First Time A.T. Crew Volunteers Share Their Experience
Four first-time Konnarock Crew volunteers share what it’s like to volunteer with an ATC Trail Crew.
Read MoreBuild trails. Build skills. Build friendships.
Appalachian Trail Crews are multi-day experiences to help protect nature through sustainable trail construction and repair. The kinds of large-scale projects that crews undertake also sometimes include work to rebuild bridges, shelters, or privies. Each crew has a schedule each year that describes the work location, work activities, and benefit to the Trail.
The Trail Crew Experience
Trail work is hard, physical labor. It involves working with hand tools and getting dirty is guaranteed. Volunteers work eight- or nine-hour days, rain or shine, regardless of black flies, mosquitos, and other insects. It’s a type-two type of fun that builds community, physical stamina, and feelings of deep accomplishment.
Crew members are asked to live and work in close proximity to other volunteers of all genders and ages and backgrounds. All crew members are expected to participate equally in routine tasks of crew life, including cooking, cleaning, and tool care – both at base camp and the project site.
The Crews
Is Volunteering On a Trail Crew Right for Me?
Beginners are welcome on A.T. Crews since all the training and tools for the experience is provided. Food is provided, and gear is available for those who may need to borrow a tent or sleeping bag to join the experience. Accommodations at the project sites vary from rustic camping to campground camping, and volunteers should expect a backcountry experience without showers, bathrooms, or running water for the duration of their crew session. Consult with the crew week descriptions to find hike-length distances for the projects that suit your availability.
Working with ATC’s Crews
A.T. Crews are led by experienced crew leaders. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy hires staff annually to lead the project work of volunteers and support backcountry skill development for people in need of support. Additionally, camp coordinators with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy ensure life at base camp is well organized and that volunteers are well-fed. ATC hires for these roles annually each winter.
Experience as a volunteer on crew has led to employment opportunities with ATC as a member of crew program staff. The skills gained while volunteering prepare participants for work with ATC or other conservation and recreation management positions.
Volunteering with A.T. Clubs
In addition to these Crews, there are 30 A.T. Clubs working up and down the entire Appalachian Trail. Volunteers at these clubs do trail maintenance, monitoring, section planning and a lot more!
Find Your Local A.T. Club
