Learn Trail Building Skills in the Finger Lakes, NY

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Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting locations across the country. Volunteer Vacations foster public land stewardship and provide volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love, meet new people, and have a great time doing it! Crews consist of 6-15 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Volunteer Vacations involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization. Experience nature up close. Travel to new destinations. Meet other outdoor enthusiasts. Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit. Get Out. Give Back.

Project Specifics:

Build Trail Experience in the Finger Lakes and the nationally recognized North Country Scenic Trail! Special 1-Year Membership to Finger Lakes Trail Conference included!

Join Allegany State Park for the second year of a multiyear effort to revitalize the 20.6 miles of Finger Lakes Trail /North Country National Scenic Trail! This project will build upon the Four-year partnership between the American Hiking Society and the Finger Lakes Trail Conference which has rehabilitated over 20 miles of trail. Volunteers are needed to rehabilitate the Finger Lakes / North Country Scenic Trail through the Allegany State Park.

Volunteer tasks will be varied, giving volunteers an opportunity to participate in and learn different types of trailwork throughout the week. Specific projects this year will include reroofing and staining a lean-to (shelter), cleaning up the general area, water control improvements including drainage cleaning, installation of water bars/rolling dips (to divert water) and removing slough and berms from trail benching, vegetation clearing and blazing. Detailed instruction and guidance for each task will be provided, so join this project to build your trail maintenance skillset!

Hiking/Access

Volunteers will hike to the project worksite each day, ranging from 2 - 8 miles. Elevation change will range from minimal up to 1000 feet. The trail is primarily on soil, with many roots and wet areas.

Area and Attractions

Allegany State Park is in western New York State, located in Cattaraugus County just north of the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania.The Red House Area lies within the Allegheny Highlands forest ecoregion. The Red House area's attractions include Stone Tower, the Summit Fire Tower, Red House Lake, Bridal Falls, and the Art Roscoe Ski Area. This section also contains five miles (8.0 km) of paved bike trails and 130 campsites. Allegany State Park was named as a top "Amazing Spot" in the nation in 2007. It has also been referred to as "the wilderness playground of Western New York."

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will stay in a group of 6 cabins that sleep up to 6 people each. Volunteers need to bring their own sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; and towels. Bedrooms have twin mattresses. Each cabin has a kitchenette with refrigerator and stove. The cabins are all close to the new shower house with hot water and private toilets. Cell service is spotty throughout the park.

Trip Cost: $425 per person

Find More Information & Register Here: https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/allegany-state-park-ny-volunteer-vacations-2025/