Alternative Break Locations

Matthew Mage

Alternative Break Locations

Sarah Mekonnen

Ready to book? First read through the General Information section to better understand the program and reservation process. Then contact Ellie Place at EPlace@AmericanHiking.org or call 1-301-565-6704 ext. 704 to book. Include your preferred location (see available locations listed below), group size and the dates of your spring break. If you do not see a location or week that fits your schedule, please inquire with us. There may be some flexibility in scheduling and we will work with each group on a case by case basis.

Please Note: Most Alternative Breaks are intended for college student and young professional groups. To reserve a week/location, your group needs to have at least 6 participants. We offer one trip that is open to individual students. We are requiring that all volunteer groups abide by the AHS COVID-19 Volunteer Guidance.

James River State Park, Virginia

Host: Virginia State Parks
Maximum Group Size: 12

Project & Hiking

James River State Park has 22 miles of trails within it's 1561 acres. We need help every year with maintaining existing trails, doing reroutes, and rehabilitating closed trails. Prior to beginning any project, we do a thorough safety briefing and explanation of the procedures and goals for our project, and volunteers are always accompanied and will work closely with Park and DCR staff. Volunteers will hike less than a mile each day.

Area & Attractions

The park is located in Central Virginia, with three miles of frontage on the James River. Most is forested with mixed hardwoods and pine, with some wetlands and sunny meadows near the river. Wildlife is abundant and sightings of deer, turkey, bear, and bobcat are frequent. Nearby attractions include the ever-popular Crabtree Falls, just west of the park, university towns of Charlottesville (UVA), Lynchburg (Liberty, Randolph, University of Lynchburg), and Farmville (Longwood University, Hampden-Sydney). A number of other state parks are nearby for a change of scenery and the Appomattox National Historical Park is just down the road.

Accommodations

We host our ASB groups in a six-bedroom lodge with two queen bedrooms, two twin bedrooms, and two bunk-bed rooms. There are three shared bathrooms, a washer and dryer and gas fireplace in the lodge. Outside, there is a firepit and grill. There is full heat / AC. There is no wifi in the lodge, but wifi is available at the visitor center.

The lodge has a fully furnished kitchen with all major appliances except a dishwasher. Cookware, dishes, glassware and kitchen items are provided. Volunteers will need to provide their own towels, bedding and linens as well as personal hiking clothing and gear.

Trip Inquiry

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Hungry Mother State Park, Virginia

Host: Virginia State Parks

Maximum Group Size: 14

Project & Hiking

Alternative Break crews are needed to help construct and maintain Raiders Run Trail! Many sections of the Raiders Run Trail have been re-routed to make it more user friendly and sustainable. The trails have been bench cut on moderately steep slopes but will be improved for sustainably with water diversion features including sheet flow on the tread and out-slope and grade reversals. We will continue to improve these trails previously constructed by maintaining, improving, shaping, and defining existing hiking and mountain bike features including berms, rollers, and trail tread formations on these trails along with other necessary features. Most of the work will be spent bending, shoveling, raking, chopping, and tamping.

Volunteers may drive themselves from the Bunkhouse to the trailhead each day, or they can choose to walk. The exact location on the trail will change every day, but hiking will be under 1 mile each morning. Much of the trail is unfinished, so footing will be uneven. There is slight elevation change throughout the entire trail, but it is rated as an easy trail.

Area & Attractions

Hungry Mother State Park encompasses roughly 3,000 acres with 250 acres developed. The park is nestled in the Appalachian mountains of southwest Virginia and has a 108-acre lake stocked with muskie, walleye, and catfish, but plenty of other native species are available. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding are all available. Hungry Mother also has 18 miles of some of the finest mountain trails to hike and bike. One trail will take you to the highest knob in the Park, Molly's Knob with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Find out who Molly is and how she is ingrained in our legend of how she helped to give the park its name. The park is located in the same county as the highest peak in Virginia, Mt. Rogers, and is surrounded by National forest and many natural areas. The Channels, the Pinnacles, the Cascades, and Grayson Highlands State Park to name a few are all extraordinary natural finds and are all within an hour's drive of the park. This area is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Basic shopping needs and nice eateries are located in Marion, VA, only four miles away.

