Abstract:
This dataset represents the most current depiction of the Appalachian National
Scenic Trail centerline. Locational information used to create this data set
were obtained from both Global Positioning Systems (GPS) survey data collected
between 1998-2001 and information digitized from USGS topographical maps and
Appalachian Trail maps. This data set was developed to provide a depiction of
the
... Appalachian National Scenic Trail in a usable and easily transferable
format between parties so that it can correctly be represented on digital and
printed maps; to assist staff members, agency partners, and trail-maintaining
clubs with trail and land management duties; and to help local planning
agencies, telecommunications companies, and other groups with planning
activities, such as siting new developments that could have a substantial
impact on the scenic quality of the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian National
Scenic Trail is a footpath of approximately 2,169
miles in length that traverses the Appalachian Mountains from Maine to Georgia.
It passes through 14 states and approximately 241 jurisdictions, and links some
75 national and state parks and forests. Virtually every mile is within easy
access of a major population center and some portion of the trail is within a
day's drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population. The idea for an Appalachian
Trail was conceived by forester Benton MacKaye in 1921. In 1925, the
Appalachian Trail Conference, a private not-for-profit organization, was
founded specifically to coordinate the development of the Appalachian Trail.
Its mission today is to preserve, manage, and promote the Appalachian Trail. By
1937, an Appalachian Trail footpath was considered complete and open for all to
enjoy. In 1968, Congress passed the National Scenic Trails Act that created a
system of national scenic trails, starting with the Appalachian Trail and
Pacific Crest Trail. Though considered part of the national park system, the
Appalachian Trail has largely remained managed by the Appalachian Trail
Conference. This responsibility was formally delegated by the Department of the
Interior in 1984. Today, the trail and its associated lands are managed by the
Appalachian Trail Conference, its 31 affiliated trail clubs, and the National
Park Service Appalachian Trail Park Office, in conjunction with several agency
partners including the USDA Forest Service and numerous state park and state
forest agencies. 
