The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comment on a draft Visitor Use Management Plan for Virginia’s iconic Triple Crown segment of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. According to the NPS, the plan is in response to the area’s continuous growth in popularity leading to an increase of wear and damage to the segment.
“The draft plan examines management options to support health and human safety and to enhance the protection of natural, cultural, and scenic resources and values while providing visitors with opportunities to be inspired through personal connections with those resources,” Acting Supt. John Cannella stated. ”This is the next step in planning for visitor use and conservation of the trail’s resources.”
Virginia’s Triple Crown consists of three of the most well-known areas along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, including Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs. McAfee Knob alone is known for being the most photographed section of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). The draft management plan suggests ways to better monitor parking lots and overflow, to increase transportation options, and the installation of drainages and erosion-eliminating structures.
The comment period is open until August 31, and can be accessed at NPS’s website.
Cover Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images by S.C. Shank
