Introduction to Trail Maintenance Course – April 11, 2026 – 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Come and join the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club (TATC) for a free Introduction to Trail Maintenance Course
This course is being held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM on the Appalachian Trail (Maupin Field Area)
Camp Free at Devils Backbone Base Camp, 30 Three Ridges Lane, Roseland, VA 22967 - April 10-12, 2026
The course is restricted to 40 participants. A wait-list will be added if more than 40 people sign up. This course will also be held in the fall, date tbd. There will be four separate training sessions with groups of 10 participants rotated through each training session
Online Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F45A5AE29A1F5C61-61203071-spring
This training is free – Participants DO NOT need to be TATC members to attend. Bring a friend! All participants must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by a Parent or Guardian
This course is intended for individuals or new members who want to get acclimated with trail work. You’ll learn basic trail maintenance skills. Workshop stations will be set up along the trail to demonstrate the following trail maintenance topics.
· Introduction: First Aid and Safety, Protections for Appalachian Trail Volunteers, Trail Maintenance Schedules and Sign-up, Trail Maintenance Reporting, Tool Maintenance
· Trail Corridor: Width, Height, Treadway, Grade, Slope, Soil, Berming, Side-Hill Work, Herd Paths, Blazing
· Clearing: Brushing, Cutting Weeds, Clearing Blowdowns and Sawing, Spring Poles, Sawyer Certifications, Axe Work
· Erosion Control: Grade Dips, Log Water Bars, Rock Water Bars, Check Dams, Steps, Cribbing
· Campsites: Fire Rings, Trash, Camping Pads, Iceberging, Outhouses, Shelters, Bear Poles, Leave No Trace
Logistics:
Tent out for free at the Devils Backbone Camp on Friday and Saturday Nights. Devils Backbone Website: www.dbbrewingcompany.com/camp-at-basecamp
Bring camping gear if you plan to camp. Also bring clothes appropriate for the weather, long-sleeved pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and hiking boots. TATC will provide safety equipment, though you should bring your own work gloves. Need the loan of a tent or sleeping pad, then please let us know.
Bring water, snacks, and lunch. You should bring at least two liters of water. We’ll stop somewhere on the trail midday for a quick lunch.
We will be ferrying participants from the Devil's Backbone Campsite to the training area.
Contact: John Sima; trailsupervisor@tidewateratc.com or Kaci Midgette; assistantts@tidewateratc.com for more information.
