurs add extra overlanding miles and alternatives to discover nice American landscapes.
TAT overlanders can select their place to begin anyplace alongside the route. Nevertheless, drivers ought to know that the Trans-America Path, maps, and roll charts have been particularly designed to navigate from East to West.
The routes are each sensible and scenic. Sam’s considerate planning showcases the fantastic thing about our wildlands whereas taking the guesswork out of discovering a spot to relaxation. This implies you may select to sleep below the celebrities by tenting or you may settle into one thing a bit extra snug at certainly one of his lodging suggestions.
Sadly, Sam’s maps and roll charts don’t embody campgrounds, state parks, or nationwide parks. Don’t fear although, there are limitless tenting choices alongside the way in which.
Discover free campgrounds out of your automobile with out WiFi. The Dyrt PRO permits you to obtain maps and campgrounds with out cell service. “My different to utilizing professional could be to drive again out to cell service.”
The Major Route of the Trans-America Path
The primary route of the Trans-America Path takes in an enormous number of terrain and landscapes. The TAT begins in West Virginia and heads into Georgia earlier than it turns and heads west. Close to the Utah-Nevada border the path goes north in the direction of Idaho after which cuts again east via Wyoming and South Dakota.
The TAT takes drivers via and close to a lot of our nice nationwide parks. Listed below are the Nationwide Parks closest to the primary route:
Shadow of the Rockies Spur
Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park // Picture from The Dyrt camper Alicia V.
The Shadow of the Rockies spur begins simply exterior of El Paso, Texas and heads north crossing the TAT on the northern New Mexico border and reconnecting the the TAT on the Wyoming-Colorado border.
It needs to be no shock that the Shadow of the Rockies route is a really rocky one. After leaving the favored ghost city of St. Elmo, this spur takes overlanders over the notorious Tin Cup Go.
This difficult rocky move is likely one of the highest mountain roads in Colorado. Riders have the choice to skip this part of technical terrain. Sam offered an alternate path to bypass Tin Cup Go by going via Buena Vista and Cottonwood Go.
This spur presents vacationers the possibility to make a facet journey to the continental divide and go to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. Go to the tallest sand dunes in North America and discover the distinctive terrain of the close by Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park.
Atlantic Ocean Spur
At 469 miles, the Atlantic Ocean Spur (AOS) is the shortest of the three spurs. Riders can journey from Nags Head on the outer banks of the Atlantic via Shenandoah Nationwide Park into Burnsville, Virginia.
As a result of densely populated east coast, the primary half of this spur is pavement. The second half greater than makes up for it with stunning winding roads via rural countryside and luxurious forests. Riders are certain to get pleasure from taking within the rolling mountain views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Pacific Ocean Spur
The Oregon Coast at Humbug Mountain State Park close to Port Orford // Picture from The Dyrt camper Jesse H.
This 800-mile spur takes riders from the TAT all the way in which to the Pacific Ocean. The side-route leaves the TAT in Emmett, Idaho and takes drivers throughout Oregon to Port Orford on the coast. This part of path showcases the luxurious inexperienced fantastic thing about the Pacific Northwest.
As a result of distant nature of a lot of this part, it is suggested that you simply monitor your gasoline and water rigorously. Oregon’s many nationwide forests and public lands supply ample tenting alternatives.
This brief spur doesn’t get as near nationwide parks as the opposite routes. Nevertheless, if you happen to don’t thoughts a number of extra miles behind the wheel you may go to two Pacific Northwest gems — Crater Lake Nationwide Park and The Redwoods.
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