By Meredith Marcinkewicz

Benton MacKaye was one of Shirley’s most famous residents. His legacy included protecting and enjoying our natural environment in Shirley and along the highest points of the Appalachian Mountains. He believed that people needed time and space to explore nearby wilderness areas in order to relax and re-charge their body, mind, and spirit.

As a boy, MacKaye explored the rivers, swamps, and forests of Shirley, recording the landscape and its flora and fauna. As an adult, in 1921, he proposed creating a hiking trail all the way from Maine to Georgia. His proposal resulted  in the creation of The Appalachian Trail. The first section opened in October 1923. The continuous footpath was completed in 1937. 

In 1935 Benton MacKaye was one of the founders of the Wilderness Society. In 1971 he helped create Shirley’s first Conservation Plan. He lived until 1975 with his fondest memory being that of driving a team of horses working on a Longley farm in Shirley. 

On October 10th, thirty people gathered at the Shirley Historical Society Museum to learn about Benton and then to walk along some of the paths that he would have walked.

Faith Salter, Executive Director of North County Land Trust led the hike while the Shirley Greenway Committee was present to provide additional information and join in the afternoon’s activities.

More information on MacKaye is available at the Museum along with maps of trails to hike in Shirley. Or – you can print your own maps at  https://www.shirley-ma.gov/415/Shirley-Trails