Learn Trail Building Skills with Indoor Lodging in Allegany State Park, NY (Back by Popular Demand)

Build Trail Experience in Allegany State Park “the wilderness playground of Western New York” and the nationally recognized North Country Scenic Trail! Special 1-Year Membership to Finger Lakes Trail Conference included!

Join Allegany State Park for the third year of a multiyear effort to revitalize the 20.6 miles of Finger Lakes Trail /North Country National Scenic Trail! This project will build upon the five-year partnership between the American Hiking Society and the Finger Lakes Trail Conference which has rehabilitated over 20 miles of trail.

Volunteer tasks will be varied, promising participants an opportunity to participate in different types of trailwork throughout the week. Work tasks will include staining a lean-to, building bridges, cleaning up the general area; water control improvements including drainage cleaning, installation of water bars/rolling dips and removing slough and berms from trail benching; and brush clearing and blazing. Skills training will be provided as necessary.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Avg. Temperature:

Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of around 55–60°F and lows of 35–40°F. Mid-October in western New York is cool and crisp with increasing chances of rain and some chilly, damp days.

Sample Schedule:

Day 1: Arrival

Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time/place TBD)

Day 2: Work Day

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM

Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.

Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.

Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.

After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of  time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.

Day 3: Work Day

Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)

Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike,  tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.

Day 5: Work Day

Day 6: Work Day

Day 7: Departure

Pack up and clean up, celebrate your accomplishments, wish each other a fond farewell, and depart. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.

Land Acknowledgment: 

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee, and Erie people past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded these islands and mountain landscapes for countless generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This acknowledgement is one step in our ongoing commitment to uplift Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to learn about, support, and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.