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D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A M A G A Z I N E
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"I believe a multi-use trail is consistent with making the best
use of our recreational and public lands. Of course, a single route
can't always meet all the requirements of hikers, bikers, and
riders," he says. To accommodate varying needs and require-
ments—because bicycles are not permitted in wilderness areas,
plus it's best to keep bikes and horses on separate tracks—there
are two different routes in some areas.
EXPERIENCING THE MONTANA TRAIL
In 2022, Carly Swisher and Fay Reynolds canoed, biked, and
hiked the trail by flip-flopping—starting at one point, then back-
tracking to finish another section—while learning that gumbo
shows no mercy, especially with bike wheels, and the wind is not
to be trifled with on the eastern plains. But no one had tackled the
trail from its Idaho border terminus to Fort Union in one effort.
Costanza was up for the challenge. "Really, it's the same type of
planning as a trail like the CDT or PNT, at least until the paddle or
bike sections past Fort Benton going eastbound. Then, you must
decide if you are paddling, biking, walking, or a mix of both. You
can walk from James Kipp Landing to Fort Peck, so you will need
to plan how you are going to get your kayak or canoe, or bike, to
