Health insurance is required to participate in this program.

The National Trails Day: Mt. Jo Drainage Maintenance project is a 1-day-long cooperative trail work opportunity for anyone ages 14 and up. No prior experience is necessary! During the program the group will clear and improve drainages on Mt. Jo. 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 6/6/2026 at 8:00:00 AM, outside the Adirondak Loj. After group introductions and a brief orientation and overview, we will hike to the bottom of Mount Jo and begin clearing and repairing drainages on the Short and Long trails. We will aim to be finished with the project and out of the woods by 4:30:00 PM.

While highly rewarding, trail work is also physically and mentally demanding. Participants should be prepared to 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 and personal protective equipment needed for the project.

Food and Lodging

For those wishing to arrive early or stay late, campsites at the Heart Lake Wilderness Campground will be available free of charge to volunteers on Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th on a first-come first-serve basis. Food will also be provided free of charge to volunteers staying with us, including Friday night dinner; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday; and breakfast on Sunday.

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