A National Scenic Trail (NST) is a federally designated trail that is intended to provide high-quality, non-motorized recreation experiences, primarily for hiking and horseback riding.
The National Trails System Act (NTSA) of 1968 established the first NSTs, and additional trails have been added over time. The Alaska Long Trail (ALT) is being considered for this designation, which could have serious consequences for landowners, motorized users, and local communities.
NST designation is not just a title—it comes with federal oversight, land use restrictions, and land acquisitions.
NSTs are primarily non-motorized trails, meaning:
ATVs, snowmachines, dirt bikes, and other motorized vehicles could be prohibited.
Existing motorized trails could be closed or relocated, losing federal funding in the process.
Alaskans who rely on motorized access for recreation, hunting, and subsistence could be impacted.
👉 Example: The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) originally included some motorized sections, but over time, many were phased out or restricted under federal management. The same could happen with the Alaska Long Trail.
NST designation allows the federal government to:
Seek easements or outright acquisitions of private land to expand the trail corridor.
Increase regulatory oversight on lands near the trail, limiting what landowners can do on their own property.
Lead to increased trespassing issues, as more hikers and tourists access areas near private land.
👉 Example: In the lower 48, landowners along NST routes have faced easement pressures and legal battles over access rights. Some had their land condemned for trail expansion.
A federally designated NST will increase out-of-state tourism, bringing in hikers and recreationists who may not be prepared for Alaska’s extreme conditions. This means:
More emergency rescues, increasing costs for local Search & Rescue (SAR) teams, thus increasing costs for taxpayers.
Greater risk of lost hikers, injuries, and fatalities in remote areas.
Higher demand on already stretched local first responders and volunteers.
👉 Example: Popular trails like Denali’s Stampede Trail (of ‘Into the Wild’ fame) have seen increased SAR calls, costing Alaska taxpayers thousands per rescue.
With more foot traffic comes more risk:
Improperly managed campfires could spark wildfires, endangering communities and wildlife.
Increased litter, human waste, and trail degradation will impact fragile ecosystems.
Wildlife disturbances could drive away game animals relied upon by subsistence hunters.
👉 Example: California’s Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) has faced issues with wildfires caused by hikers, forcing costly shutdowns and firefighting efforts.
NSTs are managed by federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), or National Park Service, meaning:
Decisions about the trail will be made in Washington, D.C.—not by Alaskans.
Federal management plans could restrict traditional land uses like trapping, hunting, and resource development.
Once the trail is designated an NST, local communities lose control over its future.
👉 Example: Once a trail is designated an NST, it is extremely difficult to reverse. The federal government controls land use decisions, regardless of local opposition.
If you’re concerned about the Alaska Long Trail becoming a National Scenic Trail, here’s how to take action:
✅ Contact your legislators – Let them know you oppose NST designation for the Alaska Long Trail.
✅ Spread the word – Many people don’t realize the full consequences of NST designation. Share this website!
✅ Join local advocacy groups – Support organizations that protect multi-use recreation and landowner rights.
The Alaska Long Trail is being pushed without full transparency about what NST designation means. Once the trail is designated, it cannot be undone. Alaskans—not federal agencies—should decide the future of our land and trails.