Overseeing the upkeep and maintenance of the 2,135 mile Appalachian Trail, the ATC coordinates the efforts of its volunteer and paid employees, as well as governmental agencies that own land adjacent to the trail. In any given year, the ATC uses up to 4,500 volunteers to maintain the trail. If you want to spend the entire summer outdoors, or even just a couple of weeks, working with the ATC may be your ticket.
There are two main positions you can volunteer for: trail crew and ridge runners. Trail crew workers are stationed at one of five points along the trail and are responsible for maintaining the trail and shelters, and for educating the public about responsible ways to share the trail with others. The benefits are identical to working with the SCA (see above), with the exception that the ATC is unable to pay for your transportation from home, but they will pick you up at the airport, train, or bus station. They are also unable to provide a stipend, but when you are living on the trail, you really don't need much extra money. Paid positions as Trail Crew leaders are also available to those with related experience (usually a season as a volunteer). Paid workers earn $800 per month plus room and board.
For a brochure and additional information, contact them before January 31 for the best results at:
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Crews, ATC
P.O. Box 807
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
(304) 535-6331
The other position that is available is for ridge runners. These employees work in high use areas of the trail educating the public and passing out brochures on the responsible use of the trail. The main difference between working on the trail crew and working as a ridge runner is that ridge runners are generally more involved with the public and issues concerning the public.
The benefits and application procedure for ridge runners are identical to the trail crew positions, but more positions offer pay and there is a different mailing address:
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Ridge Runners, ATC
P.O. Box 807
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
(304) 535-6331