Accommodations

Volunteers will stay in a historical bunkhouse with five bedrooms that have twin-sized beds. Linens are not provided. All towels, bed clothing, blankets and pillows will need to be brought to the site. There are two bathrooms with a total of three showers and three toilets. There is a fully furnished kitchen with the basic supplies needed to cook meals. Stove, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot are included. A large living room area is available. There is also a deck out back and a porch out front with a picnic table for outdoor gatherings. Volunteers should bring their own sheets / bedding or sleeping bag, pillow, towels, and personal gear. Laundry facilities are located in the bunkhouse. Wifi is spotty throughout the park. Verizon works the best, most others can be used around the beach area.

Volunteers will have access to a fully furnished kitchen with the basic supplies needed to cook meals. Stove, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot are included. Utensils, plates, bowls, pots, and pans are also included, along with a sponge and soap. A propane grill is available to use on the porch, and a firepit with grilling rack is in the front yard. Firewood will be provided.

Trip Inquiry

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Grayton Beach State Park, Florida

Host: Florida State Parks

Maximum Group Size: 16

Project & Hiking

Area & Attractions

Grayton Beach State Park gets rated "The Most Beautiful Beach in America" and the Dune Lake Trail is between the Coastal Dunes and Western Lake a Coastal Dune Lake. Grayton Beach has White Quarts Sand that came from the Appalachian Mountains from the Glaciers over 10,000 years ago. Grayton Beach State Park has Western Lake is the second largest Coastal Dune Lakes in the area. Coastal Dune Lakes only exist in this area of the Florida Panhandle, Madagascar, and Australia.

Accommodations

Volunteers will stay in a primitive group campsite The Camp Loop has a Bath House in the center of the loop with running water, toilets and showers. The Group Site has benches around it with multiple Hammock Posts. The Group Site is on Western Lake with a spectacular view. The park staff will fully supply the crew with all required cooking gear, but volunteers will need to provide their own tent and personal camping gear (sleeping bags, sleeping pads, clothing, etc.).

Trip Inquiry

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Cumberland Trails State Park

Host: Cumberland Trails Conference

Maximum Group Size: 50

Project & Hiking

Join the Cumberland Trails Conference to help build the Cumberland Trail! This service project includes 4 days of trail building with one free day for the students to explore the local area. Trail building involves hiking into the worksite, building trail by cutting into the soil with hand tools, removing tree stumps and roots in the trail tread, and hiking out in the afternoons. Participants will hike up to 7 miles each day. Although the work is hard the reward is great by knowing you are a part of something bigger!

Area & Attractions

The Cumberland Trail is an ambitious hiking trail project under development in East
Tennessee. When completed, the Cumberland Trail (CT) will extend more than 300 miles from its northern terminus in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (TN/KY) to its southern terminus at the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park located on Signal Mountain just outside
Chattanooga, Tennessee. As of August 2022, over 250 miles of the trail are open for hiking.

The scenic footpath follows a line of high ridges and deep gorges along or near the rugged, eastern edge of Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. The trail offers a unique wilderness experience and many scenic views, waterfalls, landscapes, gorges, wildlife, and widely varying flora.

As a remote, back-country trail, it meanders through eleven Tennessee counties, on
lands managed by Tennessee’s Departments of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), and Tennessee Forestry. The trail also connects two national parks and passes through a National Wild & Scenic River area.

Accommodations

Trip Inquiry

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Pocahontas State Park, Virginia

Host: Virginia State Parks

Maximum Group Size: 14

Project & Hiking

Area & Attractions

Pocahontas State Park is located 8,000 acres in Chesterfield County, allowing for a wide open back country feel while being within a half hour of Richmond, VA. The park is home to world famous single track mountain bike trails, and over 800 miles of trails! Within the park are three lakes, offering significant boating and fishing opportunities. The park also has a visitor's center containing numerous reptiles. The park has a large pool complex and concert amphitheater. The park is also minutes away from the city of Richmond, Virginia.

Accommodations

The crew will stay in a lodge with three bathrooms (one universally accessible) and six bedrooms. The lodge is climate controlled with central heating, air conditioning and a gas fireplace. Linens are not provided, so crews will need to bring their own. The kitchen has a range/over, refrigerator, microwave, drip coffee maker, pots, pans, dishwasher, ice maker, dishes and utensils. There is a dining area with seating for 16. The living area has sofas, chairs and a gas fireplace. Outside the lodge has a picnic table, fire-ring, and charcoal pedestal grill.

