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ADK Volunteer Trails Program 2010

Trails Program Logo

Since 1986 thousands of Volunteers have worked with trained ADK trail crew leaders to complete trail maintenance and reconstruction projects all over the Adirondacks and Catskills. Volunteers are provided with the unique opportunity to “give something back” to the trails that they use. Trail work is demanding so Volunteers should expect to be challenged both physically and mentally. Through the course of a trail project, Volunteers will share the experience with other participants forming new friendships and memories.

Ultimately a quality trail project is completed by Volunteer trail crews that will protect the natural resource for many years; a fun and rewarding experience is guaranteed. ADK provides leadership, group camping gear, tools, transportation from base camp, and food for multi-day projects. ADK’s volunteer base camp serves as the staging area for the four and five day trail projects. It is located at the Adirondak Loj Campground adjacent to Heart Lake. Project information including an equipment list and more specifics will be sent to all volunteers upon registration.

Fall Trails Day

High Peaks Region
Saturday, Oct. 16


This is the last chance to clean drainages of fallen leaves and other debris before the snow arrives. Eight different trails located in the Adirondack High Peak Region will be focused on. A cold continental breakfast will be served at the High Peaks Information Center (HPIC) starting at 7:30 AM before the crews leave for the day at around 8:45 AM. Participants can camp for free in the ADK Wilderness Campground both Friday and Saturday nights. Preregistration is appreciated. especially if staying in the campground. Free.

To register call 518-523-3441 or click here for a volunteer trails program registration form.

2010 Fall Trails Day Projects

The following projects will be offered this year for Fall Trails Day. All of the projects will leave directly from the HPIC on Saturday morning. Each project has been assigned a difficulty rating and number. Details about the project are included.

1. Algonquin (Hard): This crew will clear drainage and remove blowdown between the Marcy Dam Junction and the Wright Peak junction going up Mt. Algonquin.
Total Hiking Mileage: 6.2 miles. Elevation Gain: 1900’
2. Avalanche Pass (Hard): This crew will clear drainage and remove blowdown from Marcy Dam up to Avalanche Lake on both the hiking and skiing trails.
Total Hiking Mileage: 8 miles. Elevation Gain: 900’
3. Indian Falls to the Crossover (Hard): This crew will clear drainage and remove blowdown from Marcy Dam to Indian Falls, and return via the crossover trail.
Total Hiking Mileage: 9 miles. Elevation Gain: 1500’
4. Lake Arnold (Hard): This crew will clear drainage and remove blowdown from Avalanche Camp to Lake Arnold.
Total Hiking Mileage: 9.2 miles. Elevation Gain: 1580’
5. Marcy Dam (Easy): This crew will clear drainage and remove blowdown from the HPIC to Marcy Dam.
Total hiking Mileage: 4.6 miles. Elevation Gain: 180’
6. Mr. Van Ski Trail (Moderate): This crew will sidecut this ski trail starting from the Klondike Trail towards Adirondak Loj. Total hiking mileage: 2-5 miles. Elevation gain: 100'
7. Mt Jo (Easy): This crew will clear drainage and remove blowdown on the Long and Short trails on Mt. Jo.
Total Hiking Mileage: 2.4 miles. Elevation Gain: 650’
8. Scott Clearing (Moderate): This crew will clear drainage and remove blowdown from Heart Lake to Scott Clearing.
Total Hiking Mileage: 8 miles. Elevation Gain: 200’

 

St. John Trail Service Project

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Feb. 26 – March 5, 2011

The ADK Supervised Volunteer Trails Program is heading south to the U.S. Virgin Islands in February 2011. Working with the Virgin Islands National Park (VINP), Friends of Virgin Island National Park, and a well established volunteer program, ADK volunteers will help maintain the network of trails that exists on St. John. The trail project will most likely consist of clearing brush away from ruins or at vistas like the picture below.

St. John

Participants will work on the trail Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 1 PM. The Volunteer Leader will transport the crew to the work site each day. After the work day is over, afternoon transportation will be furnished to take the group to a beach, view point, or another site for relaxation and enjoyment. The Volunteer Leader will provide trail work instruction and all tools required.

The VINP Cinnamon Bay Campground has a dedicated base camp where volunteers will stay. The base camp consists of five 12’ by 16’ tent platforms with Eureka cabin tents, each with four sleeping cots. Tents are under large tarps hung above to provide rain protection and to allow for air circulation. There are propane stoves, ice chests, and food storage boxes for group use. All cooking equipment (pots, pans, utensils and eating materials) are also provided. All meals will be provided and everyone will assist with meal preparation.

The participation fee for this service project is $275 per person. Transportation to and from St. John is the responsibility of the individual. It is suggested that participants arrive on Saturday, Feb. 26, to have Sunday to get organized and situated. Saturday, March 5 is the departure date. Participants are welcome to stay longer or arrive before the beginning of the service project at their own expense.

The maximum number of volunteers that the base camp can accommodate is 20, and this trip is expected to fill quickly. Upon registering, a complete information packet will be e-mailed to participants that will include an equipment and gear list and directions.

To register, call 518-523-3441 or click here for a volunteer trails program registration form.