Rocky Top Crew

Experience the Smoky Mountains from a different perspective this fall working and camping on the Appalachian Trail. The Rocky Top Crew is sponsored by the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, National Park Service, and ATC. The 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park cross the Trail's highest point and traverse the most diverse ecosystem and largest roadless area along the Trail. Half of the Appalachian Trail 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. Happily, the crew is funded by a North Carolina Recreational Trails Program grant.

Crew Life

Click for more information on working conditions and crew life in the field.

Base Camp

The Rocky Top Crew is based in national park seasonal housing. Crew members, when not in the field, lodge in rustic facilities with access to bathrooms, showers and a laundry room.

Crew Week

Because its work sites are so remote, the Rocky Top Crew has an 8-days-on, 3-days-off schedule. Crew members arrive on the afternoon before their work session for dinner and orientation. Crew members working more than one session may stay at the base camp during their days off. Please note that the Rocky Top Crew involves a long backpack in to the work site, and 8 days of backcountry camping. 

Rockin' Horse Crew Session

The Rockin' Horse session (week 3 - 9/27 through 10/4) of Rocky Top gives horseback riders first priority for volunteer slots. Please call (828) 254-3708 for more information.

Apply Today

Alumni Volunteers
If you have volunteered on a crew already register here for the Rocky Top Crew.

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

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

Current Schedule             Project Location

Week One
Sunday 9/5 to
Sunday 9/12

Camel Gap Area
 

Week Two
Thursday 9/16 to
Thursday 9/23

Camel Gap Area

Week Three*
Monday 9/27 to
Monday 10/4

Camel Gap Area - *This week is the Rockin' Horse Session - horseback riders have top priority.

Week Four
Tuesday 10/12 to
Tuesday 10/19

Camel Gap Area

Week Five
Saturday 10/23 to
Saturday 10/30

Camel Gap Area

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