Learn Basic Trail Maintenance Skills and Employ them on NH's Most Hiked Mountain!
The Monadnock Volunteer Trail Crew Program is a joint initiative between NH State Parks and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (Forest Society) to support the long-term sustainability of the trail network at Monadnock State Park through volunteer led trail maintenance and monitoring patrols.
Volunteers play a critical role on Mount Monadnock's ~40 miles of very busy trails. They identify trail and safety issues, clear blowdowns, and maintain trail drainages, blazes and other infrastructure. If you are able to hike Mount Monadnock regularly and are interested in assisting, please consider joining the Monadnock Volunteer Trail Crew team!
Who Should Apply? Ideal Trail Crew Volunteers:
- Enjoy hiking and being outdoors
- Are able to hike Mount Monadnock regularly (at least 4x/yr)
- Are willing to learn basic, current trail maintenance techniques
- Can work independently or as part of a team
- Can follow instructions and adhere to volunteer guidelines
- Are interested in contributing to the long-term care of the trail system
What Monadnock Trail Crew Volunteers Do:
- Hike and monitor assigned trails or areas of the park
- Perform basic (Level 1) trail maintenance- drain clearing, blowdown removal, etc.
- Identify and report larger trail or safety issues
- Document their work and findings using a simple online form
Requirements to Become a Monadnock Trail Crew Volunteer:
Becoming a Monadnock Trail Volunteer is easy and fun- you just need to learn or demonstrate mastery of some basic trail maintenance skills! To become a Monadnock Trail Crew Volunteer, you need to either complete a basic "Level 1" trail maintenance training, or have done so within the recent past. This important step provides consistency in techniques, safety, and positive outcomes, and is required before a volunteer can work independently on the mountain.
Upcoming Level 1 Trainings run by NH State Parks are listed HERE.
Other trail maintenance trainings that are acceptable alternatives to NH State Parks training are:
- Forest Society Level 1 Trail Maintenance Training
- Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Trail Adopter Training
- White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) Trail Steward Training
- Other equivalent programs (subject to review)- please contact us if you are unsure!
Additional requirements include:
- Committing to a minimum of 4 volunteer days per year
- Submitting an online report form for all volunteer activity
- Participating in at least one skill-building or training session annually
What to Expect as a Monadnock Trail Crew Volunteer:
First of all, expect to have fun and get some great exercise and time outdoors! Once trained, this is a flexible, independent volunteer activity that you can do on your own schedule. You may choose to connect with other Trail Crew Volunteers to complete your volunteer work in a group, or go out on your own. Perks of the Monadnock Trail Crew Volunteer Program include:
- Working on your own schedule, either alone or with other Trail Crew volunteers
- Free entry to Monadnock State Park when volunteering
- Participation in optional group workdays and trainings
How do I sign up?
Interested volunteers should complete the Monadnock Volunteer Trail Crew online application form to get started. The volunteer program team will review your form and contact you via email with guidance on next steps, including current Level 1 training options if needed.
Contact Information/Questions
If you have questions about the Monadnock Trail Crew Volunteer Program not answered by this page, please contact the NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Volunteer Program Coordinator at volunteer@dncr.nh.gov.