Trails

Inside Trails

Committee Members

Updated March 29, 2024

For Trail Leaders.

Chain Saw Policy and other Inter Trails Committee documents

Trails Committee Chairs and FMI: Phil Coyne (He, Him)

May 16-20 2024 Trail Work Training at Trail Skills College:

 Attend the third annual Trail Skills College at the Camp Dodge Trails Center from May 16-20, 2024! Explore basic and advanced trail workshops, Axe and Chainsaw training, and more. If you would like to be added to the mailing list to receive updates, Sign up to get notified of trail work training.
 

Trail Work Schedules

2024 trails calendar:

  • April 28, Pisgah Hill Preserve South, Royal River Conservation Trust, New Gloucester, Phil Coyne 
    • Skill Building training – 8:00 to 3:00 pm here
    • Skill Building training – 8:00 to 10:00 am here
    • Skill Building training – 10:30 to 12:30 pm here
    • Skill Building training – 1:00 to 3:00 pm here
  • May 4, Trail Maintenance on Appalachian Trail, Stratton, here, Leader Josh Barlow
  • May 5, Pleasant Mountain, here, Leader Phil Coyne
  • May 24-27, Lyford, here, Leaders Peter Roderick, Phil Coyne, Susan Cottle
  • June 1, National Trails Day:
    • Cutler Mountain, Leader, here, Leader Patsy Thompson Leavitt 
    • Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust, here, Leaders Josh Barlow, Katie Barlow
    • Young Member’s trip to Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust, here Leader William Jones (Trails Leader Phil Coyne)
    • Midcoast Conservancy properties in Lincoln County here, Susan Cottle 
  • June 7-9, Phoenix Shelter in Maine Woods with the Worcester Chapter, here Leaders Steve Ciras, Joe Massery
  • June 21-24, Gorman, here, Leaders Dave McCarthy, Phil Coyne
  • June 21-24, Medawisla, here, Leaders Josh Barlow, Katie Barlow
  • June 29, Susan Cottle Midcoast Conservancy properties in Lincoln County.
  • July 18-21, Supporting Northern Forest Canoe Trail, here, Allagash Wilderness Waterway area, Leader Peter Roderick
  • July TBD, Pleasant Mountain, Leader Phil Coyne
  • Summer Trip TBD Cutler Mountain, Leader, Leader Patsy Thompson Leavitt 
  • October 11-14, Medawisla, Leaders Josh Barlow, Katie Barlow, Phil Coyne
  • Fall TBD, Pleasant Mountain, Leader Phil Coyne
  • November 3, Trail Maintenance on Appalachian Trail, Stratton, here, Leader Josh Barlow

Please refer to the trail event calendar for the latest work trip postings.

Join the Trails Team!

We are searching for people to join the Trails Committee team and looking for folks to assist leading trail work trips. These people will be responsible for leading a small group of volunteers out to do general trail work during the weekend a few times a year. This work will keep our trails safe and enjoyable for all. Everyone has fun and it’s for a good cause! To join the team click here.  Or for more information please send an email to Phil Coyne click here.

Meet the Trails Team!

We have a core team working and leading trail work trips in Maine. 

  • Phil Coyne: Trails Chair and Trails Leader
  • Peter Roderick: Mentor, Maine Trails Adopter Coordinator and Trails Leader
  • Joshua Barlow: Trails Leader
  • Katie Barlow: Trails Leader
  • Susan Cottle: Trails Leader 
  • Kate Johnson: Advisor, Trainer, Advanced Trails Skills
  • Patricia Leavitt: Trails Leader
  • David McCathy: Trails Leader
  • Robert Pantel: Trails Leader
  • Amanda Peterson: Advisor, Trainer, Advanced Trails Skills

Volunteer Trail Resources

Training at Camp Dodge Trails Center

Camp Dodge Trails Center, a White Mountain National Forest facility operated by the AMC under a special use permit, has been renovated and is now open as a hub for sharing trails skills and knowledge through trainings, workshops, and networking opportunities for the region’s trails volunteers and professionals!  Click here for more info or each out to Erik Samia at [email protected] with any questions.