Trip Inquiry

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York River State Park, Virginia

Host: Virginia State Parks
Maximum Group Size: 15

Project & Hiking

Area & Attractions

The park is known for its rare and delicate estuarine environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a rich habitat for marine and plant life. It is on the York River and is designated as a Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The pristine environment offers clues to a rich natural and cultural history and hosts fossil beds and Colonial and Native American artifacts. Programs, activities and visitor center displays focus on the history, use, wildlife and preservation of the York River and its marshes. More than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails allow visitors to explore the marsh, river shoreline and forests. A boat ramp, fresh and salt water fishing spots, a fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and seasonal boat and recreational equipment rentals are available. Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Island and Yorktown offer extensive opportunities for history and touring. Williamsburg Pottery, Lightfoot and Williamsburg Area Outlet Shops on Route 60 offer shopping opportunities. Busch Gardens, Water Country, Go-Karts Plus (miniature golf, etc.), Williamsburg Winery, etc., offer many opportunities for a range of entertainment. Virginia Beach and the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge are nearby.

Accommodations

Trip Inquiry

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Kiptopeke State Park, Virginia

Host: Department of Conservation & Recreation, Virginia State Parks

Maximum Group Size: 16

Project & Hiking

Come join Kiptopeke State Park to help rebuild one of our beach boardwalks! After over 30 years of use, our 4 boardwalks which lead from various areas of the park to the beach are in need of some cosmetic and structural maintenance. Work will include removing decking and railings from the existing boardwalk structures, shoring up structural supports, and re-decking and rebuilding railings. No prior trail experience is required - all supplies, instruction and tools will be provided. All park trails are easily accessed from the cabin/lodge area. It is about a half a mile from the lodges to the maintenance area, where the group will meet to distribute tools and head out to the worksite.

Area & Attractions

Kiptopeke State Park is set on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay on Virginia's Eastern Shore. The park is 562 acres, and includes over 3 miles of beachfront, 5 miles of trails, as well as a campground and several lodging facilities. We also offer a 24/7 fishing pier that is very popular with local anglers. The park includes marine forests, is a popular birding destination, but mainly receives many visitors for the beach and fishing. The Eastern Shore offers many recreational activities as well as a fascinating local history. There are many preserves, refuges, and other lands held for conservation uses on the shore, held by many federal, state, and local agencies - as well as other organizations such as the Nature Conservancy. The quaint town of Cape Charles offers local dining and shopping options, as well as art galleries, a movie theater, and a small museum. There is also a grocery store about 15 minutes outside the park. The park is also located just on the northern end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which links the shore to the Hampton Roads area (Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton) - where almost any recreational activity can be found.

Accommodations

Volunteers would be housed in one of the parks lodges. The lodges contain 6 bedrooms (2 queen, 2 rooms with 2 twin beds, and 2 rooms with 2 sets of bunkbeds) for a max capacity of 16 as well as 3 full bathrooms, and an open-concept living and kitchen area. All lodges have HVAC and hot water. A fire ring and large charcoal grill are outside, as well as a picnic table. Linens and towels are not provided, but pillows are. Kitchens come fully equipped with cookware and dishware for 16 people, as well as a stove/oven, coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator. A grocery store is located about 15 minutes outside the park. There are no TVs or WiFi in the lodges, and the campground has coin-operated laundry machines.

Trip Inquiry

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Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia

Host: Virginia State Parks
Maximum Group Size: 13

Project & Hiking

This project will be focusing on the improvement of the Thistle Ridge Trail and Blue Ridge Trail systems but may also involve the improvement of the Cedar Creek Trail, which runs underneath the Natural Bridge itself. The project also has the potential to include efforts to reroute our Buck Hill Trail. These trails are in dire need of some tender loving care. Your group’s efforts will aid future visitors to the park in their enjoyment and immersion while recreating at Natural Bridge State Park. This project will not require prior knowledge of trail upkeep and maintenance, and training for this project will be provided on site. Project work will involve the installation of blazes along the trail, using 4x4 posts, the maintenance of property lines that exist along the trail, making them much more evident and providing a clearly marked path through the trail for future hikers, and the mitigation of erosion that has become prevalent along these trails.

