Appalachian Trail Centennial Act

This bill strengthens how national historic and scenic trails are cared for by growing partnerships among federal agencies, nonprofits, volunteers, and nearby communities. It highlights the Appalachian Trail’s 2025 centennial and makes the Appalachian Trail Conservancy the lead operational partner for that trail, with similar partnerships allowed for other trails. Trails stay federally administered, while partners help with on-the-ground work like maintenance, planning, and visitor support .

Key points

• Names the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as the lead operational partner within one year; other qualified nonprofits can be named for other trails.
• Sets visitor limits by trail segment to protect resources and manage crowds, rather than one number for the entire trail .
• Studies the economic impact on nearby “gateway” towns and requires regular reports to Congress on trail development and needs (due at 3 years and 5 years, then ongoing) .
• Uses shared planning tools—priority lists—to guide land and resource protection, with progress reports every five years and a process for setting funding priorities for land protection .
• Lets the trail administrator collect permits and fees across jurisdictions and send the money to the right park or state, simplifying the visitor experience.
• Allows extra federal equipment to be transferred to lead partners for trail work, with safeguards on how it’s used.
• Gives partners a clear way to ask the government to act on trespass or property rights problems that harm trail resources; courts can award petition costs if the government takes action.
• Confirms partners do not get new power to control land use; agencies keep their legal authority while working cooperatively with volunteers and nonprofits .
• Opens more funding paths, including the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and encourages cross-agency teamwork to improve trails and visitor services.
• Authorizes funding in 2026–2031 for planning, reports, and building or buying facilities and land for trails.