DATE: Oct 24, 2026 to Oct 24, 2026
Volunteering GayOutdoors Annual Trail Maintenance Day – Mt. Osceola

Meeting Time: 8:00 AM

Event Coordinator: Gandalf
Waterville Valley, NH

Max # People: 50

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Moderate

SUMMARY:
One of GayOutdoors' core values is **stewardship**—giving back to the trails and wild places that have given us so much. Join us for our annual **Trail Maintenance Day** on the Mt. Osceola Trail, where we'll spend the day caring for one of the White Mountains' most popular hiking trails. Whether you've done trail work before or have never picked up a Fire Rake, everyone is welcome. No experience is necessary—we'll provide all the tools, instruction, and guidance you need. **Why Volunteer?** Each year, thousands of hikers enjoy the Mt. Osceola Trail as they make their way to one of New Hampshire's 4,000-foot peaks. By spending just one day maintaining the trail, you'll help preserve it for countless future hikers while learning new skills and enjoying a rewarding day outdoors. Trail work is surprisingly fun—and incredibly satisfying. Once you've helped improve a trail, you'll never hike it the same way again. You'll know you played a part in protecting a place you love. Do as much as you like; when you've had enough you can turn around at any time while we continue upwards. **Our Project** We'll be working on the Mt. Osceola Trail from the Tripoli Road trailhead. Typical projects include: • Cleaning drainage ditches and waterbars • Trimming brush along the trail corridor • Removing small and medium-sized blowdowns The work is moderate, with plenty of breaks throughout the day. We'll finish around 4:00 PM. **What to Bring** This is a **rain-or-shine event**, so come prepared for changing mountain weather. Please bring: • Hiking boots • Work gloves • Daypack • Lunch • Plenty of water • Rain gear • Warm layers (October weather can be chilly) • Warm hat and gloves All trail maintenance tools will be provided. **More Than Just Trail Work** One of the best parts of Trail Maintenance Day is the camaraderie. Working together builds friendships, creates lasting memories, and gives everyone a chance to contribute something meaningful to the hiking community. Let's show what GayOutdoors is all about: **Adventure • Community • Pride • Stewardship** **Lodging & Post-Hike BBQ** Everyone is invited to spend **Friday and/or Saturday night** at our home in Thornton, NH. • **FREE bunkhouse lodging** (limited to the first six people who reserve) • Breakfast each morning • Saturday evening BBQ featuring burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, and all the fixings • Please bring a side dish to share • BYOB • Relax in the hot tub after a day on the trail • End the evening around the bonfire under the stars Please let us know if you'll be joining us for lodging and/or the Saturday BBQ so we can plan accordingly. **Meeting Information** **Saturday – 8:00 AM** We'll meet at our home to: • Make introductions • Distribute tools • Organize carpools • Head to the trailhead together There's something incredibly rewarding about hiking a trail you've helped care for. We hope you'll join us for a day of service, laughter, hard work, and friendship as we continue GayOutdoors' tradition of giving back to the White Mountains. We look forward to seeing you on the trail! **Happy Trails, Jon & Mike**

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:
One of GayOutdoors' core values is **stewardship**—giving back to the trails and wild places that have given us so much. Join us for our annual **Trail Maintenance Day** on the Mt. Osceola Trail, where we'll spend the day caring for one of the White Mountains' most popular hiking trails. Whether you've done trail work before or have never picked up a Fire Rake, everyone is welcome. No experience is necessary—we'll provide all the tools, instruction, and guidance you need. **Why Volunteer?** Each year, thousands of hikers enjoy the Mt. Osceola Trail as they make their way to one of New Hampshire's 4,000-foot peaks. By spending just one day maintaining the trail, you'll help preserve it for countless future hikers while learning new skills and enjoying a rewarding day outdoors. Trail work is surprisingly fun—and incredibly satisfying. Once you've helped improve a trail, you'll never hike it the same way again. You'll know you played a part in protecting a place you love. Do as much as you like; when you've had enough you can turn around at any time while we continue upwards. **Our Project** We'll be working on the Mt. Osceola Trail from the Tripoli Road trailhead. Typical projects include: • Cleaning drainage ditches and waterbars • Trimming brush along the trail corridor • Removing small and medium-sized blowdowns The work is moderate, with plenty of breaks throughout the day. We'll finish around 4:00 PM. **What to Bring** This is a **rain-or-shine event**, so come prepared for changing mountain weather. Please bring: • Hiking boots • Work gloves • Daypack • Lunch • Plenty of water • Rain gear • Warm layers (October weather can be chilly) • Warm hat and gloves All trail maintenance tools will be provided. **More Than Just Trail Work** One of the best parts of Trail Maintenance Day is the camaraderie. Working together builds friendships, creates lasting memories, and gives everyone a chance to contribute something meaningful to the hiking community. Let's show what GayOutdoors is all about: **Adventure • Community • Pride • Stewardship** **Lodging & Post-Hike BBQ** Everyone is invited to spend **Friday and/or Saturday night** at our home in Thornton, NH. • **FREE bunkhouse lodging** (limited to the first six people who reserve) • Breakfast each morning • Saturday evening BBQ featuring burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, and all the fixings • Please bring a side dish to share • BYOB • Relax in the hot tub after a day on the trail • End the evening around the bonfire under the stars Please let us know if you'll be joining us for lodging and/or the Saturday BBQ so we can plan accordingly. **Meeting Information** **Saturday – 8:00 AM** We'll meet at our home to: • Make introductions • Distribute tools • Organize carpools • Head to the trailhead together There's something incredibly rewarding about hiking a trail you've helped care for. We hope you'll join us for a day of service, laughter, hard work, and friendship as we continue GayOutdoors' tradition of giving back to the White Mountains. We look forward to seeing you on the trail! **Happy Trails, Jon & Mike**