Crews: More Information

Working conditions

Trail work is hard, physical labor. Trail construction involves working with hand tools, and getting dirty is guaranteed. The crews work eight-hour days, rain or shine, hot or cold, regardless of black flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. During the course of the crew season, the weather can vary from sweaty, summertime heat to freezing, winter-like cold.

Crew life

All crew members must be able to live and work cooperatively and in close proximity with fellow volunteers of both sexes, all ages and nationalities. All crew members are expected to participate equally in routine tasks, including cooking, cleaning, and tool care, both at base camp and the project site.

On the site

Crews depart from base camp and spend the work week at a primitive backcountry tent camp near the project location. Generally, amenities such as showers, bathroom facilities, and running water are not available during the crew week. Participants might have to backpack into the site, and the hike can be very strenuous, possibly up to four miles up a mountain. In addition to personal gear, crew members carry all the food, tools, and group gear needed for the week in the woods. Crews also might drive to a campsite near the project and hike to the work site each day. Either way, crew members should expect a primitive backcountry life for the duration of their week.

Staff

Each crew is led by an experienced, professional crew leader eager to pass along trail-work and backcountry skills. A camp coordinator supervises life at base camp and provides administrative and logistical support; occasionally, the camp coordinator will serve as an assistant crew leader in the field. ATC club members join the crews in the field and may be involved in project administration.

What is provided

Once you reach a base camp, most expenses are covered, including shelter, food, transportation to and from work projects, tools, safety equipment, and group camping gear (as available). Crew members need to bring work clothing, sturdy boots, and their own basic camping gear.

Who may apply

Persons age 18 or older, of all backgrounds, are welcome. Enthusiasm, good health, physical vigor, and adaptability are vital. Willingness to follow instructions and safety rules and to share equally in routine camp tasks is essential. Experience helps but isn't necessary. International applicants are responsible for obtaining necessary visas in order to participate in the crew program.

How to apply

Alumni Volunteers
If you have volunteered on a crew already choose a Trail Crew below:

Maine Trail Crew
Vermont Long Trail Patrol
Mid-Atlantic Crew
Konnarock Crew
Rocky Top Crew
Smokies Wilderness Elite A.T. Crew (SWEAT)

New Volunteers
If this is your first time on a Trail Crew, register here and we'll contact you with more information.

If you are accepted into the program, we will send you a detailed information packet describing the crew, as well as several forms to fill out and return (medical release, transportation plans, etc.). Please make sure to get this information back to us as quickly as possible.

Give us a call at (540) 953-3571 or email crews@appalachiantrail.org with any questions.