As ordered in Public Law 90-543, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail shall be held, developed and administered primarily as a footpath and the natural scenic beauty thereof shall be preserved insofar as it is practicable; provided that other uses of the trail and lands acquired hereunder may be permitted, by the owner of adjoining lands or other, in such manner and in such seasons as will not substantially interfere with the primary use of the trail. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the right of the public to pass over existing public roads which are or may become part of the trail, nor prevent the department from performing such work as is necessary for the purpose of forest fire protection, insect, pest and disease control.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 23-69
(1971, P.A. 638, S. 4.)