Peter Roderick Trail Work Award

Plan now for doing trailwork this summer.  AMC members who have never done trailwork are invited to apply for a scholarship that will cover all costs for food and overnight lodging during one of four multi-day trailwork opportunities in AMC’s Maine Wilderness Initiative (MWI). 

The Peter Roderick Trail Work Award (PRTWA), named to honor a longtime Maine Chapter trail volunteer, will cover the cost of a multi-day volunteer trail work outing in AMC’s 100,000-acre MWI area outside of Greenville, Maine.  The goal of this program is to encourage first-time trail volunteers to participate in multi-day opportunities in the MWI to learn trailwork skills and experience the satisfaction of giving back.

Designed for first-time trailwork volunteers and Young Member volunteers, up to twelve PRTWA scholarships may be awarded for use during any of the four volunteer trips during 2023.

Learn more about the scholarship and trip details

Photo taken by Melika Uter, taken during the Little Lyford Lodge Trail Trip May 2023.

Blowdowns

While hiking in spring you come across a spruce tree that has fallen across the trail. What is your reaction?

  • A. Blowdowns are a part of the hiking experience. I go around them.
  • B. Grumble that someone should do their job.
  • C. I contact the person responsible for the trail.
  • D. I remove the blowdown.

Find out the answer!

News

December 29, 2023

Apply now! Peter Roderick Trail Scholarships and John Mullens Trail Fellowships

Unlock thrilling experiences in the coming year!  The Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) invites you to apply […]

June 9, 2023

Requirements to become an AMC Trip Leader

Requirements for Candidates with no prior outdoor leadership experience: Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older Maintain current […]

March 29, 2024

Celebrate National Trails Day – June 1

Join us on National Trails Day, June 1st, for a fulfilling day of trail work and conservation efforts! Whether you’re […]

March 23, 2024

Trailside Birding Program

Please Join the Appalachian Mountain Club on April 25th at the Curtis Memorial Library at 7 pm for a presentation […]

March 23, 2024

Join the Executive Committee!

The Maine Chapter executive committee is looking to fill several open positions. Whether you have participated in trips, are a […]

February 25, 2024

Exciting Trail Work Opportunities Await in 2024! 🌲🚶‍♂️

We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates and opportunities for trail work in 2024.Please note, this article does not list […]

Calendar

BASIC TRAIL CARE SKILL-BUILDING - ROYAL RIVER LAND TRUST TRAIL, 1:00 TO 3:00 PM

Join us for a hands-on trail care experience led by a knowledgeable AMC volunteer trail crew leader. In this session, you'll gain essential skills in trail maintenance, including understanding trail corridor dimensions, tree and shrub pruning techniques, and proper trail blaze sizing and placement.

We'll be actively using tools such as loppers, saws, rakes, and paint for blazing trails, as well as addressing the removal of invasive species. All participants are required to register in advance.

Choose from three available sessions on Sunday, April 28:

1. 8:00-10:00 am

2. 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

3. 1:00 - 3:00 pm (current session)

This year's Skill Building event will take place at Pisgah Hill Preserve (South) in New Gloucester. Our focus will a section being rerouted of the 1.2-mile loop trail where it intersects with a drainage channel. We'll be re-blazing the trail with paint instead of markers and addressing invasive glossy buckthorn and shrubby honeysuckle.

For your safety and comfort, please bring safety glasses, gloves, suitable work clothes, a hat, and insect repellent for ticks and mosquitoes. Kindly arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a prompt start.

You must feel healthy enough to hike on uneven surfaces, hike up a hill, and perform basic trail maintenance.

Registration closes April 25.

We look forward to your participation!