Area & Attractions

Located in Rockbridge County, Natural Bridge features rolling grasslands, forests, and beautiful scenic vistas. The bridge once owned by Thomas Jefferson has been included in several "Seven Natural Wonders of the World" lists and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Enjoy the Natural Bridge Caverns tour as it descends more than 34 stories deep to a magnificent natural display. Rockbridge County and Natural Bridge provide many scenic vistas and opportunities to get outdoors. The Appalachian Trail comes through here, as does the James River with canoeing and kayaking. The history of Lexington, Virginia's involvement in the Civil War and the two colleges of Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee are all here. The county has 601 square miles that is interconnected with biking, hiking, water and equestrian trails called Braiding the Way. The James River is a state designated scenic river and State Route 301 that runs through the park is designated a state scenic highway. Douthat State Park and James River State Park are within a short drive as is Appomattox National Historic Battlefield. The Blue Ridge Parkway is within 12 miles of the park giving access to the Peaks of Otter and other scenic attractions.

Accommodations

Alternative Break volunteers will stay in a 4 bedroom bunkhouse. Room 1 has 6 twin bunkbeds and is downstairs. Room 2 has 4 twin bunkbeds and is upstairs. Room 3 has 4 twin bunkbeds and is upstairs. Room 4 has 1 full bed and is upstairs. The 1st floor has ½ bathroom and upstairs has a full bath that has a tub and shower. Laundry room has a washer and dryer, and linens are provided. The full service kitchen is stocked with essentials for cooking, eating and serving in a house setting. Please note the lodging is not accessible to those needing mobility accommodation, but it is accessible to those with hearing and vision impairment.

Trip Inquiry

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Natchez Trace State Park, Tennessee

Host: Tennessee State Parks
Maximum Group Size: 20

Project & Hiking

This project will focus on re-routing a section of the 40 mile Red Leaves Backpacking Trail, within the 48,000 acre Natchez Trace State Park and Forest. Volunteers will learn about sustainable trail design, trail maintenance, and hone their trail building skills utilizing various tools including Pulaskis and Mcleouds. The new trail segment will be built near the scenic 58 acre Cub Creek Lake. Trail building each day will be moderate with hikes of less than one mile to the work site. Volunteers will have access to the parks fishing boats, kayaks, and pedal boats for afternoon relaxation. Also, the 48,000 acre recreation area boasts 4 lakes and nearly 50 miles of hiking trails, and over 100 miles of multi-use trails.

Area & Attractions

Natchez Trace State Park and Forest contains 48,000 heavily forested acres of hardwood and pine, with many lakes and abundant wildlife including turkey, deer, squirrels and many bird species. We will be working near the picturesque Cub Creek Lake, a 58 acre lake build by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1938. The park has 13.5 miles of hiking trails, ranging from a one-half mile up to 4.5 miles, and a 40 mile overnight trail (where volunteers will be working). The trails wind through the forest and fields and along the lakeshores and streams of Natchez Park.

Accommodations

Volunteers will stay in the group lodge which consists of five separate cottages, four of which sleep 10 each and one which will accommodate eight (Volunteers will be housed in the Cottages at 50% occupancy, so 5 people per Cottage). Each cottage has a full kitchen, two full baths, dining room, living room, and deck with a picnic table. All sleeping arrangements are bunk beds. Volunteers should bring their own bedding (or sleeping bag), towels, cup/bowl/mug/eating utensils, and personal gear.

Trip Inquiry

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Mill Ridge Park, Tennessee

Host: Friends of Mill Ridge Park
Maximum Group Size: 8

Project & Hiking

The Alternative Spring Break crew will improve primitive hiking trails at the newly opened Mill Ridge Park in Antioch, Tennessee. The trails will provide healthy access to nature and recreation for neighboring families, students, and employees. Crew members will help with a variety of instructed tasks, including brush clearing, digging and regrading, trash and debris removal, and measuring, marking and signing trails on the natural parkland. To access the project work site, volunteers will hike less than one mile on uneven grass and dirt trails, with small hills and stream crossings.

