{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/10.1-203.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/10.1-203.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/10.1-203.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/10.1-203.html"}],"law_id":64297,"edition_id":1,"section_id":64297,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-203","catch_line":"Establishment, protection and maintenance of Appalachian Trail","history":"1971, Ex. Sess., c. 136, \u00a7 10-21.3:1; 1972, c. 413; 1984, cc. 739, 750; 1988, c. 891.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Appalachian Trail shall be developed and administered primarily as a footpath, consonant with the provisions of the National Trails Systems Act applicable to the Appalachian Trail as part of the National Scenic Trails System, and its natural scenic beauty shall be preserved insofar as is practicable. The use of motorized vehicles by the general public along the trail is prohibited, and violation of this prohibition shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, the owner of private land over which the trail passes may use or authorize use of motorized vehicles on or across the trail for purposes incident to ownership and management of the land and the Department may authorize use of the trail by motorized emergency vehicles. The Department may permit other uses of the trail and land acquired hereunder, by the owner of adjoining land or others, in a manner and for purposes that will not substantially interfere with the primary use of the trail. Furthermore, the Department may grant temporary or permanent rights-of-way across lands acquired under this section, under terms and conditions deemed advisable. Nothing in this section shall limit the right of the public to pass over existing public roads which are part of the trail, or prevent the Department from performing work necessary for forest fire prevention and control, insect, pest and disease control, and the removal of damage caused by natural disaster. The Department may enter into cooperative agreements with agencies of the federal government or with private organizations to provide for the maintenance of the trail. A person who has granted a right-of-way for the trail across his land, or his successor in title, shall not be liable to any user of the trail for injuries suffered on that portion of the trail unless the injuries are caused by his willful or wanton misconduct.B\n\nThe Department is authorized to (i) enter into written cooperative agreements with landowners, private organizations and individuals and (ii) acquire by agreement, gift or purchase land, rights-of-way and easements for the purpose of establishing, protecting and maintaining a walking trail right-of-way across the Commonwealth, under such terms and conditions, including payment by the Department of property taxes on trail lands or property so acquired or subject to such use, as shall protect the interests of the actual or adjacent landowners or land users and as shall further the purposes of this section. Any department or agency of the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision, may transfer to the Department land or rights in land for these purposes, on terms and conditions as agreed upon, or may enter into an agreement with the Department providing for the establishment and protection of the trail.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":234022,"text":"The Appalachian Trail shall be developed and administered primarily as a footpath, consonant with the provisions of the National Trails Systems Act applicable to the Appalachian Trail as part of the National Scenic Trails System, and its natural scenic beauty shall be preserved insofar as is practicable. The use of motorized vehicles by the general public along the trail is prohibited, and violation of this prohibition shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, the owner of private land over which the trail passes may use or authorize use of motorized vehicles on or across the trail for purposes incident to ownership and management of the land and the Department may authorize use of the trail by motorized emergency vehicles. The Department may permit other uses of the trail and land acquired hereunder, by the owner of adjoining land or others, in a manner and for purposes that will not substantially interfere with the primary use of the trail. Furthermore, the Department may grant temporary or permanent rights-of-way across lands acquired under this section, under terms and conditions deemed advisable. Nothing in this section shall limit the right of the public to pass over existing public roads which are part of the trail, or prevent the Department from performing work necessary for forest fire prevention and control, insect, pest and disease control, and the removal of damage caused by natural disaster. The Department may enter into cooperative agreements with agencies of the federal government or with private organizations to provide for the maintenance of the trail. A person who has granted a right-of-way for the trail across his land, or his successor in title, shall not be liable to any user of the trail for injuries suffered on that portion of the trail unless the injuries are caused by his willful or wanton misconduct.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":234023,"text":"The Department is authorized to (i) enter into written cooperative agreements with landowners, private organizations and individuals and (ii) acquire by agreement, gift or purchase land, rights-of-way and easements for the purpose of establishing, protecting and maintaining a walking trail right-of-way across the Commonwealth, under such terms and conditions, including payment by the Department of property taxes on trail lands or property so acquired or subject to such use, as shall protect the interests of the actual or adjacent landowners or land users and as shall further the purposes of this section. Any department or agency of the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision, may transfer to the Department land or rights in land for these purposes, on terms and conditions as agreed upon, or may enter into an agreement with the Department providing for the establishment and protection of the trail.