RIT Students Make a Lasting Impact at Cloudland Canyon State Park

In mid-March 2025, 18 students from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York spent their spring break making a real difference at Cloudland Canyon State Park, one of Georgia’s most beloved and heavily visited parks.

Rather than opting for a traditional vacation, these students chose to spend their week giving back to public lands and deepening their connection with the outdoors. Everyone had their own reasons for signing up, but a common thread was a love for the outdoors and a desire to make a difference. As one student put it, “I’m really passionate about making the outdoors more accessible and sharing environmental knowledge. I usually work on this kind of thing in class, but I wanted a chance to get out there and actually do something hands-on.”

Over the course of the week, the group worked tirelessly to complete major projects across the park, impacting a total of 4.6 miles of trail. Their efforts included repairing aging wooden bridges, refurbishing backcountry privies, restoring a disc golf course, and completing important plantings to beautify the front entrance. These tasks, while sometimes physically demanding, play a critical role in ensuring the park remains safe, accessible, and welcoming for the thousands of visitors who enjoy its trails each year.

Beyond the hard work, students gained a deeper appreciation for what it truly takes to maintain public lands. One participant shared, “I learned so much about trail maintenance and how to maintain trails. I will never look at a hiking trail the same way and have a newfound appreciation for all the love that goes into maintaining parks.” It was clear by week’s end that the experience left a lasting impact, inspiring many to continue supporting public lands in the future.

The Cloudland Canyon State Park staff were equally moved by the students’ dedication, sharing, “The RIT students provided great help in the Cloudland Canyon State Park. Our park manager was very impressed and appreciated their efforts.” Thanks to the hard work and positive energy of these students, the park is better prepared to serve visitors for seasons to come.

To learn more about Alternative Breaks and how your college or youth group can participate, learn more here!

AHS also offers Volunteer Vacations, which is a great way for individuals of all ages to combine their passion for travel with meaningful service work. These trips provide a unique opportunity to make a positive impact while exploring new destinations and cultures. Check out our trips here!

Finally, if you’d like to participate in National Trails Day events organized by AHS, where volunteers come together to celebrate and improve trails across the country, learn more here.