The National Park Service has found three trail segments that could be added to the existing Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail/NPS

The National Park Service has released a draft study regarding a potential extension of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail for public review and comment.

The current designated trail covers about 3,700 miles and runs through 11 states. This Congressionally authorized study of additional “Eastern Legacy” trail segments and historic sites through 14 states is now available for public review and comment. The study finds three trail segments are significant to Lewis and Clark’s considerable preparations before the “Corps of Discovery” expedition could begin and meet the criteria to be added to the National Historic Trail.

The three eligible routes are: the Ohio River from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Louisville, Kentucky, where Lewis purchased his Keelboat and supplies, and began navigating the sandbars of the river; the Ohio River from Louisville to its confluence with the Mississippi River (near present day Cairo, Illinois), where Lewis and Clark met and joined crews; and the Mississippi River from its confluence with the Ohio River to Wood River, Illinois, as they journeyed into new territory and established diplomatic relations.

The remaining 22 routes considered in the study are not found to be eligible for addition to the National Historic Trail, but are appropriate to be recognized at the local, state, or regional level. After a public review of the study, the NPS will finalize it for submission to Congress. Any additions to this trail would require Congressional authorization.