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14736,"edition_id":1,"name":"State Parks","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14710,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:49:37","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:49:37","permalink":{"id":143615,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14736,"identifier":"1","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1","url":"\/10.1\/I\/2\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":14710,"edition_id":1,"name":"Parks and Recreation","identifier":"2","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12893,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:49:27","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:49:27","permalink":{"id":143613,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14710,"identifier":"2","token":"10.1\/I\/2","url":"\/10.1\/I\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12893,"edition_id":1,"name":"Activities Administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation","identifier":"I","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12740,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:59","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:59","permalink":{"id":143315,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12893,"identifier":"I","token":"10.1\/I","url":"\/10.1\/I\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12740,"edition_id":1,"name":"Conservation","identifier":"10.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":143313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12740,"identifier":"10.1","token":"10.1","url":"\/10.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":60384,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-200","catch_line":"Duties related to parks and outdoor recreation; additional powers","url":"\/10.1-200\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-200","metadata":false},{"id":56518,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-200.01","catch_line":"Lyme disease signage","url":"\/10.1-200.01\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-200.01","metadata":false},{"id":82737,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-200.1","catch_line":"State park master planning","url":"\/10.1-200.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-200.1","metadata":false},{"id":65516,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-200.2","catch_line":"Littering in state parks; civil penalty","url":"\/10.1-200.2\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-200.2","metadata":false},{"id":64528,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-200.3","catch_line":"Admittance and parking in state parks; prohibitions; civil penalty","url":"\/10.1-200.3\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-200.3","metadata":false},{"id":80467,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-201","catch_line":"Acquisition of lands of scenic beauty, recreational utility or historical interest","url":"\/10.1-201\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-201","metadata":false},{"id":56447,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-202","catch_line":"Gifts, funds, and fees designated for state parks; establishment of funds","url":"\/10.1-202\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-202","metadata":false},{"id":58975,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-202.1","catch_line":"Golden Passport established; free entry into state parks","url":"\/10.1-202.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-202.1","metadata":false},{"id":71638,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-202.2","catch_line":"Disabled Veteran's Passport established; free entry into state parks and discounted services","url":"\/10.1-202.2\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-202.2","metadata":false},{"id":67571,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-202.3","catch_line":"Virginia National Guard Passport established; free entry into and parking at state parks","url":"\/10.1-202.3\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-202.3","metadata":false},{"id":64297,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-203","catch_line":"Establishment, protection and maintenance of Appalachian Trail","url":"\/10.1-203\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-203","metadata":false},{"id":87016,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-204","catch_line":"Statewide system of trails","url":"\/10.1-204\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-204","metadata":false},{"id":56839,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-204.1","catch_line":"(Expires January 1, 2027) State Trails Advisory Committee established; report","url":"\/10.1-204.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-204.1","metadata":false},{"id":80845,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-205","catch_line":"Management of False Cape State Park","url":"\/10.1-205\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-205","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":67571,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-202.3","catch_line":"Virginia National Guard Passport established; free entry into and parking at state parks","url":"\/10.1-202.3\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-202.3","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":87016,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-204","catch_line":"Statewide system of trails","url":"\/10.1-204\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-204","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/10.1-203\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1972, chapter 413; in 1984, chapters 739 and 750; in 1988, chapter 891.