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Appalachian Trail, Maine – Volunteer Vacations 2021

August 8, 2021 - August 14, 2021

Trip Navigation

Help protect the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and enjoy the rugged beauty of Maine! On this project, we will monitor and maintain the boundaries of the land preserved for the Trail. This public land is the backbone of the largest natural corridor that remains east of the Mississippi River, creating a haven and migration path for humans and animals alike. Maintaining the boundaries of this land helps to protect it from encroachments such as motorized vehicles and timber theft. Using a GPS, map, and compass, the crew will follow the surveyed boundaries of the trail corridor. We will clear brush with loppers, paint trees, replace US Boundary signs, and record the condition of metal survey markers, called “monuments.” Each day, we will duck into the woods just off the A.T., find the boundary, and leap-frog each other as we move along. At the end of the day, we’ll hike back on the A.T. and be amazed at how much ground we covered! Teams will maintain up to 1 mile of boundary line and hike 2 or more miles per day. Maine is especially wonderful this time of year. After experiencing the rugged beauty of the trail, volunteers will enjoy the full-service South Arm campground on the shores of Lower Richardson Lake. We hope you join us on this challenging and rewarding project. Volunteers like you are the heart and soul of the Appalachian Trail!

CURRENT COVID TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE (Link)

Host

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Hiking/Access

Day hiking up to 2 miles each work day

Project Rating

Moderate

Minimum Volunteer Age

18

Maximum Group Size

10

Area and Attractions

Maine's western mountains and lakes offer a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. South Arm Campground is on the Shore of Lower Richardson Lake, nestled in the heart of the vast Rangeley Lakes region. It’s the perfect place to hear loons calling across open waters and to sit around campfires with friendly faces. With its richness of natural attractions, you are guaranteed fun activities. Besides hiking the Appalachian or other trails, you can rent a boat from the campground, fly fish some of the best brook trout fishing in the state, mountain bike nearby trails, or stargaze the clearest skies you've ever seen!

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will tent camp at the South Arm Campground, which is located on a peninsula, with sites on the shores of Lower Richardson Lake. All sites are in a natural forest setting of spruce, hemlock, and birch. All have electric and hot water hookups. The campground's marina can supply canoes, kayaks, and motorboat rentals as well as cruises on a pontoon boat. Clean, modern restrooms with hot showers, a laundromat, and dump station are available, as well as a General Store and Bakery where camping and fishing supplies are sold. Volunteers and ATC staff will all contribute to cooking the week's breakfasts and dinners on Coleman 2 burner camp stoves. We will be making lunches in the morning and taking them to the woods with us. Volunteers should bring their own tent, sleeping bag and pad, cup/bowl/eating utensils, personal items and full body rain gear.

Travel

Airport Pickup Provided from Portland International Jetport. Airport pickup and dropoff times will be sent to registrants when the trip is confirmed.

Location

Appalachian Trail
62 Kennett Drive, Andover, ME 04216 United States
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