"Wake up, drink coffee, eat oatmeal, break camp. Walk, walk, climb, walk, walk, go down, walk, climb." -- Karen Berger, Hiking the Triple Crown. When beginning hikers first think about hiking, they may think about walking and climbing, what to eat, and where to sit. But what is the ultimate goal of a hiker? What motivates him to go the extra mile or an extra day? The accomplishment of it all, the sleep, the cuts, the scrapes, the bruises, the will to keep going. The beauty and horror of it all, the will to keep going gives a sense of accomplishment above all else. The hiker's goal may very well be to expand the essence of his or her individualism, in a sense of being as free and persistent as the trail itself. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) extends from Mexico to Canada for a distance of 3,100 meters. kilometers. Its fascinating landscapes include Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. There are many deadly forms of wildlife, from poisonous plants to aggressive animals such as rattlesnakes, bears and wolves. Although not fully established, this trail is suitable for an experienced hiker, who may have previously hiked trails such as the Appalachian Trail. “In 1978, Congress amended the National Trails Act of 1968 to form the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, but more than 30 years later the trail remains unfinished” (Boyer 1). The lack of clearly defined paths poses immense difficulties; therefore, maps are strongly recommended to help hikers find the safest route, while respecting their independence. Another main purpose of maps is to navigate through unfinished paths. For decades, the CDT was a barrier to westward migration from the United States. Given the famous obstacles, ...... middle of paper ...... hikers to experience the wilderness as originally planned. With unpredictable weather, wildlife, etc. Where hikers have the freedom to make their own decisions. Even though the tangible dangers hamper the journey that one may face while on the trail, the desire, attitude, and love of hiking may be what keeps them aspiring to the next level. Given the circumstances, the trail is truly an invitation to infinity. freedom that one can experience by being away from the rest of the world and devoting oneself to nature. Works Cited Berger, Karen. Hike the Triple Crown. Seattle: The Mountaineers Books, 2001. Print. Boyer, Mark. “A guide to crossing the continental border. » Learn how it all works, June 12, 2012. Internet. March 26, 2014. “Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.” The Bureau of Land Management. Np, June 14, 2012. Internet. March 26. 2014.