Spend a day giving back on the trails while enjoying the beauty of the Smokies and the camaraderie of fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Our annual National Trails Day (NTD) event is one of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club’s longest-running volunteer traditions and a great way to connect with others who care about protecting and maintaining our park’s trails.
Please join us to celebrate our club’s 29th annual National Trails Day event! Each year, nearly 100 volunteers come together to help rehabilitate a heavily used section of trail. Volunteers are divided into crews and assigned a section to work on throughout the day. We’ll all come back together at the end of the workday for a picnic and door prizes.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 22, 2026
EVENT AT A GLANCE:
Date: National Trails Day – June 6, 2026
Meet-Up Time: 7:00 a.m.
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center, GSMNP
Volunteer Teams: Crews of 6–8 people
Experience Needed: None — experienced crew leaders will guide all work
End-of-Day Picnic: 5:00 p.m. at Metcalf Bottoms
MEET-UP LOCATION & TIME: 7:00 a.m. at Sugarlands Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738). After check-in, volunteers will receive crew assignments and carpool to their trailheads. The end-of-day picnic will take place at Metcalf Bottoms at 5:00 p.m.
WORK AREAS: Appalachian Trail between Icewater Spring Shelter and Double Springs Shelter.
WHAT TO WEAR: Layered clothing and boots or sturdy hiking shoes (no open-toe footwear).
WHAT TO BRING: Plenty of water, rain gear, lunch, snacks, work gloves, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
REGISTRATION FEE: Registration is free. If you would like a commemorative event T-shirt, the cost is $20. The shirt features a new design each year, and we encourage everyone to wear it to help spread the word about National Trails Day.
PLEASE NOTE: Your registration serves as your commitment to attend, as t-shirts and the afternoon picnic will be ordered and volunteer crews organized based on registration numbers.
AGE REQUIREMENT: All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
WHAT TO EXPECT: NTD is a rewarding, hands-on volunteer experience and a great way to spend a day in the park with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Volunteers work alongside experienced trail maintainers, avid hikers, and others who share a love for the Smokies and the Appalachian Trail. Each crew is led by an experienced leader who will explain the day’s tasks and demonstrate proper techniques.
Work assignments vary in difficulty and may include trimming back overhanging limbs and brush, clearing waterbars to improve drainage, repairing or installing steps, and assisting with other routine trail maintenance. There are roles suited for different comfort levels and abilities, and no prior trail work experience is required — just a willingness to help and enjoy the day outdoors.
While the work is meaningful, the day is also about camaraderie, learning new skills, and spending time with people who care deeply about protecting and maintaining our park’s trails. By the end of the day, you’ll have helped improve one of the most heavily used sections of trail in the park and likely made a few new trail friends along the way!
All tools and instruction will be provided, and crew leaders will guide volunteers throughout the day to ensure work is done safely and effectively.
READY TO HELP PROTECT THE TRAILS WE ALL LOVE? Register today to join us for National Trails Day!
DONATIONS: Can't volunteer, but want to donate toward the cause? Monetary donations may be made at smhclub.org/donate. Please list NTD in the comments section.
QUESTIONS? Email Taylor Weatherbee tweatherbe@aol.com
