It could soon be a National Scenic Trail
Gilmer County residents and visitors have long enjoyed the scenic beauty of the Benton MacKaye Trail. Now it’s one step closer to Congressional designation as America’s 12th National Scenic Trail.
A bill to perform a feasibility study for designating the trail as a National Scenic Trail has just passed out of a Senate committee.
“This is a major step forward for the Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA) and everyone who cherishes the beauty, solitude, and challenge the trail offers,” BMTA President Bob Cowdrick said.
National Scenic Trail designation will help protect the trail for future generations of hikers.
Under it, the Benton MacKaye can receive a federal manager and additional protection.
BMTA Communications Director Joy Forehand said a National Scenic Trail designation will likely bring major tourism along the trail as well.
“It’s going to draw a lot of people,” she said. “And of course they’ll be going to restaurants, grocery stores, et cetera.”
The bill has bipartisan support from Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), John Ossoff (D-GA) and Ted Budd (R-NC).
“This bipartisan legislation is a key step towards strengthening Georgia’s forests and green spaces, creating a bridge to connect communities, and investing in our rural economies,” Warnock said in a press release.
If this bill passes, the Secretary of Agriculture will complete a feasibility study about making the Benton MacKaye Trail a National Scenic Trail.
The study should be completed a year after the bill passes at the latest.
Then, Congress can decide whether to give the trail this designation.
The Benton MacKaye Trail is a roughly 287-mile walking trail through the Appalachian Mountains that connects communities in Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina.
Along the way, those walking it can enjoy blooming flowers, flowing rivers, sweeping views and more.
The trail also passes the Cohutta, Big Frog and Joyce-Kilmer/Slickrock Wilderness Areas.
According to a press release by the BMTA, the trail “serves as an economic pillar for nearby towns, strengthening rural economies while preserving their natural and cultural heritage.”