Strengthening Trails and Connections in the Last Frontier
In Whittier, Alaska, a group of American Hiking Society volunteers spent the week building trail through the Chugach National Forest and giving back to a place unlike anywhere else. Together they cut new tread, built retaining walls, installed boardwalk, and cleared brush. The results were immediate. One volunteer shared, “Being able to improve hiking trails and see that improvement in real time was so rewarding.”
Trips like this one are especially meaningful for American Hiking Society. Alaska is far for most people, and volunteers often come from every corner of the country to be part of it. That mix of backgrounds and journeys makes the connections even stronger. “The camaraderie of the crew and hosts was my favorite part,” one participant said.
Another added, “Getting to know my crew mates more—hearing about everyone’s experiences and different walks of life—was so meaningful.”
Evenings were spent back at camp or gathered around meals in town, where stories from across the U.S. flowed as easily as the conversation.
In their downtime, volunteers explored waterfalls, hiked nearby trails, and some even joined the famous 26 Glacier Cruise. But no matter the activity, the highlight was being together. As one volunteer reflected, “The entire group for this trip got along and motivated each other throughout the week.”
By the end of their time in Whittier, the crew left not only stronger trails behind, but also proof of what makes Alaska projects stand out: people from all over the country coming together, giving their time, and walking away with a shared sense of accomplishment that spans both place and community.