Connect with Hikers and Impart Knowledge
Serve GMC and the hiking public as a trained point of contact at busy trailheads and summits. This role focuses on sharing information and stewardship guidelines to protect the rare and fragile alpine zones we have here in Vermont. The program began in 2025 at the Mount Mansfield Visitor Center (at the top of Stowe’s Auto Toll Road) and is expanding to the Lincoln Gap Trailhead for 2026.
Trail Steward Position Description
The GMC’s Volunteer Trail Steward will provide general trail and hiking advice to the general public. They are stationed at popular trailheads on the Long Trail System during peak hiking traffic, and act as a resource for fellow hikers and an advocate for the trail, not a “ranger.”
Trailhead stewards encourage hiker preparedness, safe hiking practices, and Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, especially as they relate to vulnerable ecological communities, like alpine zones. Volunteer Trail Stewards are the first line of education, conservation, and stewardship for the many hikers that use the Long Trail System. This is a great opportunity to share your knowledge of the Long Trail System and improve public access to Vermont’s mountains.
- At the trailhead, provide information on safe hiking practices, weather, Leave No Trace principles in the alpine zone to visitors before they begin their trip.
- Collect and report accurate trail use data
- Provide information to hikers about the Long Trail System and the role of GMC and our agency partners in managing the area’s natural resources.
- Act as a resource for fellow hikers and an advocate for the trail, not as a “ranger.”
- Availability on weekends and holidays
- Friendly, self-motivated, mature, and able to adapt to a wide variety of social situations
- Patient and effective communicator able to connect to diverse groups of trail users
- Teaching and/or interpretive skills
- Familiarity with Long Trail System
- Familiarity with Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics
- Availability to attend a 4-hour training session in June
- Ability to use online tools to import data, sign up for volunteer shifts, and report volunteer hours
- GMC requests a minimum of three shifts from all Volunteer Trail Stewards
- Shifts are four hours, 9 am – 1 pm and 12 pm – 4 pm
What Trail Stewards Have to Say
“For me, there is nothing better than spending time in the alpine zone, with the opportunity to observe its unique vegetation, watch the sky, and enjoy the views. I found interacting with visitors rewarding, whether sharing bits of alpine or Long Trail information, advising about the rigors of the ridgeline hike, bringing families with young children into the Visitor Center to play with nature stickers, or answering questions. I’m looking forward to another season as a trail steward.” — Phyllis Rubenstein
“Being a steward on the mountain last year was great! Visitors were so appreciative when the time was taken to share mountain experience with them. Adding any shared personal experience really helped connect people to the beauty of the mountain; helping to cement why is so important to protect this priceless resource. I had nothing but positive interactions while performing stewardship duties. ” — Mike Rocheleau
Join the Volunteer Trail Stewards Today
Ready to help hikers at Mount Mansfield or Lincoln Gap?
Get started with an application today