Date
Sunday, April 28th 2024
Status
Open
Activities
Conservation Leadership Training Trail Work
Location
New Gloucester, Maine
Region
Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
Committee
Trails
Leader
Phil M Coyne
Links
Registration is required for this activity.
Register

Basic Trail Care Skill-Building - Royal River Land Trust Trail, 08:00 to 3:00 PM

Join us for a hands-on trail care experience led by a knowledgeable AMC volunteer trail crew leader. In this session, you'll gain essential skills in trail maintenance, including understanding trail corridor dimensions, tree and shrub pruning techniques, and proper trail blaze sizing and placement.

We'll be actively using tools such as loppers, saws, rakes, and paint for blazing trails, as well as addressing the removal of invasive species. All participants are required to register in advance.

This year's Skill Building event will take place at Pisgah Hill Preserve (South) in New Gloucester. Our focus will a section being rerouted of the 1.2-mile loop trail where it intersects with a drainage channel. We'll be re-blazing the trail with paint instead of markers and addressing invasive glossy buckthorn and shrubby honeysuckle.

For your safety and comfort, please bring safety glasses, gloves, suitable work clothes, a hat, and insect repellent for ticks and mosquitoes. Kindly arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a prompt start.

You must feel healthy enough to hike on uneven surfaces, hike up a hill, and perform basic trail maintenance.

Please sign up before April 25.

We look forward to your participation!

Date
Sunday, April 28th 2024
Status
Open
Activities
Conservation Instruction (Skills) Trail Work
Location
New Gloucester, Maine
Region
Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
Committee
Trails
Leader
Phil M Coyne
Links
Registration is required for this activity.
Register

Basic Trail Care Skill-Building - Royal River Land Trust Trail, 08:00 to 10:00 am

Join us for a hands-on trail care experience led by a knowledgeable AMC volunteer trail crew leader. In this session, you'll gain essential skills in trail maintenance, including understanding trail corridor dimensions, tree and shrub pruning techniques, and proper trail blaze sizing and placement.

We'll be actively using tools such as loppers, saws, rakes, and paint for blazing trails, as well as addressing the removal of invasive species. All participants are required to register in advance.

Choose from three available sessions on Sunday, April 28:

1. 8:00-10:00 am (current session)

2. 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

3. 1:00 - 3:00 pm

This year's Skill Building event will take place at Pisgah Hill Preserve (South) in New Gloucester. Our focus will a section being rerouted of the 1.2-mile loop trail where it intersects with a drainage channel. We'll be re-blazing the trail with paint instead of markers and addressing invasive glossy buckthorn and shrubby honeysuckle.

For your safety and comfort, please bring safety glasses, gloves, suitable work clothes, a hat, and insect repellent for ticks and mosquitoes. Kindly arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a prompt start.

You must feel healthy enough to hike on uneven surfaces, hike up a hill, and perform basic trail maintenance.

We look forward to your participation!

Date
Sunday, April 28th 2024, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Status
Open
Activities
Conservation Hiking Instruction (Skills) Specialty Skills Trail Work Training
Location
New Gloucester, Maine
Region
Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
Committee
Trails
Leader
Phil Coyne
Links
Registration is required for this activity.
Register

BASIC TRAIL CARE SKILL-BUILDING - ROYAL RIVER LAND TRUST TRAIL, 10:30 TO 12:30 PM

Join us for a hands-on trail care experience led by a knowledgeable AMC volunteer trail crew leader. In this session, you'll gain essential skills in trail maintenance, including understanding trail corridor dimensions, tree and shrub pruning techniques, and proper trail blaze sizing and placement.

We'll be actively using tools such as loppers, saws, rakes, and paint for blazing trails, as well as addressing the removal of invasive species. All participants are required to register in advance.

