This trail parallels Yellowstone Lake for much of the early portion of the trail. It provides the truly adventurous and experienced hiker or horseback rider access to the most remote backcountry parts of Yellowstone, including the Thorofare Ranger Station. The Ranger Station cabin is located 32 miles away in the southeast corner of the park, known as the Thorofare, and is the farthest dwelling from any road in the lower 48 states. It is one of only four Yellowstone backcountry cabins that remain today. Built in 1915 by the U.S. Army, the facility was used by troops to patrol for poachers. Today the cabin is used by park rangers as a base for backcountry visitor safety, law enforcement, and poacher patrol.