Bay Area Ridge National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act

Bay Area Ridge National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act

This bill would direct the federal government to conduct a formal study exploring whether a scenic trail running along the ridgelines of the San Francisco Bay Area in California could qualify as a National Scenic Trail. A National Scenic Trail is a federally recognized long-distance trail, similar to famous trails like the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail, that receives federal protection and support. The study would examine whether the proposed route meets the necessary requirements for that designation.

The feasibility study would likely look at factors such as the trail's natural beauty, recreational value, historical significance, and the practical challenges of connecting existing trail segments into one continuous route. It would also examine land ownership issues, costs, and potential impacts on local communities and landowners along the ridge. Importantly, this bill only authorizes a *study* — it does not automatically create or officially designate a new national trail.

This bill would primarily affect residents of and visitors to the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, hikers, conservation groups, and local and state agencies that manage land along the ridgeline. If the study ultimately supports designation, it could bring federal resources and attention to trail maintenance and expansion in the region. For now, the bill has been introduced in the Senate and sent to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, where lawmakers will decide whether to move it forward.