NORTH CAROLINA EVENTS
JKSR Benton MacKaye Trail Volunteer Days
September 16, 2026
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Beech Gap Wrap-UP
September 19, 2026
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Volunteer events will focus on maintaining the Benton MacKaye Trail to National Scenic Trail specifications. This includes brushing, tread work, and drain maintenance. All volunteers should bring work gloves and eye protection if they have them, if not, PPE including helmets will be provided. Please bring a lunch for the trail as well.
We will meet at either Beech Gap, Wolf Laurel Trailhead, Big Fat Gap Trailhead, or Tapoco Trailhead depending on the work location for the day. Volunteers will receive an email prior to the workday with the meeting location.
Basic trail maintenance that includes using hand tools for drainage features and handsaws, loppers, and other brushing tools for corridor clearing. Volunteers should bring sturdy work boots, rain jacket, and plenty of water and food for the day. We will provide all necessary personal protective equipment!
We will meet at 35.02723, -83.50654.
Drainage Work at Ellicott Rock Wilderness
September 23, 2026
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
We will be teaching participants about where and how to make drains on trails using hand tools and installing several along the 1.5 miles of trail. Bring sturdy boots, long pants, a rain jacket, and water and food for the day!
Everyone will meet at Ellicott Rock Wilderness Trail; 35-0235, -83.09503
National Public Lands Day at Bad Fork
September 26, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Clearing ~20 drains, removing a tree top, and retreading the trail. Please wear long pants, a long sleeve shirt, study shoes. Pack 2 liters of water, snacks, and a lunch. Tools and PPE will be provided but feel free to bring your own if you have them!
Meet at Bent Creek Gap- 35°27'09.2"N 82°39'32.6"W, or car shuttle from nearest overlook
NAC26 Betty Place Bridge Work
October 9, 2026
9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Help our trail specialists replace this bridge so it's safer for humans and the wildlife that use it. This project site is 0.5 miles in from the trailhead on a loop trail on Bluff Mountain, a temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. The bridge crosses a riparian area teaming with wildlife, specifically salamanders. Bring sturdy boots, long pants, lunch, snacks and water for the day (suggested 2 liters minimum. We won't have access to refrigeration or any heating devices), something to sit on if adverse to ground sitting, sun protection, rain gear if you feel inclined (if it gets too miserable, we will call it a day early). There is a strong possibility of getting your feet wet as we install the bridge across the stream, so maybe bring a change of clothes or shoes and socks for afterward we conclude day if you'd like. We will provide protective equipment, carpooling, extra water and Gatorade, and tools needed.
Everyone will meet at 9am at Ingles Market in Weaverville 140 Weaver Blvd, Weaverville, NC 28787
Contact point: Lindsey Lytle (SAWS Trail Specialist on the Appalachian RD lindseylytle@wildernessstewards.org)