H.R. 2768: Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill is known as the Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025. Its main purpose is to assess the feasibility of designating the Benton MacKaye Trail as a national scenic trail.

Key Features of the Bill

The Benton MacKaye Trail is a scenic, nonmotorized trail that is approximately 287 miles long, stretching through parts of Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
It showcases various scenic features including high-elevation peaks, mature forests, and secluded waterfalls.
This trail passes through areas rich in biodiversity, including six designated Wilderness Areas and several national forests, as well as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The trail is accessible for both novice and intermediate hikers, offering an array of hiking opportunities from easy to challenging trails.
It also supports economic growth for several rural communities due to visitor spending on accommodations, food, and outdoor supplies related to the trail.
Starting from Springer Mountain in Georgia, it traverses through Tennessee and North Carolina, ending in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The maintenance of the trail is considered manageable because a significant portion of it (95%) is located on federal land, and the trail has been maintained by the Benton MacKaye Trail Association since 1980.

Study Requirements

The bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study on the feasibility of this designation. This study must be completed within one year of the bill becoming law and should involve consultations with relevant organizations, including the Benton MacKaye Trail Association. The findings from this study must then be submitted to Congress.

Potential Impact

The bill is aimed at evaluating whether the Benton MacKaye Trail should be recognized as a national scenic trail, which could lead to increased federal support and visibility for the trail, potentially enhancing conservation efforts and economic opportunities in the surrounding communities.