Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of...
To amend the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Benton MacKaye Trail as a national scenic trail.
This bill, HB2768, aims to study the possibility of adding the Benton MacKaye Trail to the list of national scenic trails. It was introduced in the House on April 9, 2025, and has since moved through several stages. The bill was passed by the House Committee on Natural Resources on April 2, 2026, and was then approved by the full House on June 2, 2026. As of June 3, 2026, the bill has been sent to the Senate for further consideration.
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Agriculture to evaluate the trail’s suitability for a national scenic trail designation, which could enhance its protection, maintenance, and public access. The Benton MacKaye Trail, currently a popular hiking route, would benefit from potential federal support and recognition if the study deems it feasible.
The bill has seen bipartisan support, with sponsors from both Democratic and Republican parties, indicating a broad agreement on the potential value of this scenic trail. It currently awaits further action in the Senate, where it will be reviewed and potentially debated before any final decision is made.
