Rough Ridge Rover

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The National Park Service is recruiting volunteers to join its Rough Ridge Rover program. These volunteers hike the Rough Ridge section of the Tanawha Trail located at milepost 302.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway promoting its responsible use in order to protect critically imperiled plant communities. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of one 4-hour shift per week for the duration of the season.

Major Duties

Volunteer will hike the Tanawha Trail from the trailhead at the Rough Ridge Parking lot to the

popular Ship Rock area, engaging with park visitors and serving as the "eyes and ears" at the

location to better protect park resources.

• Volunteer will provide information to visitors as needed regarding remaining on established trails

and in established viewing areas; resource information; littering; as well as information about not

feeding and approaching wildlife. Many park visitors are not aware of park regulations. The role

of the volunteer is to inform park visitors about regulations in a respectful, courteous manner.

The volunteer is NOT responsible for ensuring that visitors comply with regulations.

• Participant will complete a daily patrol report using an NPS-provided form. Form should be

submitted in a timely manner.

• Volunteer may support other resource management related tasks as needed including, recording

natural resource observations and data, brushing in social trails and maintaining trail counters.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Hiking distances up to miles per day on a trail rated moderate to strenuous

• Standing or walking for periods up to 4 hours per day

• Lifting loads or carrying backpacks weighing up to 25 pounds

• Ability to educate the public about park rules in a polite and professional manner

Start Date - 2025-04-01

End Date - 2025-11-28