Area & Attractions

Mill Ridge Park is a 622 acre urban park located in the diverse city of Antioch in Nashville’s Southeast Davidson County. Mill Ridge Park has a long history of agricultural use of the land with historic structures on the parkland. Natural features include limestone outcroppings and a 10 acre cedar glade, an ecosystem that features shallow soils and beautiful annual flowers and prickly pear cactus. There are also several ponds, streams, grasslands, and rolling hills. The Friends of Mill Ridge Park hosts seasonal activities focused on conservation, education, and recreation including guided hikes, outdoor yoga, outside cinema, and workshops. Mill Ridge Park is within 20 minutes driving distance to downtown Nashville, Music City. There are numerous state parks located nearby.

Accommodations

This Alternative Break crew will camp outside the Friends' House in the park. A fire pit, grill, and picnic tables are available for use. There is a water spigot attached to the outside of the house. There is one indoor shared bathroom located within the Friends of Mill Ridge Park office building (called the Friends’ House). The bathroom has one sink, toilet, and shower/tub with hot and cold water. The alternative spring break group will have 24/7 access to the building. In the Friends’ House there is a kitchen with a four-burner electric stove and oven. The kitchen is equipped with three pots, two small frying pans, spoons, tongs, a spatula, and kettle for cooking. Eating utensils are also available. We also have a small countertop toaster oven and microwave. There is a refrigerator with a freezer and a kitchen sink with hot and cold water. Students will need to bring their own tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and personal clothing and camp gear (full packing list provided by AHS).

Trip Inquiry

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Sue-Meg State Park, California

Host: California State Parks
Maximum Group Size: 12

Project & Hiking

Alternative Beak volunteers are needed to support habitat restoration projects in various State Parks in Northern California. Join the California State Parks Natural Resource Management Program for the North Coast Redwoods District to primarily do invasive plant species removal and revegetation projects. Potential projects include working at Little River State Beach, Trinidad State Beach, Sue-meg State Park, Humboldt Lagoons State Park, and Redwood National and State Park. The group will work to remove European beachgrass, yellow bush lupine, English ivy, and other invasive plant species. Projects would help restore our forests, prairies, native azaleas, coastal bluffs, and dune ecosystems which benefits our sensitive plant communities and threatened species including the western snowy plover. All of the work locations offer a look into different habitat types within a beautiful setting. Work with Park Staff to learn about our different habitat restoration projects, natural resource management, and native flora and fauna. Depending on the restoration project, volunteers may hike up to four miles round trip, with minor elevation changes. Hiking will be on maintained trails or the beach.

Area & Attractions

Sue-meg State Park is located along the coast of northern California. The park has prairies, Sitka spruce forests, coastal bluffs, beach and tidepool access. Five miles south is the town of Trinidad, CA with the Cal Poly Humboldt Marine Laboratory and other coastal hiking areas. Three miles north is Humboldt Lagoons State Park that have two of the last naturally functioning coastal lagoons. Opportunities include hiking and kayaking on the lagoons. Twenty minutes north of Sue-meg is Redwood National and State Parks that contain many miles of trails through old-growth redwood forests. Fern Canyon is within Redwood National and State Park.

Accommodations

This Alternative Break group will camp at Sue-Meg State Park. Depending on group size, there is a large grass area that can accommodate multiple tents that includes a firepit, predator proof lockers, and barbeques. Within a two-minute walk from this camping area are bathrooms and showers with hot water. In addition, the hosts will provide a small, basic one-room cabin where kitchen equipment and gear can be stored securely. The cabin includes electricity, campfire ring, stand-up barbeque, and picnic table. There are potable water spigots at each location. Wifi access is at the Visitor Center.

Trip Inquiry

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Moran State Park, Orcas Island, Washington

Host: Washington Parks & Recreation Commission
Maximum Group Size: 15

Project & Hiking

Moran State Park has a wide variety of possible projects for all skill levels. Beginner projects may include trail opening, brushing and cleaning trails in preparation for summer, pulling invasive weeds, or cleaning and prepping hike-in tent sites. Moderate projects may include minor trail repairs, sign installation, and routine trail maintenance. Experienced projects may include full trail repair, and trail re-routes. Volunteers should plan to hike up to 3 miles per day.

