There are many things to consider before getting involved in trail work no matter where you are located. The first step to figure out what type of trail work is right for you. Luckily, there are many options no matter how inexperienced or advanced you are.
1. Volunteer
If you are inexperienced but want to learn more, one of the best first steps to getting involved in trail work can be volunteering. Trail crews will often have volunteer days when they are doing non-technical work such as pulling invasive species and keeping trails the proper width and height. They will even typically provide tools for those tasks, although you should usually call ahead and ask. Another way to volunteer is through the forest service. National Forests such as the Green Mountains in Vermont and the White Mountains in New Hampshire will often accept volunteers.
2. Intern with the Student Conservation Association
If you are inexperienced or moderately experienced and between the ages of 18 and 25, an internship with the Student Conservation Association (or SCA) might be the right step for you. The SCA has conservation crew programs, often couple with other internships, in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York. There are also similar programs available for high school students. Since these programs are designed for less experienced workers, they provide great training in the field. Furthermore, if you are more experienced and interested in these programs, you can also apply to be a crew supervisor.
3. Adopt a Trail
If you have some experience or knowledge of trails or tools, you can be part of the Adopt a Trail program, in which an individual or group can pledge to take care of a trail. The work is usually fairly straightforward and low level, such as clearing blown down trees.
4. Appalachian Mountain Club
If you have moderate trail experience, you can consider joining the Appalachian Mountain Club (or AMC) which does trail work all up and down the Appalachian Trail. The work is very physical and intense and requires the use of fairly technical tools such as axes.
5. Other Professional Trail Crews
In addition to the AMC, there are various other trail crews throughout the northeast. You might also try to apply for jobs with the Forest Service, which has trails departments throughout the Northeast. Although these jobs are limited, seasonal positions are sometimes available.
There are many ways to get involved with trail work in the northeast United States. Remember to have fun and that you are contributing great things to northeastern parks and trail.