Archived Outdoors

Benton MacKaye Trail proposal heard in Congress

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Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Benton MacKaye Trail proposal heard in Congress File photo

A hearing before the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands was held July 24 for H.R. 8403 — a bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives calling for a feasibility study of the Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) with the goal of designating the BMT a National Scenic Trail. 

The almost 300-mile trail goes through Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Testifying before the committee on behalf of the Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA) was former BMTA President Ken Cissna.

H.R. 8403 was introduced May 15, 2024, in the U.S. House of Representatives by Steve Cohen (D-TN), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Chuck Edwards (R-NC), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Lucy McBath (D-GA) and Nikema Williams (D-GA). 

The prestigious designation is reserved for trails that epitomize the stunning, natural beauty of America’s wide array of natural landscapes. The trails also offer outstanding recreational opportunities. Only 11 trails have received this honor, including: the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail.

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