Area & Attractions

Moran State Park is located on Orcas Island, the largest island in the San Juan archipelago. The islands are known for their stunning coastlines, wildlife, and quaint island charm. Orcas Island is known for the outdoor opportunities available, biking, hiking, and kayaking are major pastimes on the island. Eastsound, the only town on the island, is small and quiet during the off season, and bustling in the summer.

Moran is a 5,400 acre park with five lakes, 42 mile of hiking trail, and a 2,407ft tall mountain, the highest point in the San Juans. The topography of the park creates a wide variety of ecosystems and forest types across the park, there’s many different places to explore!

Accommodations

Groups will have access to Moran's Environmental Learning Center facilities. This consists of duplexes and cabins with bunkbeds able to accommodate large groups of people, shared bathroom and shower facilities, and a central lodge with full, industrial kitchen and dining/meeting area.

The kitchen is a fully stocked, industrial kitchen with all basic utensils and supplies such as plates, bowls, spoons, forks, and cups. It is also stocked with all basic cookware such as pans, pots, mixing bowls, serving trays, etc.

Outside there is a firepit, picnic tables, a covered area, and a basketball court.

Volunteers should bring their own sheets, pillows, blankets or sleeping bag (mattresses provided), towels and toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste).

Trip Inquiry

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Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania

Host: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
Maximum Group Size: 10

Project & Hiking

Help maintain the Allegrippis Trails System at Raystown Lake! The trail system is maintained entirely by volunteers with 501(c)(3) non-profit group, the Friends of Raystown Lake, on the Raystown Lake Project, which is owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Offering a world-class mountain biking experience, these trails have received widespread acclaim for their design, sustainability, economic and other benefits. The 24 trails in the system were designed and built to provide sustainable trails for a variety of human uses including mountain biking, hiking, trail running, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Allegrippis Trails are arranged as stacked loops, giving the user the opportunity to plan a route as short or as long as they would like. There are nearly endless combinations, so even riders who come back time after time have the opportunity to use a new route each time.

Area & Attractions

Nestled within the picturesque Appalachian Mountain ranges of Central Pennsylvania, Raystown Lake is the largest manmade lake entirely within Pennsylvania. The lake encompasses 8,300 surface acres, encircled by 21,000 acres of pristine, forested slopes, offering visitors an unparalleled connection with the great outdoors. The lake runs 28 miles through breathtaking mountains and valleys of Huntingdon and Bedford County, featuring 118 miles of unspoiled shorelines and vistas. Raystown is a paramount provider of outdoor recreation and natural resource opportunities in the mid-Atlantic region. Raystown Lake caters to a diverse array of outdoor enthusiasts who travel from far and wide to take advantage of premiere striped bass fishing and white-tailed deer hunting, unsurpassed mountain biking on the world-renowned Allegrippis Trail System, picturesque waterfront camping, endless boating and water-based recreation, excellent disc golfing on two highly rated courses, and so much more! Come discover what Raystown has for you!

Accommodations

Wildwood Lodge is a spacious cabin nestled on a 3 acre wooded lot, offering a peaceful retreat only a 5 minute drive from Seven Points Recreation Area and the Allegrippis Trail System at Raystown Lake, and 10 minutes from downtown Huntingdon for dining and shopping. The lodge features 4 bedrooms (10 beds total including 1 king, 1 queen, 1 full, 4 twins and 3 twin rollaways) and 3 full baths, a great room with couches and a dining area, a fully-stocked kitchen, and a recreation room with a smart TV, card table and rustic bar. There is plenty of opportunity to relax with your group around the cozy outdoor fire pit on the spacious, furnished wooden deck and covered patio. The house can sleep 10 people (with each person having their own bed). Linens including sheets, comforters, and pillows are provided. Bath towels are NOT provided. Free WiFi included.

Trip Inquiry

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Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia

Host: Friends of Cloudland Canyon State Park
Maximum Group Size: 15

Project & Hiking

Area & Attractions

Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon is one of the largest and most scenic parks in the state. Home to thousand-foot deep canyons, sandstone cliffs, wild caves, waterfalls, cascading creeks, dense woodland and abundant wildlife, the park offers ample outdoor recreation. The park also offers disc golf, a fishing pond, trails for horseback riding, picnicking and overlooks. Cloudland Canyon State Park is also only 25 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee and volunteers can visit the aquarium and Civil War sites during free time.

