Join the Long Trail Crew! Volunteer in Vermont, USA

The Green Mountain Club (GMC) has been dedicated to preserving and maintaining Vermont’s mountain landscapes since 1910. Founded with the vision of creating the Long Trail, a long-distance hiking route that spans the state, GMC continues to care for the trail and promote stewardship of Vermont’s hiking paths. Through their Trail Crew Free Volunteer Program, GMC invites volunteers to participate in trail construction, renovation, and maintenance efforts, helping to ensure that the Long Trail remains accessible for generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Continue reading for the program details!

About the free volunteer / work exchange program

The Green Mountain Club (GMC) offers an exciting chance to get involved in trail maintenance and construction through its Volunteer Trail Crew (VLTC) Program. This initiative invites volunteers to join rotating crews of four to eight members, guided by GMC staff leads, to work on various trail projects along the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail in Vermont.

Volunteers commit to working for one week at a time, with the flexibility to sign up for multiple weeks. Projects include new trail construction, trail repairs, infrastructure enhancements, and improvements to shelters and campsites.

The program operates out of the Mt. Tabor Work Center in Mt. Tabor, Vermont, with most projects located in the Green Mountain National Forest and occasionally in federally designated wilderness areas. Volunteers work from Friday through Tuesday, braving all weather conditions, and share communal living responsibilities throughout the week.

Your responsibilities

• Contribute to trail maintenance and construction projects across Vermont’s hiking paths.
• Safely use trail tools in compliance with GMC safety guidelines, ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Perform regular cleaning and upkeep of trail tools and camp gear.
• Share in camp duties, such as cooking, cleaning, and managing food storage.
• Uphold high standards of work, even in challenging weather conditions.
• Foster a professional, respectful atmosphere among crew members and crew leaders.
• Follow Leave No Trace practices both on the trail and while camping.

Requirements

• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
• Physical ability to hike long distances with a heavy pack, often for 8-10 hours a day.
• Capability to perform strenuous physical labor, including carrying heavy loads regularly.
• Experience with manual labor, hand tools, or outdoor activities is preferred.
• Strong teamwork skills and a positive attitude toward working in small groups.
• Experience camping or backpacking is beneficial.
• A professional and courteous demeanor toward the public is required.
• Familiarity with Leave No Trace principles is an advantage.

What’s in it for You?

• Gain hands-on experience in trail building, maintenance, and outdoor stewardship.
• Work closely with GMC staff and fellow volunteers in a supportive, collaborative setting.
• Develop valuable skills in Leave No Trace principles and wilderness conservation.
• Enjoy communal meals and camping experiences while forming lasting connections with other volunteers.
• Access to essential tools, protective equipment, and some camping gear for personal use.
• Transportation to trailheads and food for the crew during the workweek is provided.
• Contribute to the preservation of Vermont’s iconic hiking trails, the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail.
• Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Green Mountain National Forest and surrounding natural areas.

Dates

• June 12 – June 17
• June 19 – June 24
• June 26 – July 1
• July 3 – July 8
• July 10 – July 15
• July 17 – July 22
• July 24 – July 29
• July 31 – August 5

The Volunteer Trail Crew Program is a great opportunity for those looking to make a difference in the preservation of Vermont’s hiking trails.

It provides hands-on experience in outdoor stewardship while offering a rewarding and immersive experience in the wilderness. Please, apply on the GMC website directly  for this amazing opportunity.

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