Get
Involved
PATH members are from all walks of life with diverse educational, occupational, and cultural backgrounds. Our membership includes 8-year olds, 80-year olds, and all ages in between. On each PATH volunteer weekend, you’ll meet families participating together, couples, and individuals, all of whom enjoy the outdoors and want to do something to preserve its beauty for future generations. PATH’s volunteers live in North Carolina, Virginia, and as far away as the state of Washington.
PATH’s main activity is trail maintenance on the 66 miles of trail assigned to us by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). This maintenance includes trail clearing and repair; blaze painting; repair and upkeep of footbridges, shelters, privies; trail relocation; removal of blown-down trees; and cutting weeds and briars from the tread way.
Some of this work is strenuous, and some activities can be hazardous such as operating a chain saw in the forest. However, we have tasks that are suitable for members of all strengths and dispositions. For example, a chain sawyer will need someone to carry a small can of gasoline for his saw. Or, while some members may operate weed eaters to clear brush and briars, others will use loppers to trim small branches that overhang the trail. Members make their own decisions about the tasks they are able to perform, and members are never required to perform any task with which they are not comfortable.
PATH’s membership numbers about 100, and about half of those members will attend at least one volunteer weekend or event each year. Even if you’re not able to attend work trips often — or at all — we still welcome you as a member. Your dues payment helps support our work and we are always grateful for your participation.
Other Member Activities
- We participate in ATC activities and functions.
- Members schedule hikes and backpacking trips both on the AT and on other trails.
- Members can learn more about trails, protection of the environment, trail building techniques, chain saw use, and wilderness first aid through classes and workshops offered periodically through the year.
- We often plan a communal meal — potluck or cookout — in conjunction with our volunteer weekends.
Benefits of Membership
- Keep informed of club activities through PATH-List, our e-mail discussion group.
- The chance to “give something back” by helping to keep the AT the best of long-distance trails.
- Free camping in National Forest campgrounds during volunteer weekends.
- Tuition assistance for safety related courses such as Wilderness First Aid, First Aid/CPR and Chain Saw Certification.
- Dozens of opportunities each year to get out to the mountains.
- The chance to meet, socialize, and work with like-minded people who care about the environment.
How to Join
Joining PATH is easy and inexpensive.
PATH’s annual membership dues are:
$20.00 for an individual
$25.00 for a family and
$15.00 for students (18 and older)
Dues are payable on a calendar year basis.
Please fill in and submit the Online Application Form linked below. To complete your membership application, you will need to pay your dues either by mail or online via PayPal. Instructions will be provided after you submit the application.
Membership Renewals
Memberships may be renewed at any time online through PayPal or by mailing a check to the treasurer. Don’t forget to update your information if needed.
PATH will accept membership renewals for up to 3 years at a time.
To pay by mail, send your check to:
David Faucette
PATH Treasurer
1105 Hunting Ridge Road
Raleigh, N.C. 27615
SUPPORT PATH
Volunteer
Come help us make our section the best on the Appalachian Trail by helping work or by supporting through funds.
Membership
Stay up-to-date with what is happening with PATH and stay informed about future opportunities and events.
Donate
By supporting PATH you are helping to protect for future generations America’s most iconic footpath, the Appalachian Trail.