Route Planning 101

Wonder how WAAM's routes are planned? Here's Jimmy, from Texas, with the details.

Mark (MA), Jim (NJ), Teddy (PA) and Jimmy (TX) reviewing the route from Silver Spring to DC.

Planning a long-distance walk across counties, cities or states requires more than being physically and mentally fit. Here's a basic list of considerations when planning your route:

Choosing a Route:

• Identify your start and end point while considering the local history and community outreach goals along your path.

• Utilize mapping tools like Google Earth, Google Maps, Komoot or AllTrails for pedestrian-friendly routes.

• For safety, choose secondary or urban roads over highways. Look for sidewalks, bicycle lanes, wide shoulders, multiple traffic lanes, direction of traffic flow and traffic speed limits.

  • Multiple car lanes allow cars to be re-routed around the marchers to avoid obstructing the flow of traffic.

  • Traveling with the direction of traffic allows support vehicles to remain effective.

  • Check the speed limits to gauge the level of safety required.

• Avoid (if possible) restricted-access highways such as interstates (additional steps are needed to maintain safety when traversing along or across major highways).

• If there are support vehicles, will they be able to maintain line of sight with the marchers at all points along the route?

Safety First -- Keep Yourself Protected On The Road:

• Make note of each county, city or state you will be marching through to properly liaise with police.

  • If applicable, communicate specific route sections of concern to help local law enforcement manage their resources and make it more likely that they will provide assistance.

• Share your route and daily check-ins with someone that is not participating in the march.

• Carry a paper map or directions as backup.

• Stay aware of traffic and avoid walking in low visibility conditions.

Break The Journey Into Daily Milestones:

• A comfortable daily walking target for most people is 8–12 miles. 

• Consider the age range of the participants and set realistic daily goals based on ambient temperature, terrain and fitness level.

• Identify rest points with bathrooms along the way -- parks, retail food establishments and convenience stores make natural breaks. 

Plan Your Overnight Stops If Your Walk Spans Multiple Days:

• Identify organizations that can potentially support the march with lodging -- pay attention to religious and civic groups.

• Identify hotels or campgrounds.

Allow Flexibility Within Your Plan:

• Identify towns with public transit or rideshare services along the route.

• Build buffer time for road construction, weather, injury or fatigue.

• Map out reliable water refill locations (stores, parks, gas stations) or consider having a support team.

A well-planned route transforms a long walk from a challenge into a community-building experience. Keep these basics in mind and stay flexible.

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