WELD — On June 12 High Peaks Alliance staff Matt Kusper and Emily Kidd, and five volunteers gathered at Tumbledown Public Lands to tackle trail improvements on the Little Jackson Connector Trail. The group spent the morning improving drainage to reduce erosion before beginning construction of a rock staircase designed to improve trail durability and hiker access.
By the end of the day, the team had completed a functional section of the staircase and made significant progress on the project. Additional work on the staircase is planned for a future volunteer trail work day.
Volunteer efforts like these help preserve trail systems throughout the region and ensure continued access to public lands. People come away from these days with new perspectives, such as Emily’s, “This experience has allowed me to gain a newfound respect and appreciation of the trails I have been fortunate enough to recreate on for my entire life. I will never take another stone step for granted!”
Tumbledown and the surrounding mountains are popular destinations for hikers seeking scenic views, diverse trail options, and unique natural features. Through a partnership with the Bureau of Parks and Lands, HPA monitors and maintains trails in the area to support safe and sustainable recreation.
Community members interested in supporting trails are encouraged to participate in upcoming Volunteer Trail Work Days, scheduled for Aug. 21 and Sept. 4. To learn more and RSVP, visit highpeaksalliance.org.
The High Peaks Alliance is a volunteer-driven nonprofit working since 2007 to ensure and enhance public access and recreational opportunities in Maine’s High Peaks region. The Alliance unites local hunters, hikers, anglers, snowmobilers, ATVers, mountain bikers and community stewards to conserve land, maintain trails, and build connections between people and the landscape.