Volunteer
with the
PNTA
with the
PNTA
Volunteers like you make lasting contributions to the enhancement of America’s newest National Scenic Trail. Just one day of service at a volunteer trail work party can make a big difference and is a fun way to give back to the trails we love!
Find a project by visiting our events calendar, or learn more about becoming a PNTA volunteer trail steward below.
Three Fun Ways to Volunteer
Trail Work Parties
2 or more hours (plus travel time)
Volunteer trail work parties offer something for everyone. These events are ideal for new volunteers or those who are able to help out for one day or less. Most projects are located in frontcountry work sites within a short drive from a trailside community.
Drop-in Work Parties
2 or more hours (plus travel time)
Drop-in work parties give experienced volunteers an opportunity to work alongside PNTA Performance Trail Crews on intermediate or difficult projects. These work parties are usually time-flexible for volunteers, who can arrange to join our crews for only a few hours, or to camp out and volunteer for a few days.
Backcountry Trips
2 or more days (plus travel time)
These overnight trail work parties provide opportunities for backcountry camping on the trail for one or more nights. Volunteers will need backpacking skills and equipment, and be able to hike long distances to help us service hard-to-reach parts of the trail in more remote backcountry areas.
How to Join an Event
1. Register
Visit our events calendar to search for events. After you have found a project on your favorite part of the trail, register for the amount of time you would like to help out.
2. Get Confirmation
After you have registered for an event, we’ll contact you with more information. If you’re a new volunteer at PNTA, we’ll ask you to complete our Volunteer Enrollment Form to complete your registration.
3. Meet us at the Trail!
After we have confirmed your registration, a PNTA representative will be available to answer any of your questions and provide regular updates about the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Experience Needed?
For most trail work parties, no experience is necessary. PNTA crew leaders provide all of the training needed to work safely and to have fun. We also provide all of the tools and personal protective equipment needed. Review our list of work parties to find a project that will work best for you.
What Gets Done?
- Brush Out: Pruning back brushy plants and shrubs from the trail
- Tread Work: Preserving the surface of the trail so that it drains well
- Log Out: Cutting and removing trees that have fallen across the trail
- Construction: Building rock walls, kiosks, steps and boardwalks
- Conservation: Revegetating damaged areas, pulling invasive weeds
- Pack Support: Help us transport supplies to our backcountry crews
Where Can I Learn More?
- Read our Frequently Asked Questions about volunteering
- Visit our Calendar of Events to learn about our current projects
- Review our gear checklists for day trips and multi-day trips
- Sign up to get email updates about volunteer events