Volunteer
Bring a Group
Planning a group volunteer outing takes time and close coordination between your group leaders and A.T. work trip project leaders. We recommend beginning the planning phase one year in advance of your desired volunteer opportunity. For opportunities in this calendar year, look for already planned opportunities that are promoted on the Volunteer Engagement Platform: appalachiantrail.org/waystovolunteer
All groups – whether volunteering, hiking, or taking an overnight backpacking trip – should be familiar with information ATC shares with all groups visiting the Appalachian Trail.
Plan Ahead
As you prepare to reach out to us or one of our Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs about volunteering, consider some information that we will need to help you get the most out of your desired experience. When you’re ready, fill out this Group Volunteer Inquiry Form (for planning events one year in advance).
Group Details
You know your group the best. Before you reach out using the inquiry form, think about the following:
Group Size: How many people are part of your group, and do all or a certain part of that group wish to volunteer.
Age Range: Volunteers can be almost any age, with some limitations on which activities are a good fit.
Experience: Think about the general activity level of members of your group and if you think they would be best suited for light, medium, or heavy-duty work. It’s also helpful to know if anyone has experience in Trail maintenance or other A.T. stewardship activities.
Time and Location
Determinations about when and where work will occur are based on a number of factors, including your schedule and travel itinerary.
Timing: Are there particular date(s) or seasons you’re considering for your group’s volunteer opportunity. The more flexibility your group has, the easier it can be to find the right fit for your group’s work on the A.T. Consider what amount of time your group would like to volunteer: half-day, full-day, multiple-days. Trail Crew offers excellent multi-day opportunities.
Travel Distance: Depending on where you’re coming from and where you are staying the night before/after your work trip has an impact on the work day. Travel time to the Appalachian Trail varies, so the more ideas you can share about your itinerary (even if they are just ideas), allow us to work together to define a schedule.
Expectations
Volunteering to help the Appalachian Trail can take many forms. It can be front-country or back-country, and opportunities can be suited to participant skill level. Before submitting the Group Volunteer Inquiry Form or looking for opportunities on the VEP, consider:
Desired Experience: What is your group is hoping to gain from this experience, for example, conservation skills or team-building.
Communication: It’s important that all members of a group desire to participate in the activity and have a clear understanding of the expectations for their activity. A.T. work trip leaders will help set expectations for participants once a project is identified.
Make the Connection
Service activities on the Appalachian Trail are coordinated by either one of the 30 A.T. Maintaining Clubs, by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, or a land management partner. The information for your type of group should help guide you to the right connection. Most of the volunteer service events on the Appalachian Trail are planned and managed by club leaders, who are usually volunteers. Most attendees live locally and go home after a day’s work.
If you are successful and find an outing or activity that works for your group, it will be up to you to travel to the rendezvous location and arrive on time. The rendezvous location is usually a parking area where the Trail crosses a road. Information about the event (when posted on the VEP) includes the nearest town or city to the work event, with detailed information about the meeting place provided closer to the event. There will be some paperwork so that you are covered as volunteer, and a leader with the club will begin the day with information about safety and best practices. You’ll be provided training and equipment and given a task to accomplish. If you have a good time, we hope you’ll return.
Ready to Plan?
Complete the Group Volunteer Interest form. ATC staff will review your submission and begin outreach to match your group with one of the 30 Trail-maintaining clubs or an ATC Crew. Then we will contact you for next steps. If your group is small, or you are hoping to find a service event sooner than next year, we recommend checking out the Volunteer Engagement Platform and filtering by your desired location for upcoming opportunities.