Volunteer Banner

Join our Efforts

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Appalachian Trail. We have plenty of opportunities for you to give back to the Trail you love so much.

Volunteer Learn More

a life-changing trail with life-changing opportunities

More than 6,000 volunteers contribute more than 250,000 hours each year to keep the A.T. available for all to use. Volunteers are active in all aspects of Trail work, from basic maintenance to major projects, such as building bridges and shelters and relocating sections of the A.T.  

Though Trail maintainers are perhaps the most visible, volunteers also participate in many other activities, from outreach to Trail management.

​

​Ways Volunteers Can Participate​:

  • Become a Trail maintainer, keeping the footpath passable
  • Work on Trail shelters, bridges, and and other structures
  • Maintain and monitor the Trail corridor, making sure the land surrounding the footpath is protected
  • Monitor and remove invasive species
  • Support teachers in the Trail to Every Classroom program
  • Provide support and leadership to towns near the Trail participating in the ​A.T. Community™ program
  • Become active partners in Trail management, participating in local, regional and Trail-wide management efforts

Learn more about getting involved with Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs, ATC Trail crews, and other volunteer opportunities using the links at left.

Volunteer of the Month

Highlighting the contributions of Appalachian Trail volunteers who work in the field or behind the scenes to protect, manage, and maintain the Trail and provide inspiration and education to others.​



learn more about volunteer recognition

Gail Lehman

June 2017

volunteer for a trail crew

Rocky Top Trail Crew Logo

Rocky Top Trail Crew

LEARN MORE


Konnarock Trail Crew Logo

Konnarock Trail Crew

LEARN MORE



Smokies Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail Crew Logo


S.W.E.A.T. Trail Crew

LEARN MORE


Maine State Icon Larger

Maine Trail Crew

LEARN MORE

Vermont State Icon Larger

Vermont Long Trail Patrol

LEARN MORE

Mid-Atlantic Trail Crew

Mid-Atlantic Trail Crew

LEARN MORE

workshops & certifications

We partner with A.T. clubs and government agencies to provide workshops for current and new volunteers. These workshops include training on Trail maintenance, sawyer certification, rock work, wilderness first aid, environmental monitoring, and more. If your club needs additional training, we encourage you to contact your ATC regional office.

The workshops generally are open to any participant, but pre-registration is required. There are no fees unless indicated. Most workshops require wearing work clothes (you'll probably get dirty), work gloves and sturdy boots. You'll also need to bring a lunch.  

We also provide a sawyer certification program for A.T. volunteers. Certification is required for anyone using a chainsaw or crosscut saw on the Trail.

Volunteers at Trail Days Recognition

volunteer recognition

Volunteers are "the soul" of the Appalachian Trail, and we appreciate all of their efforts! These extraordinary people put in approximately 200,000 hours of volunteer work every year in an effort to keep the A.T. open and in good repair and to manage and promote the Trail. Click the buttons below to learn more, or to nominate someone you believe should be recognized.