Law brings trail one step closer to National Scenic Trail status
Passing legislation is just like walking a trail; it goes one step at a time.
But a recent step in Congress has moved the Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) much closer to becoming a National Scenic Trail.
The 287-mile-long trail winds through North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia, including Gilmer County.
“It’s incredibly good, not only for people who like to recreate on public lands, but it’s also beneficial for trail towns like Ellijay and Blue Ridge,” Bob Cowdrick, president of the Benton MacKaye Trail Association, said.
The Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act passed the Committee on Natural Resources Congress unanimously on March 5, 2026.
Representatives Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn.; Steve Cohen D-Tenn.; Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., and Lucy McBath, D-Ga. sponsored the bill. It passed through committee by unanimous consent
It hasn’t yet passed the House, the Senate or received the signature of President Donald Trump.
The act mandates a two-year feasibility study on the impact of the BMT on private lands it crosses, economic impact and other aspects of the trail.
Often, feasibility studies are about planning the work of creating a trail. But the BMT already exists.
“That should make the feasibility study a lot easier,” Cowdrick said.
After the study, Congress would have to vote again to make the BMT a National Scenic Trail.
Compared to other National Scenic trails, the BMT is on the shorter side. Seven of the 11 trails are longer than 1,000 miles. Of the remainder, two are shorter than the BMT.
For the BMT, this status would make a big difference for several reasons.
“One of the big benefits would be the economic impact,” Cowdrick said.
It’s likely that National Scenic Trail status would bring more attention and encourage more visitors to see the trail.
According to the BMTA’s estimates, the trail could bring in up to $22,000 in tourism spending daily.
“It’s a pretty big impact,” he said.
The new designation would also ensure legal protections and federal money to help support and maintain the trail.
“We’re hoping our representatives and our senators see the value the trail offers,” he said.
In a word, the BMT is “adventurous,” Cowdrick said.
It has few shelters along the way and passes through many wilderness areas.
“My personal favorite area is the start of the trail, where there’s a beautiful overlook,” he said.