Explore the Appalachian Trail in the Berkshires!, MA (Weekend Trip)
ORGANIZATION: American Hiking Society
Please visit the new page to apply.
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:
Experience the Appalachian Trail in the Berkshires!
Help protect the Appalachian Trail and enjoy the beauty of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts!
Boasting more than 100 world class cultural attractions, superior outdoor recreation, and a famous farm-to-table food scene, the Berkshires promises an unforgettable experience.
On this project, volunteers will use a GPS, map, and compass to follow the surveyed boundaries of the Appalachian Trail corridor. Volunteers will clear brush with loppers, paint blazes on trees, replace US Boundary signs, and record the condition of metal survey markers, called "monuments".
Volunteers will maintain up to 1 mile of boundary line and hike 2 or more miles per day. Maintaining the boundary line involves off-trail bushwhacking over terrain that can be steep, rocky, brushy, and uneven. While we are not picking up rocks or digging, Volunteers will be on their feet hiking and bushwhacking throughout the workday.
Volunteers will drive or carpool to the nearest access point and then hike to the section of boundary line that requires maintenance. The hiking distance to the work sites will vary but typically is less than a mile from the parking location.
After completing daily project work, volunteers can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Appalachian Trail!
Hiking/Access
Volunteers will drive to a trailhead and then hike to the worksite. This will vary depending on the work site, but generally is less than 1 mile on the Appalachian Trail and then a short bushwhack usually less than 500 feet to the work site. There may be elevation gain/loss of up to 1000 feet and the terrain may be challenging, particularly when working off-trail.
Area and Attractions
Expansive highlands, distinctive mountains, layered ridgelines, lush river walks and shaded glens are part of the Appalachian Trail's diverse and captivating experiences through the Berkshire region of Massachusetts. At 16,500 acres, October Mountain is the largest state forest in Massachusetts. You'll find trails for any level of hiking experience. One of the most scenic trails leads through Schermerhorn Gorge, a striking natural feature which has intrigued generations of geologists. Countless varieties of wild plants and animals can be found throughout the varied terrain of this vast forest. You can also visit nearby Tanglewood, popular music venue and home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Accommodations Description
Volunteers will stay in a campground with hot showers and flushing toilets. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring and food storage locker. Volunteers need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear; sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; towels, and personal cup, bowl. mug, and eating utensils.
Trip Cost: $350 per person
Find More Information & Register Here: https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/appalachian-trail-conservancy-ma-volunteer-vacations-2025/
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About American Hiking Society
Location:
8403 Colesville Rd,Suite 1100, Silver Spring, MD 20910, US
Mission Statement
As the national voice for America's hikers, American Hiking Society promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience.
Description
Our nation’s trails need your help! Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting & diverse 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. Trips 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.
Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit.
Get Out. Give Back.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
317 Woodland RoadLee, MA 01238
DATE POSTED
January 22, 2025
SKILLS
- Outdoor Recreation
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
N/A