Volunteering

Volunteers are an important part of the Cherokee National Forest. They work across different program areas to support the proper functioning and management of our public lands.

You will find volunteers:

• Maintaining our 600 miles of trails
• Serving as a Campground host on our 20 Developed campground sites
• Staffing front desks of our visitor centers
• Cleaning graffiti and collecting litter
• Assisting the Wildlife shop

Click on any of the below to learn more about the different areas Volunteers work:

• Trails
• Historic Sites & Cultural
• Wildlife, Plants & Fish Projects
• Campground Hosting
• Office & Visitor Services
• Wilderness

Volunteers work for a day, or a day a week. It's up to the volunteer how long they wish to volunteer.  If you are interested in supporting your public lands by volunteering, please email SM.FS.CherokeeVSP@usda.gov.

We also utilize Volunteer.gov for posting volunteer opportunities.

Opportunities by Ranger District

Ocoee Ranger District

Ocoee Whitewater Center

• OWC reception staffed with 8 - 10 volunteers
• Partnership with TDEC
• Tanasi trail system maintenance
• Assist with special events
• Fee collection processing
• Routine site mtce.(maintaining picnic area, trash collection, mowing, weedeating, and minor construction projects).
• Over the past 12 years, OWC volunteers have contributed the equivalent of 46,422 hours or 20 years (2016) of service to the Forest Service.

Tellico Ranger District

Unaka Ranger District

• Fire management teaches Wildland fire classes at ETSU.  Students do 20 hours of volunteer work to help complete their requirements.
• Work with trails and recreation as well.

Watauga Ranger District

• Volunteer and be a host at any of the 5 developed campgrounds on the district.
• There are volunteer opportunities for you to use your maintenance skills working on recreation facilities and grounds.