Great Smoky Mountains National Park Seeks Volunteers/NPS File
Managers of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are seeking volunteers for a variety of positions in the park. Opportunities include assisting trail workers with the restoration of two trails, serving as campground supervisors, and providing information to visitors at Clingmans Dome.
Trails Volunteers
Volunteers are needed every Wednesday for the Ramsey Cascades Trail and every Thursday for the Little Cataloochee Trail from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., now through September.
Volunteers perform a range of trail maintenance tasks, from installing drainage systems and resurfacing trail surfaces to building raised trail sections and removing brush. All volunteers must be able to hike at least three miles and safely perform strenuous and often difficult physical labor. Volunteers should be able to lift heavy objects and use hand tools such as shovels, rakes, axes and pruners.
The park provides all safety gear, tools and equipment needed for the projects. Volunteers must wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring a daypack with food, water, rain gear and personal gear for the day. Volunteers must register in advance. Contact Trails and Facilities Volunteer Coordinator Adam Monroe by email (Email us) or call (828-497-1949) to register.
Clingmans Dome Rovers
The Clingmans Dome Rovers work closely with the NPS to inform and educate the public about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, specifically Clingmans Dome, also known as Kuwohi. The Rovers provide visitors with accurate information about the park’s natural and cultural history, recreational and educational opportunities, area attractions, and nearby hiking trails. Rovers are needed four hours per week.
Email Julie Flores (Email us) for more information.
Campsite hosts
Campground hosts are needed at campgrounds on the North Carolina side of the park. These positions require one to two months of service. The primary responsibility of a campground host is to assist rangers with the operation of the campground and surrounding area to protect park resources and ensure a safe, enjoyable visitor experience. Volunteer campground hosts stay at the campground in their own RV or camper. Hosts inform rangers about campground conditions, including vacancies, problem visitors, visitor illness or injury, hazardous situations, weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and maintenance and supply needs.
Email Jackie Duhon (Email us) for more information on how to become a campsite host.
