[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 133 (Tuesday, August 6, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE CRAWFORD PATH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHRIS PAPPAS

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 6, 2019

  Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bicentennial 
of the Crawford Path, the oldest continuously maintained hiking trail 
in the United States. For two centuries, the Crawford Path has opened 
New Hampshire's White Mountains to adventure-seekers and nature lovers 
of all backgrounds and abilities.
  Originally built in 1819 by Ethan Allen Crawford and his father, 
Abel, the Crawford Path is one of America's most popular recreational 
trails. Following a mountainous ridgeline across miles of open alpine 
environment, the trail affords impressive views of the peaks and 
valleys of the White Mountains. The trail's convergence with the famed 
Appalachian Trail and its conclusion at the summit of Mt. Washington, 
the tallest peak in the Northeastern U.S., make it an attraction for 
experienced and recreational hikers alike. While the trail's popularity 
affords many visitors the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the 
Granite State, its frequent use has unfortunately caused significant 
degradation of the beloved trail. Maintaining such a well-trodden path 
over such a long time is no small task. I am proud of the White 
Mountain Region's local legacy of over 100 years of active trail 
maintenance, with critical leadership from stakeholders such as the 
U.S. Forest Service and the Appalachian Mountain Club.
  On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional 
District, I want to commemorate the Crawford Path's bicentennial and 
thank all those who have maintained it for their service to our 
community. I thank them for all that they do to make the Granite State 
such a wonderful place, to work, live, and play. Let us celebrate this 
exciting anniversary by committing ourselves to ensuring that Crawford 
Path remains a jewel of the White Mountains for another 200 years.

                          ____________________