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":143657,"object_type":"law","relational_id":64297,"identifier":"10.1-203","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-203","url":"\/10.1-203\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/10.1-203\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-203","dublin_core":{"Title":"Establishment, protection and maintenance of Appalachian Trail","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 10.1-203","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> The Appalachian Trail shall be developed and administered primarily as a footpath, consonant with the provisions of the National Trails Systems Act applicable to the Appalachian Trail as part of the National Scenic Trails System, and its natural scenic beauty shall be preserved insofar as is practicable. The use of motorized vehicles by the general public along the trail is prohibited, and violation of this prohibition shall constitute a Class 1 <span class=\"dictionary\">misdemeanor<\/span>. However, the owner of private land over which the trail passes may use or authorize use of motorized vehicles on or across the trail for purposes incident to ownership and management of the land and the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> may authorize use of the trail by motorized emergency vehicles. The <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> may permit other uses of the trail and land acquired hereunder, by the owner of adjoining land or others, in a manner and for purposes that will not substantially interfere with the primary use of the trail. Furthermore, the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> may grant temporary or permanent rights-of-way across lands acquired under this section, under terms and conditions deemed advisable. Nothing in this section shall limit the right of the public to pass over existing public roads which are part of the trail, or prevent the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> from performing work necessary for forest fire prevention and control, insect, pest and disease control, and the removal of damage caused by natural disaster. The <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> may enter into cooperative agreements with agencies of the federal government or with private organizations to provide for the maintenance of the trail. A person who has granted a right-of-way for the trail across his land, or his successor in title, shall not be liable to any user of the trail for injuries suffered on that portion of the trail unless the injuries are caused by his willful or wanton misconduct. <a id=\"paragraph-234022\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-203\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> The <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> is authorized to (i) enter into written cooperative agreements with landowners, private organizations and individuals and (ii) acquire by agreement, gift or purchase land, rights-of-way and easements for the purpose of establishing, protecting and maintaining a walking trail right-of-way across the Commonwealth, under such terms and conditions, including payment by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> of property taxes on trail lands or property so acquired or subject to such use, as shall protect the interests of the actual or adjacent landowners or land users and as shall further the purposes of this section. Any <span class=\"dictionary\">department<\/span> or agency of the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision, may transfer to the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> land or rights in land for these purposes, on terms and conditions as agreed upon, or may enter into an agreement with the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> providing for the establishment and protection of the trail. <a id=\"paragraph-234023\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-203\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nESTABLISHMENT, PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF APPALACHIAN TRAIL (\u00a7 10.1-203)\n\nA. The Appalachian Trail shall be developed and administered primarily as a\nfootpath, consonant with the provisions of the National Trails Systems Act\napplicable to the Appalachian Trail as part of the National Scenic Trails\nSystem, and its natural scenic beauty shall be preserved insofar as is\npracticable. The use of motorized vehicles by the general public along the trail\nis prohibited, and violation of this prohibition shall constitute a Class 1\nmisdemeanor. However, the owner of private land over which the trail passes may\nuse or authorize use of motorized vehicles on or across the trail for purposes\nincident to ownership and management of the land and the Department may\nauthorize use of the trail by motorized emergency vehicles. The Department may\npermit other uses of the trail and land acquired hereunder, by the owner of\nadjoining land or others, in a manner and for purposes that will not\nsubstantially interfere with the primary use of the trail. Furthermore, the\nDepartment may grant temporary or permanent rights-of-way across lands acquired\nunder this section, under terms and conditions deemed advisable. Nothing in this\nsection shall limit the right of the public to pass over existing public roads\nwhich are part of the trail, or prevent the Department from performing work\nnecessary for forest fire prevention and control, insect, pest and disease\ncontrol, and the removal of damage caused by natural disaster. The Department\nmay enter into cooperative agreements with agencies of the federal government or\nwith private organizations to provide for the maintenance of the trail. A person\nwho has granted a right-of-way for the trail across his land, or his successor\nin title, shall not be liable to any user of the trail for injuries suffered on\nthat portion of the trail unless the injuries are caused by his willful or\nwanton misconduct.\n\nB. The Department is authorized to (i) enter into written cooperative agreements\nwith landowners, private organizations and individuals and (ii) acquire by\nagreement, gift or purchase land, rights-of-way and easements for the purpose of\nestablishing, protecting and maintaining a walking trail right-of-way across the\nCommonwealth, under such terms and conditions, including payment by the\nDepartment of property taxes on trail lands or property so acquired or subject\nto such use, as shall protect the interests of the actual or adjacent landowners\nor land users and as shall further the purposes of this section. Any department\nor agency of the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision, may transfer to the\nDepartment land or rights in land for these purposes, on terms and conditions as\nagreed upon, or may enter into an agreement with the Department providing for\nthe establishment and protection of the trail.\n\nHISTORY: 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 136, \u00a7 10-21.3:1; 1972, c. 413; 1984, cc. 739,\n750; 1988, c. 891.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}