S. 1376: Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025, introduces a proposal to conduct a study regarding the potential designation of the Benton MacKaye Trail as a national scenic trail. The major components of the bill can be summarized as follows:

Background Information

The Benton MacKaye Trail is a scenic hiking route that spans approximately 287 miles across Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. It is characterized by:

• A nonmotorized path that offers various scenic views, including mountains, forests, and waterfalls.
• A route through several designated Wilderness Areas and protected lands, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Access to a variety of hiking experiences suitable for both novice and experienced hikers.
• Support for local economies through tourism and visitor spending on accommodations and supplies.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill calls for the following actions:

• The Secretary of Agriculture will conduct a feasibility study to determine the viability of designating the Benton MacKaye Trail as a national scenic trail.
• This study must be completed and submitted to Congress within one year of the bill becoming law.
• The Secretary is required to consult with interested organizations during the study, including the Benton MacKaye Trail Association.

Reasons for the Study

The rationale behind the study includes several findings, such as:

• The trail has been successfully maintained for years by the Benton MacKaye Trail Association since 1980.
• The majority (95%) of the trail is located on federal lands, facilitating easier maintenance and management.
• The trail presents opportunities for economic and recreational benefits to surrounding communities.

Overall, the bill emphasizes the significance of the Benton MacKaye Trail in terms of recreational use, ecological diversity, and community support, aiming to assess its status and potential as a nationally recognized scenic trail.

Relevant Companies

None found