2020 was the year that changed everything. The pandemic forced so many of us to re-think our priorities, and we began to ponder the big existential things of life.
One of the questions I found myself asking was: Am I giving back enough? Sure I might donate cash to different non-profit trail organizations. But is that really enough? If I love hiking as much as I profess, why am I leaving the real work of maintaining these trails to other people?
And so, I decided I was long overdue for volunteering with some trail crews. I wanted to try my hand at building new trails, repairing older ones, and just doing the ordinary tasks that make hiking more pleasant for anyone who might come along.
Volunteering on a trail crew can be an intimidating prospect for the uninitiated. You might question whether you have the requisite skills. But trust me, just volunteer. There aren’t enough people out there doing it and it’s such a rewarding experience.
If you’re still intimidated, my best advice is to explain your experience level (or lack thereof) to the crew leader beforehand. They will undoubtedly find a good place to utilize your labor. And here’s a few other tips you might want to know before you go:
Advice for New trail volunteers
- Tip #1 – Dress for success. Before you head to the trailhead, make sure to dress appropriately for the conditions. You might find yourself working on overgrown trail, kneeling in mud and dirt, or near an area that’s lousy with poison oak. So, your trail maintenance attire should include long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and sturdy boots to protect your toes.
- Tip #2 – Pack a lunch. Although some trail crews provide refreshments, the vast majority operate on a volunteer basis and they have a shoestring budget. Expect to bring your own lunch/snacks in a daypack so you can eat out on the trail whenever the crew breaks for lunch. Make sure to pack lots of fluids too. The rigors of trail work means you’ll be working up a sweat, and you’ll want to stay well-hydrated.
- Tip #3 – Ask about gear beforehand. The most common personal protective equipment (or PPE) used by trail crews include: leather work gloves, eye protection or sunglasses, a hardhat, a buff/bandana for dust, and gaiters (if the trail is especially gnarly). Some trail organization provide PPE for you, others will expect you to bring some (or all) of the items yourself. Once you sign up for a trail maintenance date, ask the crew leader what the trail is expected to be like and what items you should bring for the project.
- Tip # 4 – Bring a sit pad. Doing trail maintainance isn’t like being on a prison chain-gang. You’re going to have ample breaks and opportunities to rest. However, finding somewhere dry and comfortable to sit during those respites might be a challenge in the backcountry. So don’t forget to pack your foam sit pad so you can turn the closest log (or random spot on the ground) into a more pleasant seat.
- Tip #5 – Leave your pet at home. You might enjoy hiking in the wilderness with Fido, but trail maintenance isn’t a good place to bring him along. Your fellow crew members will be swinging heavy tools, which can be hazardous for your pet’s safety. Plus, no matter how well-behaved your pet might normally be on your hikes together, it will be incredibly difficult to keep an accurate eye on him/her while your attention is focused on digging, cutting, or clearing.
- Tip #6 – Bring a water filter. There are few things worse than running out of water when you’re thirsty. If you’re volunteering for trail maintenance on a warm summer day, you might find yourself going through more water than you would on an ordinary day hike. Bringing a water filter for the nearby streams will let you replenish your reserves freely instead of rationing your water when you might need it most.
- Tip #7 – Expect bad weather. Just because a trail maintenance event is planned in advance doesn’t mean the weather gods are willing to cooperate. During my first volunteer experience, I saw sunshine, rain, wind, and hail — all in the span of about 4 hours! So it’s best to come prepared for the weather to shift on you, just like you would for any outdoor adventure. The best piece of gear you can pack is a raincoat that’s easy to bend in and move your arms while working.
- Tip #8 – Be a good ambassador. In all likelihood, the trail you will be maintaining will still be open to the public while you’re trying to improve it. This means you’ll need to be aware of your surroundings and willing to momentarily pause your work if a solo hiker or group comes through. Most people will hike past your area quickly, but others will want to stop and talk. Always be kind and courteous, and do your best to be a good ambassador for the trail and the crew around you.
- Tip #9 – Expect to get dirty and tired. Trail work isn’t easy. Most of the tools are made of heavy steel, and even some of the easier manual tasks (like cutting back brush) can get tiring after doing it for long enough. Expect to work up a sweat while you’re out there. One of my favorite tips is to leave an extra set of dry, clean clothes in the car for the ride home. You’re more likely to give your best physical effort on the trail if you know you have something fresh to change into afterwards.
- Tip # 10 – Bug spray & sunscreen are a must. Hours of trail work in a single spot can leave you overexposed to sunshine or in the midst of hordes of pesky mosquitoes. Therefore, it’s a good practice is to load up on bug spray (and/or a headset) and lather on some sunscreen before you hit the trail. You want return home with fond memories about trail maintenance – not just stories about that sunburn or your bug-bitten arms!
- Tip #11 – Get ready to meet some cool people. Most of the people I’ve met while doing trail maintenance are outdoor enthusiasts with big hearts. Some will have a passion for hiking, rock climbing, bikepacking, kayaking, packrafting, or international travel. So talk. Get to know them. Open your world to some new experiences and the possibility of friendship. You might discover you have a lot more in common with that person than you might otherwise expect.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. My top 11 tips for anyone wondering about what they need to know before volunteering on a trail crew. Now that you know what you expect, all that’s left is to sign up.
If you don’t know how to find a local trail crew near you, a quick internet searching using the name of a specific trail, state, or region along with the terms “trail crew” or “trail maintenance” should get you started.
Other potential resources include the non-profit trail organizations that partner with regional and local trail crews. You can find those links here:
- Regional Trail Crews for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
- Regional Trail Crews for the Appalachian Trail (AT)
- Volunteer Information for the Continental Divide Trail (CDT)
You might also consider the local, state, and federal agencies who always need volunteers building and maintaining trails. Here’s just a few of the possibilities:
Just remember, get out there and have fun! The trails need your love in 2022.
