House Passes Congressman Fleischmann’s Benton MacKaye Act

Washington, DC - The House of Representatives passed U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann's (TN-03) bill, H.R. 2768, the Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Stidy Act of 2026. This piece of legislation authorizes the critical next step in naming the Benton MacKaye Trail a National Scenic Trail.
"I was proud to see HR 2768 pass on the House floor. This legislation takes first steps in designating the Benton Mackaye Trail, which stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, a National Scenic Trail. The BMT is long overdue for recognition, and this critical distinction will bring better resources and maintenance to a wonderful and heavily used alternative to the Appalachian," said Congressman Fleischmann.
"The Benton MacKaye Trail runs through Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. Rep. Fleischmann's legislation authorizes a study to determine if the trail can be designated as a National Scenic Trail. I commend Rep. Fleischmann for his dedication to improving outdoor recreation opportunities," said Chairman Westerman.
The Benton MacKaye Trail runs approximately 287 miles from Springer Mountain in North Georgia, through East Tennessee and Western North Carolina, into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ending at Big Creek in the Northeast corner of the park. The Benton MacKaye Trail provides numerous opportunities for easy, moderate, and challenging day hikes, many routes for multi-day backpacking and camping, and of course, for the most serious hikers, end-to-end thru hikes.

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