About the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

“The Lewis and Clark Expedition is more than the story of two men. It is the story of many: individuals and groups, military men and scientists, a president and a slave, women and men, French-speaking boatmen and American Indians. It is a story of loss and hope. It is a story of changes that began in 1803 and that continue today.”

~ U.S. National Park Service

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, administered by the National Park Service, is more than 4,900 miles long, traversing sixteen states and many tribal lands, along the historic route of the expedition. Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail was designated by Congress to commemorate the 1803 to 1806 Corps of Discovery expedition through the identification; protection; interpretation; public use and enjoyment; and preservation of historic, cultural, and natural resources associated with the expedition and its place in U.S. and tribal history. This epic journey contributed significant scientific knowledge and profound political, social, economic, cultural, and environmental changes to the peoples and landscapes of the North American continent.

The Trail has over 6,600 miles of designated auto tour route which provides visitors access to the historic route through rich recreational, interpretive, and educational opportunities. Many segments of Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail retain landscape characteristics and a sense of place as seen and experienced by the Corps of Discovery. The Trail links contemporary authentic communities and cultures, including tribes whose connections span thousands of years, to historic, vibrant and living landscapes. Whether traveling the entire length of the Trail or a short day trip to a small segment, your travel experience can be greatly enhanced by the amazing possibilities highlighted on this website.

4900
Miles
16
States
15
Indian Reservations
1439
Miles of Water Trails
9000
Auto Route Miles

Search for things to do along the trail

Explore the Rivers & Trails of the LCHNT

A unique virtual experience

Yellowstone River

Trailhead: lat: 45.511026613548 long: -110.58150009801
Woodhawk Wilderness to Antelope Wilderness

Trailhead: lat: 44.3465999 long: -100.357027
West Point to Hawesville

Trailhead: lat: 38.9262937 long: -84.8647941
West Point Museum

Trailhead: lat: 38.000334367727 long: -85.948092781086
West Point – Elm Street

Trailhead: lat: 37.9994889 long: -85.952838
West Point Boat Access

Trailhead: lat: 37.9995164 long: -85.9435746
West Point

Trailhead: lat: 37.9995164 long: -85.9435746
Travelers Rest State Park

Trailhead: lat: 46.753308 long: -114.0899468
Tower Rock Trail

Trailhead: lat: 47.188617 long: -111.8101938
South Shore Trail

Trailhead: lat: 47.534344 long: -111.2047707
Scuffletown

Trailhead: lat: 38.9262937 long: -84.8647941
Ryan Dam

Trailhead: lat: 47.5695678 long: -111.1240541

Instagram Feed