About The Crew:
Acadia National Park offers some of the finest and most diverse hiking opportunities in the US. Trails range from steep mountain climbs with scenic wooded areas and open ridge walks to gentle routes and carriage paths used by walkers, mountain bikers and equestrians.
Your experienced AMC Trails Program crew leader will provide training and supervision for your volunteer crew, under direction from the National Park Trail Crew. This program is open to all over the age of 18, however this is the ideal crew for first time Trails Volunteers or older individuals.
We will head out from AMC Echo Lake Camp each day to our project. No backcountry camping is allowed in the National Park. Work locations may involve approximately a one-mile hike in from the trailhead. The crews will work four days during the week, (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) averaging 6-8 hours/day in the field, with Friday and Saturday free for enjoying the Park. Projects may include clearing drainage ditches, brushing back vegetation, hardening trails with gravel, constructing bog bridges, or building rock stairs or drainage structures.
Camp Life:
While based out of AMC Echo Lake Camp the crew stays in canvas wall tents on wooden platforms. All tents have two cots with mattresses and a nightstand. There are blankets and pillows available, but be sure to bring a sleeping bag as well to be extra toasty. There is a library, dining room and kitchen, and main bathhouse with showers and bathroom facilities as well. At this time of the season, AMC Echo Lake Camp is only open for the Volunteer Trail Crew Programs.
The crew will work together to prepare delicious meals each day, with some meals featuring fresh local seafood! There will be plenty of food to satisfy the Trail Worker appetite. After dinner the crew can relax, go for a swim, take out one of the canoes or kayaks, or head over to the town of Bar Harbor for a Bocce tournament.
This is a great way to experience Acadia National Park while providing a valuable service to the Park as well.
What The Volunteers Say:
"Loved the physical challenge of the work and great satisfaction in finishing part of the trail. We worked at our individual paces and all effort was appreciated. You could see the results and their positive impact. I loved it." Bess (2008 Acadia Participant)
"Loved the whole thing. Work, Leader, planning, food—all well organized and fun. I used tools that I’ve never used before. I felt the team worked together very well, and we accomplished a lot. I felt a real sense of accomplishment." Joannie (2008 Acadia Participant)
"It’s a great program. I felt like I really made a difference and I cannot wait to return to see my handiwork. It felt good to pay back, through trail work, for the years of enjoyable hiking on New England trails." Allan (2008 Acadia Participant)
2009 Dates:
August 30 - September 5
September 6 - 12
September 13 - 19
September 20 - 26
Contribution:
$200 (AMC members)
$220 (non-members)
Register Today!
View Full 2009 Schedule
