The Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA) hosted the Third Annual Clean Trails Day Saturday, October 19.
With a focus on stewardship and conservation, BMTA’s Clean Trails Day promotes safe and responsible hiking, which includes caring for the environment through the simple, yet impactful, act of picking up litter while hiking.
More than 950 visitors turned out for this year’s event at two of the Benton MacKaye Trail’s (BMT) most popular trailheads – Fall Branch Falls and the Swinging Bridge.
First and foremost, BMTA volunteers told hikers about the Leave No Trace principles—a set of outdoor ethics designed to minimize human impact on the environment. The volunteers also answered questions about hiking, backpacking, camping and trail maintenance in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
As participants hiked, they collected trash. Tracy and Shawn Cavanaugh were the 200 and 201 guests to arrive, and the staff figured there would be little trash left for them to pick up.
When the Cavanaughs returned to the trailhead, their bags heavy with trash. They found diapers stuffed in the hollow of a tree!
Tracy added, “I’m a nurse so nothing dirty bothers me.”
But, Clean Trails Day is about much more than just picking up trash.
“Clean Trails Day is about fostering a culture of respect and responsibility among everyone who enjoys the beauty of our trails,” said BMTA President Bob Cowdrick.
“We’re thrilled with the level of participation this year and look forward to continuing this tradition to ensure the Benton MacKaye Trail remains a treasure for future generations.”
Several visitors inquired about the status of the BMTA’s quest to have the BMT designated a National Scenic Trail. Currently, there are bi-partisan bills in the House and the Senate. The bills are asking for a feasibility study for the trail – a critical step to enable the BMT to become a National Scenic Trail.
The Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA) is a volunteer organization dedicated to maintaining and preserving the Benton MacKaye Trail. Named after the visionary who first proposed the Appalachian Trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail spans nearly 288 miles through Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina.
The organization promotes safe and responsible hiking while fostering a sense of community among trail enthusiasts. Together, we are leaving a footprint that future generations will be proud to follow.
For more information about upcoming events and how to get involved with the Benton MacKaye Trail Association, visit the website, bmta.org, or contact Joy Forehand, mailto:jforehand@bmta.org.