Volunteer

Volunteers built the Appalachian Trail, and volunteers keep it alive and flourishing today. More than 6,028 men and women contributed more than 196,000 hours of their time last year to the trail. Volunteer programs are designed to appeal to people with diverse talents, interests and experience levels. Some volunteer opportunities are available trail-wide, while others are regional. For more information on any of our programs and to learn how you can get involved, explore these options:

Volunteer of the Month Missing the mountains, a volunteer dedicated himself to the Appalachian Trail. Learn more about Jim Sexton.

Trail-Maintaining Clubs: 
The thirty clubs, from Maine to Georgia, do the real day-to-day work of the Trail. Opportunities to volunteer include maintenance, group work trips, outreach, and corridor monitoring.       

ATC Program Support Volunteers: 
Volunteers and interns at ATC’s headquarters in Harpers Ferry can serve in a variety of ways and are always welcome. 

Trail Crews: 
Spend a week or more living in the backcountry to rehabilitate, relocate, and maintain the A.T. It’s hard work and lots of fun.   

Environmental and Natural Heritage Monitors: 
Gather information about air and water quality, wildlife habitat, rare and exotic flora, and forest health. Join an upcoming training session in your area.

Already an A.T. Volunteer? 

Workshops and Training
Find out how you can learn new skills or hone the ones you already have.

The Register 
ATC’s online newsletter for A.T. maintainers and managers.

Trail Policies and Resources