Choose from three available sessions on Sunday, April 28:

1. 8:00-10:00 am

2. 10:30 am - 12:30 pm (current session)

3. 1:00 - 3:00 pm

This year's Skill Building event will take place at Pisgah Hill Preserve (South) in New Gloucester. Our focus will a section being rerouted of the 1.2-mile loop trail where it intersects with a drainage channel. We'll be re-blazing the trail with paint instead of markers and addressing invasive glossy buckthorn and shrubby honeysuckle.

For your safety and comfort, please bring safety glasses, gloves, suitable work clothes, a hat, and insect repellent for ticks and mosquitoes. Kindly arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a prompt start.

You must feel healthy enough to hike on uneven surfaces, hike up a hill, and perform basic trail maintenance.

We look forward to your participation!

Date
Sunday, April 28th 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Status
Open
Activities
Conservation Instruction (Skills) Trail Work
Location
New Gloucester, Maine
Region
Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
Committee
Trails
Leader
Phil M Coyne
Links
Registration is required for this activity.
Register

Trail Maintenance on Appalachian Trail, Stratton, Maine

Annual Spring Trail Maintenance on a 3.2-mile section of the AT in Carrabassett Valley (6.4 miles round trip). This is a moderate hike, which we will take at a working pace. Type of work: clearing blowdowns, cleaning water bars and other basic maintenance. Please bring your own trail work gloves, water, lunch, wear appropriate clothing (long pants/long sleeve shirt, boots, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.) We will have some tools available but if you have your own, please bring them.

The trip will meet in the morning and will work for about 6-1/2 hours

Registration for this trip closes April 28th at 5pm. I will notify all registered participants about 5 days in advance with meeting location, meeting time and weather update.

Date
Saturday, May 4th 2024
Status
Open
Activities
Conservation
Location
Meeting Time and Place TBD
Region
Maine, Inland
Committee
Trails
Leader
Josh Barlow
Registration is required for this activity.
Register

Trail Work at Pleasant Mountain, Bridgton, Maine

Join the Maine Chapter as we support Loon Echo Land Trust to do "Spring cleanup" trail work trip on Pleasant Mountain, Bridgton Maine. We will hike approximately 3.5-4 miles round trip, elevation gain is 1,600 feet while working along the way. NO experience necessary, volunteers will be trained "on the job" with approved AMC techniques.

The trip will leave mid morning and will end mid afternoon for approximately 6 hours. During my screening call I disclose where and when to meet.

Type of work: easy maintenance, trimming vegetation, cleaning water bars, remove rocks and branches, etc. Maine Chapter will supply tools, but if you have your own, please bring your own. Please bring your own trail work gloves, water, and lunch/snacks. Please wear appropriate clothing (long pants/long sleeve shirt, boots, hat), sunscreen, bug spray, etc.

Registration for this trip closes Monday, April 29, 2024

Date
Sunday, May 5th 2024
Status
Open
Activities
Conservation
Location
Bridgton, Maine
Region
Maine, Western
Committee
Trails
Leader
Phil Coyne
Registration is required for this activity.
Register

Trail Work Weekend at Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins

Trail work trip at Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins. We will patrol nearby trails removing blowdowns and clearing drainages in preparation for the coming prime hiking season. Prime fly fishing season and black fly season. Hoping the fish are biting more than the black flies. Contact Leader for details.

Registration for this trip closes Sunday, May 15, 2024 or when capacity is reached.

Dates
Friday, May 24th 2024 – Monday, May 27th 2024
Status
Wait Listed
Activities
Conservation Hiking Trail Work
Location
Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins
Region
Maine, Western
Committee
Trails
Leader
Peter Roderick
Leader
Phil M Coyne
Leader
Susan Cottle
Leader
Kevin Smith
Fees
Adult Member
$150
Adult Non-member
$150
Fee Includes
Group lodging in bunkhouse and cabins shared bath house, kayak/canoe access, all meals included. The Maine Chapter offers scholarships for qualified first-time trail workers. https://amcmaine.org/exciting-trail-work-opportunities-await-in-2024/
Registration is required for this activity.
Join Waitlist

National Trails Day Trail Work at Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust

We welcome you to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday June 1st 2024 by participating in trail work alongside our AMC Maine's Trail Work leaders. On this trip, we will be volunteering together at Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust in Orland, Maine. No prior experience with trail work is necessary, but participants should be in good physical shape and capable of hiking a few miles and performing moderate physical work for a couple hours at a time. Type of work may include: building new trails, widening existing trail corridors, moving stones, and clearing blowdowns.

