Rep. Huffman Bill to Expand Bay Area Ridge Trail Passes Committee

September 15, 2026

Washington D.C. - Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources advanced legislation led by Representative Jared Huffman to help designate the Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail, bringing the decades-long vision of a continuous trail encircling the Bay Area one step closer to reality. The next step will be a vote by the entire House of Representatives.

The Bay Area Ridge Trail stretches more than 550 miles across nine counties, connecting communities and public lands throughout the region. Rep. Huffman’s legislation, backed by the entire Bay Area congressional delegation, will ensure the next critical step in adding the trail to the National Scenic Trails System and support efforts to complete and preserve it for future generations.

Watch Rep. Huffman's Remarks On The Bay Area Ridge Trail Here

“This is a very important step in the ongoing preservation of one of our region's crown jewels. [...] A national Scenic Trail designation is a fitting recognition that will help complete the trail and put it on par with iconic trails like the Appalachian and the Pacific Crest. This is good company for us to keep,” said Rep. Huffman. “Projects like this start with a vision, but it takes hard work and dedication to make it a reality. I also want to thank my Bay Area colleagues, who have all joined as co-sponsors, demonstrating the deep local support for this initiative.”

With over 415 miles already complete, the trail connects more than 75 parks and open spaces and provides recreational opportunities for hikers, cyclists, tourists, and more across nine Bay Area counties. This bill directs the National Park Service to conduct a feasibility study on making this designation, which is currently held by only 11 trails across the country.

 

The legislation requires the National Park Service to complete the feasibility study within one year, in consultation with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council and relevant federal and state agencies. The trail meets all the required criteria established in the National Trails System Act of 1968 for National Scenic Trail designation, including:

  • Extended trail route of more than 100 miles

  • Provides maximum outdoor recreation potential

  • Provides for enjoyment of nationally significant scenic, historic, and cultural qualities

  • Represents desert, marsh, grassland, mountain, canyon, river, and forest

  • Represents landforms that exhibit significant regional geographic characteristics

  • Connects with side trails, which provide additional public access

Full text of this legislation can be found here.

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