Montana holds the northern terminus of one of America's great long trails. Montana rewards those who step off the pavement, and this pursuit is a case in point.

The CDT runs some 3,100 miles from Mexico to the Canadian border.

What sets it apart

Its final stretch ends at the boundary inside Glacier National Park. Small as it sounds, it is exactly the sort of thing that defines the experience on the ground.

Thru-hikers usually reach Montana in late summer to beat the snow.

Why it matters

Step back, and a bigger picture comes into focus: this is Montana in miniature, rugged and unhurried. Go prepared, respect the conditions, and Montana's backcountry will give back in kind.