Join the Cardigan Highlanders Volunteer Trail Crew for a hands-on day maintaining Mt. Kearsarge—learn the basics while working on one of NH’s most heavily used summit trails in celebration of National Trails Day 2026.

This is a small-group, hands-on, trail crew experience focused on basic trail maintenance. You’ll be working with the same crew that tends this trail throughout the season, learning practical skills while contributing to real, ongoing stewardship work.

Mt. Kearsarge sees over 20,000 visitors each year. Keeping the trail in good condition requires consistent effort. This is a no-commitment opportunity to step into that role for a day.

Expect to travel a moderately steep trail, doing moderate physical work using hand tools, with time to take in the setting. The group will move together and work at a steady, manageable pace with guidance from experienced crew members.

We’ll break for lunch on the trail and wrap up mid-afternoon. With a maximum of 10 volunteers, this is an intentionally small, team-focused experience—more like joining a working trail crew than attending a large event.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Work with the Cardigan Highlanders Volunteer Trail Crew
• Hands-on intro to basic trail maintenance techniques
• Small group setting (max 10 volunteers)
• Moderate physical activity (digging, moving stones, clearing corridor)
• Make a direct positive impact on a high-use mountain trail
• Team-oriented work environment "Co-obrachadh"

WHO THIS IS FOR:

• Anyone interested in learning how trail work is done
• Hikers who want to give back to a trail they love
• Volunteers who prefer small, crew-style experiences
• No prior experience necessary - "Fàilte gu léir"

WHY THIS MATTERS:

The Cardigan Highlanders maintain this trail on a regular basis to keep it safe, sustainable, and passable under heavy use. By joining for a day, you are contributing directly to that ongoing effort while gaining a clearer understanding of what it takes to maintain a trail over time.

EVENT DETAILS:

Location: Winslow State Park – Wilmot, NH Head up Winslow House Road to the upper parking area to meet the crew

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Fee: Day-use fee waived for registered volunteers. They'll have a list at the toll-house.

Group Size: Maximum 10 volunteers