The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's headquarters in historic Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, supports the work of all the Trail's management, protection, and information programs. Volunteers play important roles in keeping the office running. Learn how you can help:

Information volunteers

Share your love of the A.T. Information volunteers work in the Harpers Ferry A.T. Visitor Center answering questions about the A.T. and local hiking opportunities. You'll meet people from all walks of life, from the international tourist to the thru-hiker fresh from the Trail. You'll also respond to phone and mail inquiries, help visitors select purchases from our store, and direct visitors to nearby services. We are always looking for volunteers who have hiked a good cross-section of the A.T., enjoy meeting a wide variety of people, and are comfortable in an office setting. Information volunteers are needed seven days a week, year-round.

Regular
Volunteer one day a week. You do not have to live in the Harpers Ferry area. Some of our “regulars” commute from as far away as Baltimore, Maryland. If you have a long commute you are welcome to use our volunteer lodging if space is available.

On-call
Volunteer whenever our “regulars” are away. To stay current, local “on-call” information volunteers ideally are available at least one or two days a month.

Short-term
Volunteer in the visitors/ information center full-time for a two- or three-week minimum during the busy hiking season (May through October). Minimum time required depends on a variety of factors. On-the-job training is provided, but A.T. hiking experience and experience working with the public is required. Subsequent stints may be two weeks or less. Lodging is provided at no charge, although contributions are welcome.

Ultimate A.T. Store volunteers

Lend a Hand. By folding t-shirts or assembling map packets for a couple hours or a couple of days, you can help meet customers' desires and help our fulfillment department generate revenue to help protect the A.T. Volunteers assist our shipping department located about 10 miles north of Harpers Ferry. These volunteers fold T-shirts and bandannas, assemble map packets, move boxes, or do whatever else is needed to help fulfill publications and merchandise orders. If you are detail-oriented and take pride in your work, this is the job for you. You can help out in this department for a couple of hours or a couple of days. No experience is necessary.

On-call fulfillment volunteers live locally and come in whenever the need arises.

Floating volunteers

Take a floating holiday. If you like variety and flexibility in your work and would enjoy volunteering at ATC for a week or two, this is the opportunity for you. Entering data, filing, yard work, proofreading, stuffing envelopes, fix-it projects, leading a hike, and preparing displays are all things you might be able to help us with if your talents and our needs mesh on any given day. Those with computer expertise are especially welcome. But, what you do is up to you. On days we don't have projects available, you can take advantage of Harpers Ferry's attractions and hiking opportunities. Lodging is provided at no charge although contributions are welcome.

Conservation Volunteers

Help us protect the trail. By supporting the staff of the conservation department, you will allow more time and resources to be spent directly where it matters – on the management and protection of the trail and surrounding lands.

On-call: Come in for special projects such as mailings, data entry, filing, or tasks requiring special skills such as editorial review or database work. Overnight accommodations are available!

Regular: Come in a few hours a week or bi-weekly and become familiar with the behind-the-scenes life of ATC. Your coming on a regular basis will allow us to train you for specific tasks as well as give you longer terms projects based on your interests. Be a part of the team.

Internships: You may be able to earn college credit on a variety of projects. Check out our internship page for current opportunities.

Setting

The headquarters office operates in a professional, but casual and friendly environment. ATC offices are located in the quiet, residential part of Harpers Ferry, nestled among old homes and historic buildings, some of which predate the Civil War. A view of “The Gap,” which Thomas Jefferson wrote was “worth a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean,” is only a block away. The town's extraordinarily rich history is interpreted in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park's many exhibits in “lower town.” Opportunities for walks and hikes of varied lengths and difficulties abound in and around Harpers Ferry.

Benefits

A limited-edition T-shirt is awarded to volunteers who contribute 40 hours; a special discount on ATC merchandise is also offered. Pins, patches, hats, and vests designed by the National Park Service especially for A.T. volunteers are earned after various hourly increments. Best of all, you have the satisfaction of knowing your efforts have helped with some aspect of preserving the Appalachian Trail or helping others to explore and enjoy it.

Lodging

Once you have been accepted into one of our volunteer programs, you are eligible for housing in our furnished apartments in an attractive location just 1 1/2 blocks from ATC (when available—long-term and return volunteers have priority). We have one efficiency apartment and a one-bedroom apartment; no fee is charged, but we depend on contributions to keep this service available. Although Harpers Ferry has train and bus service, personal transportation is recommended as the nearest grocery store is 5 miles away, and the local bus runs only on weekdays. Free lodging is also offered at Bears Den Trail Center in northern Virginia (a vehicle is required for the 25-mile one-way commute). A reduced rate can sometimes be negotiated at a local B&B.

Apply today!

To apply for any of the above volunteer opportunities, download an ATC Headquarters Volunteer Application (PDF). Questions? Contact Laurie Potteiger, 304.535.6331, ext. 128, or lpotteiger@appalachiantrail.org.