Accommodations

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Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, USVI

Host: Friends of Virgin Islands National Park
Maximum Group Size: 14

Project & Hiking

The volunteer trail crew's scope of work includes trails maintenance, clearing of historical sites, native tree planting projects, invasive species removal, and trash/debris removal. Common tools used on the trails include loppers, weed whackers, hand saws and shovels. Volunteers will be driven to the trailhead, and must be able to hike up to 5 miles on uneven terrain, while carrying 20lbs, and performing manual labor in the heat and humidity. Max elevation is around 800 ft.

Area & Attractions

Saint John is 19 square mile, and 2/3 of the island is Virgin islands National Park. We are a volcanic island, with the tallest elevation being 1200ft. Saint John is known for its white sand beaches, over 27 miles of hiking trails, and the Coral Reef National Monument. Recreational activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, boat trips, and hiking, as well as shopping and eating in the main area of Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.

Accommodations

Each volunteer will be given a Eureka Copper Canyon 12 tent that is big enough that you can stand up and walk around in. They are situated on raised wooden platforms and equipped with 2 cots (no bedding provided). The campground kitchen is equipped with two Coleman double-burner propane stoves, a propane grill, a refrigerator, a full complement of kitchenware, picnic tables, coolers, drinking water, electric lights, and a cell phone charging station. There are two cold-water showers and two toilets at camp. Potable water is located in the kitchen area, and there is WIFI and a convenience store located at the Cinnamon Bay Campground Restaurant (separate facility from ours that volunteers are welcome to use).

Trip Inquiry

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Adirondack Park, NY

Host: Champlain Area Trails
Maximum Group Size: 10

Project & Hiking

Champlain Area Trails has a number of new trails that will be developed by volunteers in Adirondack Park. On this Alternative Break, participants will work to establish and maintain these new trails by clearing the trail of branches, brush, and fallen logs, plus doing some side-cuts to level the trail on hillsides. All tool use and instruction will be provided by experienced hosts. From the trailhead, the volunteers will walk an average of 1 to 3 miles on the trails to the project for the day. The terrain is fairly mellow, mostly in the woods or in fields with elevation gains normally below 400 feet.

Area & Attractions

New York’s Champlain Valley is located along the eastern part of the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park which features extensive forests, spectacular mountains, thousands of lakes, and crystal-clear flowing waters. This project will take place in the Champlain Valley which has scenic farms on the lake plains, and in the West Champlain Foothills of the Adirondacks, high biological diversity and incredible views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains of Vermont, and the mix of valley's forest and farmland. This area is home to several breweries, wineries, historic museums, scenic drives and boat tours.

Accommodations

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Roaring River State Park, Missouri

Host: Missouri State Parks

Maximum Group Size: 20

Project & Hiking

The Fire Tower Trail at Roaring River State Park was built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corp. As we near the trails 100th anniversary it time to show it some love and prepare it for another 100 years of service! This project will entail constructing a new trail head, clearing a new section of trail, hardening a low water crossing, and installing new trail blazes. All project instruction, tool use and safety instructions will be provided by park staff. Volunteers can expect to hike up to 3 miles each day.

Area & Attractions

Roaring River State Park is unique on so many levels! With a deep, narrow valley surrounded by a striking and rugged landscape, Roaring River State Park is one of Missouri’s most popular state parks. The spring produces an average of 20.4 million gallons of cold water every day. The water from the spring feeds a trout stream and hatchery.

Located in the southwest Ozark hills, Roaring River State Park is one of three state parks stocked with rainbow trout. Eager anglers flock to the park year-round to try and catch their lunker trout.

Accommodations

Alternative Break groups will stay in the Historic Civilian Conservation Corp Group Camp which provides a rustic camping experience in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. Dormitory cabins provide bunk beds, with shower and bathroom facilities in the center of the cabins, and sleeping accommodations for 100+. Cabins are not climate controlled. The camp has its own dining hall that features cafeteria style seating and a commercial kitchen. The camp has plenty of room to spread out including a recreation hall, large outdoor firepit with seating, and a basketball court. Laundry is available in the adjacent campground laundry facilities. Public Wi-Fi is available in the park at the Restaurant, Nature Center, and Campground shower houses.

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Volunteer Vacations COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

Matthew Mage