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This man's PCT volunteer crew no doubt appreciated his cooking! |
The list below is a sampling of the myriad ways you can contribute to your favorite trail. So pick a job, get out there, and have fun!
Scouting new routes and relocations
One of the best jobs for avid and skilled hikers, scouting new routes and relocations requires good navigation skills as well as a sense of trail construction.
Construction
Many trails have lean-tos, bridges, and information kiosks—and almost all trails have at least some trail signs. If you have or would like to learn construction skills, this is a job for you.
Trail clearing
Trail clearing might involve just trimming back a season's worth of vegetation—or hacking and sawing at downed trees. There's a big need for trail crews in wilderness areas, where all work must be done with hand tools.
Public information
Some trail clubs offer the opportunity for you to share your love of the backcountry with others through giving lectures or slide shows and leading trips.
Maintain a shelter
Hike in to a shelter, then sweep it out, pack out litter, clean out the fire ring, and make minor repairs. You'll get in a day hike, plus the opportunity to talk to hikers passing through.
Lobby for your trail
Trails need advocates. If there are environmental and/or development issues that will impact your favorite trail, learn about them and take a stand.
Office work
Not all trail work is outdoor work. Volunteers are needed to answer phones and email queries, and to mail out membership materials and publications.
Newsletter editor
Every outdoor organization has a newsletter, and every newsletter needs an editor. The job takes a few hours a month (sometimes more than a few if it's more of a magazine or a tabloid than a newsletter). Newsletters also need submissions: Articles that share your outdoor experiences and skills are always welcome, as are reviews of gear and books.
Cook for a trail crew
If you like to entertain, think about the satisfaction you'll get from cooking for a crew that's spent an entire day building up an appetite!
Call a trail club and ask what needs to be done
For example, a couple of years ago, a volunteer thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail with specialized GPS and GIS equipment in order to help trail managers digitally map the trail. At the ATC, a financial planner volunteers to help potential donors figure out ways to give money that will work with their estate plans. The CDTA is seeking livestock owners to use their pack animals to haul materials in to build a bridge in a remote section of the CDT.
Where are you going?
What do you want to do?
