Trail Work Projects
Work with ADK trail crew leaders and other volunteers on maintenance and reconstruction projects.
From May–September, ADK offers one-day and multiday volunteer projects. ADK staff crew leaders teach volunteers how to use tools and teach them about maintaining Adirondack trails. Projects range from general maintenance (e.g. removing downed trees and clearing drainages) to technical projects (building bridges or rock staircases).
One-day events include National Trails Day (the first Saturday of June) and Fall Trails Day (end of September). These are free events and typically run 8:00–4:30.
ADK plans all aspects of multiday trips, including food. The crew spends each day working on the project, then camps overnight near the worksite. These trips have a participation fee to cover the cost of food and staff time.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring that the Adirondack Park’s trails remain accessible for all. The Trail Steward Program, Adopt a Lean-to Program, and Supervised Volunteer Trail Projects all welcome adult volunteers. Our teen trail program empowers the next generation with leadership and trail work skills.
Volunteer Opportunity
Adopt A Lean-to
Adopt and maintain a lean-to in the Adirondack Park. Hundreds of volunteer lean-to adopters donate thousands of hours toward maintaining a lean-to, replacing registers, and reporting problems. Major construction is not required. We are no longer accepting applications for 2026. We will begin accepting applications for 2027 in December.
Volunteer Opportunity
Trail Stewards
Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) trail stewards are volunteers that primarily clear blowdown, maintain drainages, and complete other basic trail maintenance tasks. Stewards compile reports that are shared with regional New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) foresters to help DEC determine where more intensive trail projects are required. Trail stewards must be at least 18 years of age. Groups are welcome!
Scholarships
Thanks to generous support from donors and chapters, ADK offers scholarships for participants in its teen education and trail programs.
Frequently asked questions
Didn’t find your answer? Contact us
Some projects are free (National Trails Day, Dan Kane Work Weekend, and Fall Trails Day). Other projects have a fee which covers meals, equipment, and ADK staff time.
No, previous trail building experience is not required to participate in an ADK volunteer trail program. The crew leader will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need.
Volunteers will receive a gear list upon registration. ADK provides all necessary trail tools and a first-aid kit.
For day-long events, volunteers are responsible for bringing their own food and water.
For multiday projects, volunteers are responsible for clothing (work pants, warm clothes, rain gear), hiking boots, sleeping gear, tent, personal items. Some gear is available to borrow on an as-needed basis (tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads). Please bring your own gear if you have it, so that ADK’s gear is available to people who need it. ADK provides food, stove, fuel, group cooking gear, and bear-resistant food storage.
The specific projects change from year to year, but here is a general breakdown:
National Trails Day is a day-long event held on the first Saturday of June. We host multiple projects in a specific area.
Multi-day Projects: We host 3- to 5-day projects from early June to mid-August. Some are open to all ages, while others are geared specifically towards teens. The group packs in all their gear to the worksite and camps nearby.
Fall Trails Day: This day-long project is usually held at the end of September or early October. Crews usually do a patrol where they clear drainages and remove blowdown from the trail before winter comes.
This depends on the project. A location will always be provided on the registration page.
One-day and all-age events usually meet at the trailhead. Teen crews meet at the Volunteer Base Camp on Heart Lake Property. The Volunteer Base Camp is Campsite 21 in the Wilderness Campground.
ADK’s volunteer trail work projects are unique wilderness experiences. Our staff provide all necessary tools, camp gear (cookware, stove, fuel, and food storage), and personal protective equipment as well as cook meals and teach you sustainable trail building practices over the course of the multiday experience.
ADK offers several free volunteer trails programs each year, including National Trails Day and Fall Trails Day events.