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

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Explore the Rivers & Trails of the LCHNT

A unique virtual experience

Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site

Tower Rock

Trailhead: lat: 37.63554 long: -89.51586
The Gateway Arch

Trailhead: lat: 38.6254157 long: -90.1881888
St. Genevieve to Tower Rock

Trailhead: lat: 37.89907 long: -89.82912
Spirit Mound

Trailhead: lat: 42.86804 long: -96.95609
Sherman Creek Road to Liz Butte Road

Trailhead: lat: 46.4228125 long: -115.3043125
Sacajawea Mounument

Trailhead: lat: 44.9700625 long: -113.4439375
Rocky Ridge Lake Road

Trailhead: lat: 46.4388125 long: -115.4924375
Riverfront Park

Trailhead: lat: 39.56506 long: -95.11259
Red Star Access Site

Trailhead: lat: 37.3156208 long: -89.5126263

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