Sun Belt Trail

SUN BELT TRAIL

The top layer of the map below is the main route. Hidden layers (grey and dark blue icons) represent alternate routes and access. Several major intersections with hiking trails are also shown. To see the index of map layers, click the upper left icon. To view the map in a new browser window, click the upper right icon.

The above map is for Auto Touring on the Sun Belt Trail. Cycling, hiking, and canoeing and kayaking opportunities are being developed. Information will be provided and updated on a secondary map. Access a written description of the auto route.

THE SUN BELT TRAIL

The Sun Belt Trail connects the Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains by crossing the Interior Highlands, Mississippi Delta, Southern Great Plains, Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field and Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The Sun Belt Trail is a multimodal trail corridor that provides opportunities for auto touring, cycling, hiking, and canoeing and kayaking.

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ABOUT THE SUN BELT TRAIL

Sun Belt Trail Route A (Auto) is described and in use. Route B (Bike) will be described soon for cyclists. Opportunities to use Routes C and D on waterways and footpaths will also be presented soon, while the next major goal to complete a hiking route within the Sun Belt Trail Corridor between the Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail is in the works.

The completion of the Sun Belt Trail for thru-hiking (with the necessary lodging) will complete a national network of over 16,000 miles of continuous hiking trails, connecting the Appalachian Trail and North Country Trail in the east with the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail and Pacific Crest Trail in the west, an accomplishment on par with Canada's 15,000 mile Great Trail.

The Sun Belt Trail offers: A 6,000 mile regional network for cycling; a 3,000 mile connected scenic driving corridor (with additional described return loops for mid way starting points, like Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma City); And, over 900 miles of the 2,500 mile waterway that will be described for users.

The Sun Belt Trail intersects and provides connections to numerous historic and scenic trails, including the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, Unicoi Turnpike, Trail of Tears, Natchez Trace, Historic Route 66, Ozark Trails Highway, Chisholm Trail, Santa Fe Trail, Old Spanish Trail, El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, and many more.

The Sun Belt Trail connects major U.S. cities (Dallas, Fort Worth, Little Rock, Memphis, Huntsville, Chattanooga and others) to national recreation trails. It connects other major cities, like Jackson and Nashville (by the Natchez Trace), Oklahoma City and San Antonio (by Amtrak), Houston (by future high-speed rail), Amarillo and Santa Fe to national recreation trails.

Bookended by unique cities, Albuquerque and Atlanta, Taos and Cherokee, the corridor traverses natural, agricultural, industrial, rural and urban landscapes, along with many of the nation's most iconic places. In addition to recreational opportunities and economic benefits for many communities on the Sun Belt Trail Corridor, the trail organization and its related associations will plan and host cultural and educational events for the connected communities.

Timing: 2021 marks the 100 year anniversary of Benton MacKaye's concept for the Appalachian Trail, with the 100 year anniversary of the first section of trail that opened coming in 2023. The Sun Belt Trail honors and celebrates this tremendous national accomplishment by connecting the Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide (hiking and cycling trails), as well as the Natchez Trace, Ouachita National Recreation Trail, and others to promote greater access and use of the national trails for hikers, runners, cyclists, paddlers and auto tourists who seek recreational opportunities.

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