Trail Work FAQs

  • Our all volunteer trail crew does a lot drainage work along with some new trail building. Drainage work is critical for maintaining the sustainability of our trails. If trails aren’t draining properly they quickly erode and sediment makes its way into streams and waterways. If trail erosion or sediment runoff becomes too extreme, trails become at risk of being closed by the Forest Service. Simply put, the trail work PAS volunteers do KEEPS TRAILS OPEN.

  • No. Volunteers with all levels of experience are encouraged to join us for trail work days.

  • No. We provide all tools needed for trail work. However, if you have a favorite shovel or trail tool, you are welcome to bring it.

  • Volunteers are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with USFS guidelines. This includes gloves, hard hats, and glasses. Pisgah Area SORBA has hard-hats, glasses, and gloves to borrow if needed. Due to safety regulations, bicycle helmets are not acceptable. Long pants and non-slip footwear are also required. We also suggest you plan on bringing a day pack with adequate food, water, and weather gear (rain shell, etc.). Crew Leaders reserve the right to assess each volunteer’s PPE to ensure compliance with land manager agreements.

  • Check out our upcoming Trail Work Days under our “Events & Volunteer” tab at the top of the website. Clink on the Trail Work Day you’re interested in and sign up!

  • You can find out about upcoming trail work days by checking our “Events & Volunteer” tab on the website, following us on social media, and/or signing up to receive our newsletter.

  • There are lots of ways to support Pisgah Area SORBA. Consider joining, making a one-time donation, or volunteering in other ways that are more in line with your schedule. Reach out to learn more about other ways to get involved with PAS.

  • Consider planning your next trip around one of our upcoming trail work days. “Voluntourism” is a great way to enjoy time in the forest, meet locals, and give back to the area you love to visit. Check the events calendar to see what we have coming up and start planning your next trip.

  • If you ride a mountain bike on trails in Western North Carolina you should do trail work.

    If you would like to have a say in how trails are maintained, designed, and ridden you should do trail work.

    If you like to complain about trail maintenance and new trail projects on the internet, you should do trail work.