Appalachian Trail Centennial Act

House Bill

H.R. 5134

119th Congress

Appalachian Trail Centennial Act

In Committee

Introduced:Sep 4, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Donald Beyer

D - VA

Cosponsors

2

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Summary

The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act enhances preservation, maintenance, and management of national scenic and historic trails by codifying cooperative management principles pioneered on the Appalachian Trail. It recognizes the centennial of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (2025) and establishes frameworks for volunteer organizations, designated operational partners, and gateway communities.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act enhances preservation, maintenance, and management of national scenic and historic trails by codifying cooperative management principles pioneered on the Appalachian Trail. It recognizes the centennial of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (2025) and establishes frameworks for volunteer organizations, designated operational partners, and gateway communities.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Codifies cooperative management model for national trails
Celebrates centennial of Appalachian Trail Conservancy in 2025
Establishes Designated Operational Partner framework for trail management
Recognizes volunteer organizations essential to trail maintenance
Distinguishes administration (federal) from management and operation (partners)

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Benefits hikers and outdoor recreation community through improved trail preservation. Supports volunteer trail clubs that maintain thousands of miles of trails. Provides clearer legal framework for public-private partnerships in trail management. Gateway communities benefit from recognition of their role in trail access.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

5134, 119th Congress (2025). "Appalachian Trail Centennial Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hr-5134