Please bring your own trail work gloves, water, lunch, wear appropriate clothing (long pants/long sleeve shirt, boots, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.). We will have some tools available but if you have your own, please bring them. The trip will meet in the morning and will work for about 6-7 hours. Registration for this trip closes May 26th at 5pm. We will notify all registered participants about 5 days in advance with meeting location, meeting time and weather update.

Date
Saturday, June 1st 2024
Status
Open
Activities
Conservation
Region
Maine, Downeast and Acadia
Committee
Trails
Leader
Josh Barlow
Leader
Katherine Barlow
Leader
Phil M Coyne
Registration is required for this activity.
Register

Spring clean up at midcoast Maine land trust

Want to see a really pretty riverside trail? Want to learn a bit about a preserve or simply want to "give back" to nature by doing some trail work to keep a lovely trail in good shape for folks to enjoy? Then please join us for some basic trail maintenance on one of the Midcoast Conservancy's beautiful preserves in Lincoln County. We are likely to be going to Whitefield Salmon Preserve and doing some bridge work as well as clearing this winter's debris. No experience is necessary, and tools will be provided (though you are welcome to bring your own loppers or hand saw if you wish). We just need your good company! The details of starting time and location will be provided once you register. You are also welcome to email or call me before registering. Please call BEFORE 8 pm.

Date
Saturday, June 1st 2024
Status
Open
Activities
Trail Work
Region
Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
Committee
Trails
Leader
Susan Cottle
Registration is required for this activity.
Register

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY CUTLER MOUNTAIN, HIRAM, MAINE

Join the Maine Chapter as we celebrate National Trails Day - a day for local trail advocacy and support. We will be doing "Spring cleanup" trail work trip on Cutler Mountain, Hiram, ME. We will hike approximately 3.0-3.5 miles round trip while working along the way. NO experience necessary, volunteers will be trained "on the job" with approved AMC techniques.

Type of work: easy maintenance, trimming vegetation, cleaning water bars, remove rocks and branches, refreshing cairns, etc. Maine Chapter will supply tools, but if you have your own, please bring your own. Please bring your own trail work gloves, water, and lunch/snacks. Please wear appropriate clothing (long pants/long sleeve shirt, boots, hat), sunscreen, bug spray, etc.

Date
Saturday, June 1st 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Status
Open
Activities
Conservation Trail Work
Location
Mt. Cutler
Region
Maine, Western
Committee
Trails
Leader
Patsy Leavitt
Registration is required for this activity.
Register

Maine Woods Trail Work Weekend at Medawisla Lodge

With 130 miles of trails, the AMC North Woods Initiative in Maine has lots of volunteer work opportunities. For this trip we will be staying in the bunkhouses at Medawisla Lodge and Cabins, There will be the usual variety of jobs to choose from including trail work, and special projects around the lodge and cabins.

To register for this trip, please complete the on-line registration located here. You will then receive an e-mail confirmation from the group leader with instructions for completing payment and bunk registration including a special group reservation number. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESERVE A SPACE BEFORE HEARING FROM THE TRIP LEADER WITH YOUR CONFIRMATION.

Registration for this trip closes June 14th or when trip capacity is reached.

