a. The department may establish and designate recreation and scenic trails over lands administered by it.
b. There is hereby established as the initial scenic trail the Appalachian trail, which shall be administered primarily as footpath by the department, provided however, that nothing herein contained shall be construed as amending, repealing or superseding the provisions of P.L.1973, c. 54 (C. 13:8-29), except as specifically provided herein.
c. Connecting or side trails within park, forest, and other recreation areas or natural areas may be established, designated and marked as components of a recreation or scenic trail.