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
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16
States
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15
Indian Reservations
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1439
Miles of Water Trails
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9000
Auto Route Miles
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Search for things to do along the trail

Explore the Rivers & Trails of the LCHNT

A unique virtual experience

Hauser Hiking Trail
Upper Missouri River Breaks

A trail starting at Hauser Dam and overlooking the Missouri River.

Trailhead: lat: 46.765794328365 long: -111.88708305359
Sherman Creek Trail
Lolo Trail

A part of the Idaho Centennial Trail, the Lewis and Clark Trail can be seen on the north ridge above the Lochsa River. (https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/hiking/centennial-trail/)

Trailhead: lat: 46.42207 long: -115.30437
Taylors Landing
Upper Missouri River Breaks

A boat ramp to the beautiful Missouri River with a peaceful view of the river.

Trailhead: lat: 38.94831 long: -92.53559
Tenday Road
Lemhi Pass

Trailhead: lat: 44.95982 long: -113.64409
Warm Spring Roads CDT Trail
Lemhi Pass

Embark on a historic trail dating back to August 9, 1805, when Lewis, accompanied by a scouting party, ventured away from the main group. Their mission: to discover a portage and establish contact with the…

Trailhead: lat: 44.9740931 long: -113.4450483
Trail of Tears to Cairo
Trail of Tears State Park

The path taken by Chief John Ross on his way to Cairo. (https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=161480)

Trailhead: lat: 37.45684 long: -89.46319
Trail of Tears Overlook
Trail of Tears State Park

A breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Trail of Tears State Park. Car access is available

Trailhead: lat: 37.4490937 long: -89.4764524
Trail of Tears Nature Trail
Trail of Tears State Park

 Here, nine Cherokee Indian groups braved harsh winter conditions while crossing the Mississippi River in 1838-1839, marking a sorrowful chapter in American history. The park also has: shaded picnic sites, hiking and horse trails, opportunities to fish…

Trailhead: lat: 37.4388916 long: -89.480974
Trail of Tears Memorial
Trail of Tears State Park

Explore the Trail of Tears State Park to delve into a somber chapter in American history. Here, nine Cherokee Indian groups crossed the harsh winter Mississippi River in 1838-1839 during their forced relocation to Oklahoma.…

Trailhead: lat: 37.4439902 long: -89.468381
Trail of Tears Access
Trail of Tears State Park

A boat ramp that allows visitors to access the Trail of Tears

Trailhead: lat: 37.4539977 long: -89.4625079
Weitas Meadows

Tucked 35 miles northeast of Pierce, just off Forest Service Road 250, Weitas Campground offers a tranquil escape on the shaded banks of Weitas Creek near the North Fork of the Clearwater River. Accessible via…

Trailhead: lat: 46.4329695 long: -115.4829135
Inmatoon Trail
Lolo Trail

Trailhead: lat: 46.591487591774 long: -114.61413703162

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