In 1978, President Carter passed a law that protected the land surrounding the Appalachian Trail What was the effect of this action on the trail? A 7 The trail became more popular with hikers from outside the United States than with locals. B The law required all hikers to pay a small fee to hike the B entire length of the trail. C 7 Land was purchased in the southern half of the trail. shortening the route. D 7 Developers could not build on the trail allowing it to continue being used as a hiking path in the wilderness.