Dates
Friday, June 21st 2024, 5:00 PM – Monday, June 24th 2024 9:00 AM
Status
Open
Activities
Conservation Hiking Trail Work
Location
Medawisla Lodge, Second Roach Pond
Region
Maine, Inland
Committee
Trails
Leader
Josh Barlow
Leader
Katherine Barlow
Leader
Kevin Smith
Fees
Adult Member
$150
Adult Non-member
$150
Fee Includes
Group lodging in bunkhouse and cabins shared bath house, kayak/canoe access, all meals included. The Maine Chapter offers scholarships for qualified first-time trail workers. https://amcmaine.org/exciting-trail-work-opportunities-await-in-2024/
Registration is required for this activity.
Register

Maine Woods Trail Work near Gorman Chairback Lodge

The Appalachian Mountain Club's Maine Woods is comprised of over 100,000 acres with over 200 miles of trails. Participants in the Gorman Chairback trail work weekend will do trail maintenance and improvements on trails around the lodge. (See Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins - Appalachian Mountain Club (outdoors.org)

The work includes removing blowdowns, pruning brush, clearing drainages, and other tasks to improve the trails. If schedules allow, the group may work with the AMC pro trail crew and participate in more advanced trail building skills.

Efforts will range from easy to moderate difficulty. Tools will be provided. If you have a favorite set of loppers or other tools, bring them along. Prepare to spend most of the days in the woods with appropriate clothing (long pants/long sleeve shirt, boots, hat, gloves) and personal items (water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.) Bag lunches are provided.

Registration for this trip closes Sunday, June 16, 2024 or when capacity is reached.

Dates
Friday, June 21st 2024, 5:00 PM – Monday, June 24th 2024 12:00 PM
Status
Open
Activities
Conservation Hiking Trail Work
Location
Maine Woods - Gorman Chairback Lodge
Region
Maine, Inland
Committee
Trails
Leader
David McCarthy
Leader
Phil M Coyne
Leader
Kevin Smith
Fees
Adult Member
$150
Adult Non-member
$150
Fee Includes
Group lodging in bunkhouse and cabins shared bath house, kayak/canoe access, all meals included. The Maine Chapter offers scholarships for qualified first-time trail workers. https://amcmaine.org/exciting-trail-work-opportunities-await-in-2024/
Registration is required for this activity.
Register

Trail Work in conjunction with the Northern Forest Canoe Trail crew on Allagash Wilderness Waterway

Join Maine Chapter trails volunteers as we work with a crew from the Northern Forest Canoe Trail on a section of the canoe trail on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway near Churchill Dam. We will tent camp with the NFCT vols and pro crew. Possible work may include "Work will involve Jaws Campsite, Churchill Lake, Allagash Wilderness Waterway, ME.

Help improve access path, tent paths, and improve accessibility at this deservingly

popular campsite along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, an easy paddle in from

Churchill Dam.

Details as we get closer to the trip date.

Dates
Thursday, July 18th 2024 – Sunday, July 21st 2024
Status
Open
Activities
Trail Work
Location
Jaws Campsite/Churchill Lake
Region
Maine, Western
Committee
Trails
Leader
Peter Roderick
Links
Registration is required for this activity.
Register

Trail Maintenance on Appalachian Trail, Stratton, Maine

Annual Fall Trail Maintenance on a 3.2-mile section of the AT in Carrabassett Valley (6.4 miles round trip). This is a moderate hike, which we will take at a working pace. Type of work: clearing blowdowns, cleaning water bars and other basic maintenance. Please bring your own trail work gloves, water, lunch, wear appropriate clothing (long pants/long sleeve shirt, boots, hat, 2 items of blaze orange due to hunting season) sunscreen, bug spray, etc. We will have some tools available but if you have your own, please bring them.

The trip will meet in the morning and will work for about 6-1/2 hours

Registration for this trip closes October 27th at 5pm. I will send out an e-mail to all registrants about 5 days in advance with meeting location, meeting time and weather update.

Date
Sunday, November 3rd 2024
Status
Open
Activities
Conservation
Location
Meeting Time and Place TBD
Region
Maine, Inland
Committee
Trails
Leader
Josh Barlow
Registration is required for this activity.
Register