Every time we head into the White Mountains, we're benefiting from work we didn't do. Someone cleared that blowdown. Someone dug out that water bar. Someone trimmed back the brush so you could move through without a second thought. That work doesn't happen on its own.
Burgeon has been part of that effort for a few years now. Through the Appalachian Mountain Club's Adopt-a-Trail program, we maintain three trails in the White Mountain National Forest: the Old Bridle Path on Mt. Lafayette, the Pine Link Trail, and the Willey Range Trail. Ten miles in total. Trails that see tens of thousands of boots every season.
The work looks different on every visit. Clearing drainages. Cutting back overgrowth. Restoring tread. Brushing in the edges so the trail stays in its proper footprint and erosion doesn't win. None of it is glamorous. All of it matters.
This summer we have nine maintenance days scheduled across those three trails. We'd love company.
You don't need experience. AMC provides training, and the learning curve is shorter than you'd think. What you need is a willingness to show up, work hard, and spend a day doing something that will outlast the visit.
If you've ever hiked the Franconia Ridge Loop, walked the Willey Range, or bushwhacked anything near the Pine Link, you already know why this is worth doing. These trails gave you something. This is one way to give something back.
Volunteer spots are open. Sign up here.
Can't make one of our days? The AMC runs its own volunteer events throughout the summer. This year alone they have over 20 open enrollment events in the North Country, with spots still available. See what's coming up at outdoors.org and find a day that works for you. The trails need all the help they can get.
