Congress·In Progress

Benton MacKaye Trail: National Scenic Trail Study

Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025

3 days ago·View on Congress.gov

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, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.

Mar 5, 2026House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Apr 9, 2025House

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.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(3)

D: 2R: 1

Data Sources

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

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