There are many ways you can help out in the Park!
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Trail Friends are volunteers who offer Park visitors a cheery welcome and much-needed information about the Park, the natural surroundings, and the specifics of the trails. Trail Friends staff five of the busiest trailheads in the Park, and also walk these trails, answering questions and providing assistance as they go. More than four thousand people have been helped by this enthusiastic team of volunteers. Trail Friends also create trail guides, using the State Park-approved Avenza app, that include historic and nature information about popular trails. The Trail Friends team is always looking for enthusiastic new members! More info and online training is available now. Learn more on our How to Become a Trail Friend page.
Check our What's Happening page for a listing of current and upcoming volunteer activities.
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Please wear sturdy shoes on all volunteer activities -- flip-flops are NOT allowed! Bring plenty of water and a high-energy snack. All times shown are Central Time. Click on the location listed with each item below to get an interactive map to that location. For a list of Park trailheads & maps to each, visit our trailhead info page. Also check the Friends' MeetUp page for the latest on all volunteer activities. DOG POLICY: Dogs are OK at trail maintenance activities, but must remain tethered on a leash. All volunteers must have a completed Liability Release Form on file (more info here).
ATTENTION ALL CURRENT VOLUNTEERS!
Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation need your help! Before you volunteer for your next activity in the Park, TNSP and TDEC urgently request that you download and complete a Volunteer Liability Release Form. You will only need to do this once; the Friends, and the Park, will keep it on file for as long as you are an active volunteer. Thank you for your time, and for all you do in support of the Park!
Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation need your help! Before you volunteer for your next activity in the Park, TNSP and TDEC urgently request that you download and complete a Volunteer Liability Release Form. You will only need to do this once; the Friends, and the Park, will keep it on file for as long as you are an active volunteer. Thank you for your time, and for all you do in support of the Park!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
• Volunteers will not use power tools; hand tools only. Exception: If you have a recognized chainsaw certification, you may use a chainsaw IF all of the following conditions are met: you bring a copy of your certification for the Ranger to keep on file, you bring your own chainsaw and associated equipment, and you bring [and use] all personal protective equipment which includes, at minimum, chaps, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, and hard hat.
• Volunteers will be required to sign a Volunteer Form, which may include a liability waiver.
• Inherent Risks: As is understandable, trail maintenance and the use of hand tools, etc., carries certain inherent risks. These include, but are not necessarily limited to: accidents involving the tools; potential exposure to the elements and wildlife; and all-around, general hard work.
• Volunteers will not use power tools; hand tools only. Exception: If you have a recognized chainsaw certification, you may use a chainsaw IF all of the following conditions are met: you bring a copy of your certification for the Ranger to keep on file, you bring your own chainsaw and associated equipment, and you bring [and use] all personal protective equipment which includes, at minimum, chaps, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, and hard hat.
• Volunteers will be required to sign a Volunteer Form, which may include a liability waiver.
• Inherent Risks: As is understandable, trail maintenance and the use of hand tools, etc., carries certain inherent risks. These include, but are not necessarily limited to: accidents involving the tools; potential exposure to the elements and wildlife; and all-around, general hard work.
