Program Inception
Q. When did the AMC start its Trail Adopters program?
A. The AMC began the White Mountains Adopt-A-Trail Program in 1980 with 15 adopters. The program has steadily grown, and we currently have over 150 adopters maintaining most of the AMC's 324.1 miles of trails in the White Mountains. We have also recently grown our program to include 60 miles of trail in the Mount Greylock State Reservation in Massachusetts' scenic Berkshire Mountains, opening up a wide range of volunteer trail opportunities for folks everywhere in the Northeast.
Q. Why is the Adopt-A-Trail program so important?
A. AMC-maintained trails in the Northeast rely heavily on the commitment of volunteer maintainers and adopters. Adopters perform essential basic maintenance tasks of cleaning drainage and clearing brush to promote the longevity and health of the trail. Adopters also serve as an early warning system; when serious problems are developing, the adopter alerts trails staff and corrective action can be taken before a problem snowballs.
Adopter Profile
Q. Who adopts trails?
A. Adopters may consist of individuals, families, or groups (e.g. clubs, camps, scouts, AMC chapters, and others).
They adopt trails for a variety of reasons. Some adopt as a way of "paying back" for good experiences they've had in the mountains. Many adopters have hiked in the Whites or the Berkshires, and adopt a trail for a new and different type of challenge. Some enjoy interacting with hikers and volunteers. Others discover trail work is an excellent way to stay physically fit. More significantly, there is a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in maintaining a mountain trail.
Adopters perform an essential role: Without adopters and other volunteers, many trails would not receive the yearly maintenance they require.
Q. Are there prerequisites to become a trail adopter?
A. People interested in adopting a trail must first attend a one-day Basic and/or Alpine Maintenance Skills Session. After successfully completing this training, adopters can begin work on their trail. A general familiarity with hiking in the area and climate where you would like to adopt a trail is also helpful. Adopters must be 18 years or older. See Adopter Responsibilities for more details.
Q. Once I become an adopter, where can I stay while working on my trail?
A. All Adopters and their work parties may stay at our volunteer facility in Gorham, NH. Other lodging options are assigned to many trail sections, as well.
Contact Info
Q. How can I become a trail adopter?
A. If you would like to adopt an AMC trail, please check the list of available trails, review the responsibilities of adopters, fill out and return the Adopt-A-Trail Application, and contact the North Country Trails Volunteer Coordinator with any White Mountain questions at 603-466-2721, x192, or the Regional Trails Coordinator with any Berkshire questions at 413-229-9147
Adopt-A-Trail Overview | Responsibilities and Tips | Adoptable Trails List
Application | FAQs
