fbpx

Volunteering


icon of trees

Due to COVID-19, Friends of the Smokies is unable to accept volunteers at this time.

Friends of the Smokies assists the National Park Service in its mission to preserve and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park by raising funds and public awareness, and providing volunteers for needed projects. Listed below are some of the many volunteer opportunities for those who want to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteers give over 150,000 hours to Great Smoky Mountains National Park through the V.I.P. Program.

Volunteer
Volunteer with Friends of the Smokies

A wide variety of opportunities are available in both Tennessee and North Carolina for volunteers in our offices and at our many special events. We are always looking for volunteers to help. Interested?

volunteer now

Volunteer
Volunteer in the Great Smoky Mountains

Volunteers in the Parks (VIPs) work directly through the Park VIP Program in a variety of positions and services. For more information and a list of identified volunteer needs, please contact VIP Coordinator Sheridan Roberts at (865) 436-1265 or email her below.

Email VIP COORDINATOR

Volunteer
Join the Trails Forever Work Crew

The Trails Forever work crew needs your skills & abilities. To make a difference in the life of a trail, check the FAQ link below then contact the Park’s Volunteer Coordinator for Trails & Facilities Adam Monroe at adam_monroe@nps.gov or call 828-497-1949.

Trails Forever FAQs

Volunteer
Appalachian Trail Maintenance Volunteer

Helps maintain a section of the 70+ miles of the AT within the park (from Fontana to Davenport Gap) as a VIP under NPS agreement with the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club.

Visit Hiking Club website

Volunteer
Adopt-A-Trail

Maintain a trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more information, please contact the Park’s Volunteer Coordinator for Trails & Facilities Adam Monroe at 828-497-1949 or email him below.

Email volunteer coordinator

Volunteer
All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory Volunteer

Assist Discover Life in America with the search for new species in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including collection, sorting and identification. For more information, email DLIA’s Executive Director below.

Email DLIA’s Executive Director

Thank you for your interest in helping protect and preserve Great Smoky Mountains National Park!