Giving Back to the Trail. As a Trail Overseer I can tell you that I enjoy working on my little section of the trail. While I am not maintaining the AT I am maintaining the Tuscarora, an alternate trail through VA,WV,MD and PA. And folks we Trail maintainers need your help. I belong to PATC and we have hundreds of miles of trail that we maintain for the hiking enjoyment of the entire community. But, there are fewer and fewer of us working - most because of age. So we really need younger hikers to start taking up the mantel of leadership and helping out with trail maintenance. Most groups work in 10-20 person teams and they generally meet once a month to take on a major trail project, But there are also individual trail segments that need attention. What does this entail? I will spend 4-5 hours on a day hike 3-4 times a year out on my section of the trail. I cut brush away from the trail, re-paint blazes, clear fallen trees and limbs, pick up occasional trash, clear water bars, and monitor the condition of my little part of the trail. If the job is more than I can handle I report this to my trail manager who will gather a team to remove larger trees, build water bars, and resolve major issues on my section of the trail. So please get with your local trail club and volunteer - we need your help in keeping the trails up to YOUR standards! It is a great feeling to give back to the trail. Thanks and visit your local club web site for information about volunteering. - Hardcharger AT GA–>ME 09-12
Hardcharger