AT Trail Maintaining and Shelter Adopting

Trail maintainers keep the footpath free of obstructions such as brush, and fallen trees. They also keep the white paint blazes that mark the AT fresh and easy to see. Shelter adopters take care of a particular shelter along the trail.

A Maintainer typically takes care of a 2-5 mile section of the Trail, visiting it 2 or 3 times a year. Weather, such as a severe storm, may require more frequent visits to assess and repair any damage. If damage is extensive, a work party will assist the Maintainer in getting the Trail open in a timely, safe manner. For more information see our Guidelines for Maintainers (About PDF files).

Shelter adopters have similar duties, except they take care of a particular shelter instead of a trail section. For more information see our Guidelines for Shelter Adopters (About PDF files).

If you're interested in adopting a trail section or shelter and want to find out more, you can contact us at or talk to our Volunteer Coordinator, Cosmo Catalano at ([email protected], 413.822.0094).