HELENA — The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) will visit Montana communities along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) in late September. The community-centered tour will consist of events to support communities in the northern portion of the Continental Divide landscape.

The events will take place in official CDT Gateway Communities and encourage businesses to learn more about the potential benefit of their proximity to the world-renowned National Scenic Trail. Events are scheduled from September 25 - 29. 

CDTC provides support through the Gateway Community program for towns and counties that promote awareness and stewardship of the 3,100-mile-long trail. These communities are also known for creating a welcoming environment for CDT travelers. Montana currently has four designated CDT Gateway Communities– Lincoln, Anaconda, Butte, and Helena.

“Trail towns and Gateway Communities are a rich part of the Continental Divide experience,” said Liz Schmit, the CDTC Community and Outreach Program manager who is spearheading the tour.

“Our goal is to provide support for these communities and to work together to promote all the CDT has to offer,” Schmit added.

As part of the tour, CDTC will host Small Business Roundtable events in Helena and Butte. The Helena Roundtable will take place on Tuesday, September 26 from 4:30 - 6:00 PM at 10 Mile Creek Brewery. The Butte Roundtable will take place on Thursday, September 28 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM at Butte Brewery. 

Participants at each roundtable will learn about the Continental Divide Trail and the CDTC Small Business Program. The program is designed to help local businesses embrace and benefit from their proximity to the Continental Divide Trail. CDTC will be providing food at each event and there will be discounts on attendees’ first beverage. 

On Wednesday, September 27 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM, the CDTC will be hosting an evening of discussions about outdoor recreation in Anaconda in collaboration with the Anaconda Trail Society, Discover Anaconda, and Pintler’s Portal Hostel. The event will include presentations about recreation as an economic driver, building a healthy outdoor community, and Continental Divide Trail Gateway Communities. Complimentary food will be provided from Jordi’s Cantina. 

The CDTC is also conducting a Small Business Survey in communities along the Continental Divide Trail from September 17 to November 17. 

For more information, visit continentaldividetrail.org/small-business-survey or contact Liz Schmit: lschmit@continentaldividetrail.org, 708-738-3469.

 

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About the Continental Divide Trail 

Established by Congress in 1978, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) is one of the world’s premier long-distance hiking trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. The CDT is the highest, most challenging, and most remote of the United States’ 11 National Scenic Trails. Thousands of visitors enjoy outdoor recreation activities on the CDT each year. 

 

About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition 

Founded in 2012, the mission of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition is to complete, promote, and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The CDTC will do this by building a strong and diverse trail community, providing up-to-date information to the public, and encouraging conservation and stewardship of the trail, its corridor, and surrounding landscapes.