Congress·In Progress·H.R. 2768
Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025
Benton MacKaye Trail: National Scenic Trail Study
Legislative Progress
House
Key Points
- Congress is considering a plan to study whether the Benton MacKaye Trail should become an official National Scenic Trail. This trail stretches about 287 miles through Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
- The trail passes through beautiful areas like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and several national forests. It is popular for its waterfalls, high mountain peaks, and deep forests.
- If the bill passes, the Secretary of Agriculture would have one year to report back to Congress on whether the trail meets the requirements for this special national status.
- Supporters say the trail is already well-maintained by volunteers and mostly sits on federal land. They believe national status would help local rural economies by attracting more visitors to buy food and supplies.
Milestones
3 milestones4 actions
Mar 5, 2026
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Mar 5, 2026
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Apr 9, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Apr 9, 2025
Introduced in House
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025
Bill NumberHR 2768
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionOrdered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(3)D: 2R: 1
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