Adirondack Mountain Club

Health insurance is required to participate in this program.

The Dan Kane Work Weekend project is a 3-day-long cooperative trail work opportunity for anyone ages 14 and up. No prior experience is necessary! During the program the group will work on drainages and tread work in the High Peaks Wilderness. The crew will be spending the nights at Johns Brook Lodge, ADK's backcountry lodge. This program is great for anyone who loves the trails in the Adirondacks and wants to give back to them. ADK’s crew leaders will instruct all participants on the use of the tools and the process to build sustainable trail infrastructure in backcountry settings. Come prepared to work hard, get your hands dirty, and have fun!

Our tentative itinerary is as follows: We will meet on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM, at the Marcy Field Parking Lot. After group introductions and a brief orientation and overview, we will hike 3.5 miles to Johns Brook Lodge. We will have lunch at the Lodge, and then head to the worksite where we will spend the afternoon. We will spend all day Saturday, as well as Sunday morning and early afternoon working. Sunday afternoon we will hike out, aiming to be out of the woods and back at the parking lot by 4:00 PM.

While highly rewarding, trail work is also physically and mentally demanding. Participants should be prepared to carry heavy packs, and work in the rain, bugs, and mud! We will work in virtually all weather conditions, as long as it is safe to do so. Non-motorized hand tools will be used to complete the trail projects. The project will be led by ADK’s professional crew leaders. Instructions on how to use the tools properly and safely will be discussed before beginning work by ADK crew leaders. While no prior experience is necessary, good physical condition, proper clothing, and proper equipment are a must!

ADK provides all the tools, personal protective equipment, and food needed for the weekend. Upon registration, please indicate if you have any dietary restrictions so we can incorporate those into the food plan. Participants should be prepared to carry heavy packs, and work in the rain, bugs, and mud.

ADK reserves the right to deny participation if group safety will be compromised through an individual’s participation.