Monadnock Trails Week is an annual collaboration between the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and NH State Parks. We aim to protect, improve, and promote the trails of the Monadnock Region. Monadnock Trails Week began in 2006.
Volunteering for Monadnock Trails Week (MTW) is a lot of fun, and doesn't require any special prior experience. Our crew leaders will match volunteers to projects based on experience, hiking distance, and intensity level of the project. Professional crew leaders will walk all new volunteers through how to use trail tools to complete whatever project we're working on. You'll learn new skills and get to hang out with other people who love hiking and getting their hands dirty in New England's forests!
If there is enough interest among volunteers, we hope to host affinity crews again this year (LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, Women's crew, Youth, Veterans, etc.). Small groups are also welcome to participate, as long as they register well in advance. If you would like to put together a group, reach out to Laurel Swope-Brush. In past years, we've worked with TrailWrights, Keene High School Honor Society, Camp Wa-Klo, the Cardigan Highlanders Trail Crew, REI, and other business/employee groups.
Sorry if you missed registration for this year - we hope to see you on the mountain next year!
Can't volunteer but want to support trail improvements? Make a donation to our Reservation Stewardship Fund, which supports work ranging from trail care to signage to habitat management on our forest reservations throughout the state.
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this event!
2024 was the first year for the event to be hosted in September and it was officially a hit! The weather was perfect and we only experienced a few drops of rain and lovely temperatures. Based on interest, we were able to host affinity groups for women and LGBTQIA+. We are grateful of the support from NH State Parks and the staff at Monadnock as well as the almost 50 volunteers that joined us for the events across Monadnock and Gap Mountain.
Monadnock Trails Week Photos
2022 Gap Mountain volunteers pressed on with trail work, despite intense heat and humidity all weekend long. (Photo: Carrie Deegan)
A group of volunteers and Forest Society staff makes improvements to the Marlboro Tail on Mount Monadnock during trails week in July 2022. (Photo: Carrie Deegan)
A trail crew takes a quick break during the 2021 Monadnock Trails Week. (Photo: Courtesy of Jesse Zacrow, NH State Parks)
Members of a trail crew during Monadnock Trails Week 2021. (Photo: Volunteer Keith Martin)
After MTW 2021: an improved trail has better drainage, helping keep it safe and sustainable for future hikers. (Photo courtesy of Jesse Zacrow, NH State Parks)
