National Scenic Trails

National Scenic Trails are primarily non-motorized continuous trails and most extend for 100 miles or more. The routes traverse beautiful terrain and connect communities, significant landmarks and public lands.

› Appalachian Trail: 2,190 miles in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina.

› Arizona Scenic Trail: 800 miles in Arizona.

› Continental Divide National Scenic Trail: 3,100 miles in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico.

› Florida National Scenic Trail: 1,300 miles in Florida.

› Ice Age National Scenic Trail: 1,000 miles in Wisconsin.

› Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail: 65 miles in Mississippi.

› New England Trail: 215 miles in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

› North Country National Scenic Trail: 4,600 miles in Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and

Wisconsin.

› Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail: 2,650 miles in California, Oregon and Washington.

› Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail: 1,200 miles in Idaho, Montana and Washington.

› Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail: 710 miles in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Source: National Park Service

Benton MacKaye Trail Association

The Benton MacKaye Trail Association was founded in 1980. When the trail crossed the border into Tennessee in 1987, the association celebrated the completion of 93 miles of trail. The grand opening for the entire trail was held in 2005, according to association officials. Today, approximately 95% of the nearly-300-mile route is on public lands in Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina managed by either the U.S. Forest Service or the National Park Service.