The Trans America Trail
You can find a few versions of the Trans America Trail on the internet. The original is found at TransAmTrail.com, and a another version, the old route, if you search for GPS Kevin. I tend to stick to the official route and add a leg to Cape Hatteras to make it coast-to-coast. I just don't think the files you have to pay for are very good (I paid for them so I know)
It is my opinion that there is room for improvement in the quality of the routes currently available. Anyone who has used TAT GPX routes from other sources has seen for themselves that the GPX line is very "coarse", does not follow roads accurately at times, and in many cases leaves the user to guess at the next turn due to the GPX line being too far off from where the real road is. (see example below) You can certainly find your way, but it's not always intuitive.
There's no reason for routes to be this inaccurate with our modern tech. This is simply due to the shortcomings of GPS devices used many years ago to record the original tracks. Devices are better today so we need better GPX files.
I have travelled the TAT coast to coast twice, recording my tracks each day from start to finish. Then I have imported the tracks into GAIA GPS and hand traced the entire 6,000 miles (~5,957) in 100-mile sections from coast to coast. I have edited out any back-tracks or missed turns, offshoots to motels or lunch stops. The files were created inside of GAIA GPS and therefore match existing roads in the app perfectly. This route is a coast-to-coast option as it was in 2022.
My tracks are designed to be used on the very popular GAIA GPS app using the GAIA OVERLAND or GAIA TOPO layer for best results. However, they are standard GPX files and can be used in any app or standalone GPS device like any other GPX. (Some apps don't like long GPX files so if all else fails, my advice is to use Gaia, its what I test my routes on.) It runs from Cape Hatteras, NC to Port Orford, OR.
My latest TAT crossing was 2022 and this file reflects any new bridges or blocked roads I encountered at that time. The TAT is a constantly evolving route, just as roads and weather are. Use the route as a guide but never feel locked to it. Part of the fun is self-navigating around route closures. No two TAT runs are ever the same and that's part of the enjoyment. Please use the contact page to pass on moto-friendly establishments you encounter along the way. Campgrounds, bike shops, unique food stops, etc. and I will evaluate them for additions to the waypoint files.
Have a safe ride.
