Location: Glen Jean, WV
Strenuous. ~4-mile daily hikes
Front country: camping in a designated campground or a dormitory camp (TBD)
Visit West Virginia’s stunning New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and spend the week working on various trail maintenance projects in the park.
Service Project Details
Volunteers will assist the NPS trail crew in the repair of trails in the Grandview area. The Tunnel Trail is mostly boardwalk, stone pavers, or asphalt pavement, all in need of various repairs. The Castle Rock Trail will require significant rebenching with basic hand tools, resetting, and construction of additional rock steps throughout but with an emphasis on two main areas at the ends of the trail. The Grandview Rim Trail also has areas requiring some rebenching as well as the replacement of timber check steps. Signage may also be replaced as part of this project. The volunteer crew may also work with NPS Natural Resources to control invasive species through mechanical means and/or pick up litter in heavily impacted areas.
Project Leaders: Matt Williams and Stephen Dorsett
Check out the photo gallery from past projects.
Agency Website
Itinerary:
Sunday, September 14th. The Volunteer group meets at midday at a time/place TBD. The group will go through check-in, introductions, orientation, and will help set up camp in preparation for the work week ahead.
Monday, September 15th. Workday.
Tuesday, September 16th. Workday.
Wednesday, September 17th. Day off.
Thursday, September 18th. Workday.
Friday, September 19th. Workday.
Saturday, September 20th. Break down camp, goodbyes, and depart.
Nearest Cities
Hinton, WV
Beckley, WV
Nearest Airports
West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) – ~87 miles away
Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) – ~106 miles away
Blue Grass Airport (LEX) – ~269 miles away
Free Time Details
Hiking the numerous trails, driving to various historic sites throughout the park, viewing the New River Gorge Bridge, viewing wildlife, photography, relaxation, rafting (before or after the project), etc. Fish (with proper licensing), or explore three National Parks and five State Parks.
Accommodations
TBD. Front country: camping in a designated campground or a dormitory camp.
Difficulty
Strenuous. ~4-mile daily hikes
Task Details
Bending, cutting, hauling, swinging, digging, throwing, pushing, lifting, etc.
Equipment List
View Equipment List