Experience the Appalachian Trail from a new perspective with the Rocky Top Trail Crew, which works and camps in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park cross the Trail’s highest point and traverse the most diverse ecosystem and the largest roadless area along the Trail. Half of the A.T. in the Park is open to horse use, and the crew’s current work involves reconstructing those sections where horses and hikers share the Trail. Because this portion of the Trail also receives so much rainfall annually, there is a lot of work to be done to repair the A.T. where significant erosion has compromised the tread way.

The Rocky Top Trail Crew backpacks about 10 miles up a steep side trail to reach the work area and field camp for the eight-day sessions. Crew members carry almost everything they need, but they do receive some support from equestrian partners with carrying tools and food into the mountains. Crew volunteers should expect to carry between 40-55 lbs on their backs and may also need to hand-carry some tools.

Save the Date!

Rocky Top Trail Crew 2024 Schedule

• Hitch 1: Wednesday, September 4th to Thursday, September 12th
• Hitch 2: Wednesday, September 18th to Thursday, September 26th
• Hitch 3: Wednesday, October 2nd to Thursday, October 10th
• Hitch 4: Wednesday, October 16th to Thursday, October 24th

Check back here for when registrations for Rocky Top Trail Crew are open, or sign-up to receive an email notification HERE.

Essential Volunteer Functions

• Backpacking and hiking long distances on challenging terrain carrying required personal and group gear, tools and safety equipment (20%). Hiking pace should be 2 mph in this strenuous mountainous terrain.
  • The hike in will be about 6 miles over challenging terrain with thousands of feet of elevation change, carrying as much as 40-55 lbs. along with tools.
• Performing trail work (65%),
  • Tasks include cutting annual growth, raking or digging out drains, installing erosion control features, or moving heavy logs or rocks.
• Managing backcountry camp (15%), including sharing in duties associated with preparing, cooking, and cleaning up from meals, maintaining sanitation at camp and worksite, cleaning and storing group tools and gear, and other tasks to cooperatively share in work of the entire crew.
• Concurrent to those functions, volunteers who see the greatest success have
  • An enthusiasm for the experience,
  • An ability to get along with and work cooperatively with others,
  • Keep safety top of mind,
  • Have a desire to work hard, and
  • Arrive with a level of fitness commiserate with the volunteer job functions.

Crew Week & Qualifications/Requirements

Crew Week

Because its work sites are so remote, the Rocky Top Crew has an eight-days-on schedule. Please note that the Rocky Top Crew involves a long backpack in to the work site, and eight days of rustic backcountry camping. From the spike camp in the field, volunteers take day hikes to reach the project area where they will install steps and waterbars, build drains, or reestablish sidehill. On the eighth day, the crew hikes out from the field, cleans gear and tools, and has dinner followed by a recognition ceremony.

Volunteers spend eight consecutive days and seven nights working in remote backcountry locations, far from medical facilities, performing physically demanding manual labor in a variety of intense weather conditions. In addition to trail work activities, volunteers also actively contribute to community chores and always practice Leave No Trace.

Qualifications/Requirements

Volunteers must be physically and mentally ready for the challenges of crew life.

• Volunteers must demonstrate an adequate fitness level upon arrival at base camp by participating in a team-building physical assessment consisting of the following: hiking with a 30 lb. backpack 1.5 miles in 30 minutes or less, a five-minute step test at a rate of 96 beats per minute on a 12’’ step, a minimum of 15 push-ups in 1 minute, two core exercises that consist of one minute of plank and/or boat pose, and balance exhibited by standing on each foot for 20 seconds. NOTE: Volunteers who are unable to complete a portion of this fitness assessment may be asked to reconsider their participation in the crew.
• Recent backpacking trip report(s) that document distance, location, elevation change, difficulty, and trip length may be required to demonstrate backcountry experience.
• Ability to perform essential functions of the position listed above.
• Respect and follow instructions from crew leaders.
• Understand and apply the training you receive for associated trail work and safety practices.
• Communicate well with others, resolve conflicts effectively, and promote positive interpersonal relationships.