Video created by 2018 Volunteer Artist-In-Resident, Matthew Emmer.
Getting Started
After reviewing the list of Volunteer Opportunities below, download a VIP Application. When completing the application, indicate the name of each position that interests you.
Parkwide Volunteer Coordinator
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Drive
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
Note to prospective volunteers (individuals & groups):
Select a project suitable to you or your age, skills, abilities.
Submit completed volunteer forms when prompted.
Arrive to your assigned site on time and prepared for work (bring appropriate clothing/footwear, food/water, and any necessary personal items).
Individual Volunteer Opportunities
Click each title below for details, locations, and time requirements.
This initiative offers Saturday service-learning options for youth and adults in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Activities include vegetation management, trail work, cemetery maintenance, campground projects, historic site preservation, stream restoration, and litter pick-up. Each activity helps grow understanding of the national park.
Smokies Service Days are great for those visiting the Smokies, as well as community students, individuals, families, and groups interested in helping with resource stewardship while making new friends and exploring the outdoors!
Location: Parkwide
Time Requirement: Various Saturdays (Summer/Fall), usually 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Request a Smokies Service Day calendar from grsm_volunteer_office@nps.gov or view the calendar online.
**Advance Registration Required**
Join a supervised work group to complete specific trail rehabilitation projects through this partnership between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Friends of the Smokies. Activities are performed outdoors along park trails. Volunteers hike trails which may have changing elevation. They may be asked to carry tools. Assignments are made according to ability.
Location: Abrams Falls Trail in Cades Cove, TN
Time Requirement: Tuesdays, May–September, 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
For more information/registration, contact adam_monroe@nps.gov
The park has 848 miles of maintained trail. Targeted projects and cyclic upkeep are ongoing. This work is critical to ensure that trails remain accessible for visitors and that resources are protected. Volunteers join the Trails Volunteer Coordinator for scheduled workdays to perform trail maintenance.
Location: Parkwide
Time Requirement: At least one seven-hour day every six weeks
Required: Volunteers must be able to hike and safely perform strenuous, often difficult manual labor. They should be able to safely hike at least 3 miles, lift heavy objects, and use hand tools such as shovels, rakes, loppers, and picks. Minimum participant age is 16. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian.
For more information/registration, contact adam_monroe@nps.gov
Information that adopters provide is critical to ensuring that our 848 miles of trail remain accessible for visitors and that trail resources are protected.
Location: Parkwide
Time Requirement: At least four hikes per year on a designated trail, March–October
Required: Volunteer should be comfortable hiking in the backcountry.
Duties: Commit to hike adopted trails at least 4 times/year to report conditions, blowdowns, and other hazards. Park provides Trail Adopters with information on Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics. Volunteer may perform light trail maintenance work with supervisory approval.
Desired: Experience hiking in the Smokies, ability to take photos of blowdowns and other trail issues, ability to send in report & photos via email, knowledge of Leave No Trace ethics.
For more information/registration, contact adam_monroe@nps.gov
Volunteer helps maintain and upkeep heavily used sections of the park. Performs basic maintenance of park facilities.
Locations: NC sites including Oconaluftee Grounds, Clingmans Dome, Deep Creek Picnic Area, Newfound Gap
Time Requirement: Available year-round, 7 days per week (With 32 hours per week, an RV Site with full hookup may be provided.)
Desired: Motivation to work independently and follow prescribed safety protocol. Knowledge and application of Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics. Ability to effectively communicate positive, encouraging messaging to park visitors about LNT, ‘pack-in/pack-out’ and wildlife safety practices regarding disposal of waste.
For more information/registration, contact adam_monroe@nps.gov
Volunteers work independently (alone or with a partner) to pick up and remove litter along trails, at overlooks, and at busy sites. Litter Patrol Volunteers may focus on a specific section of trail, or perform services while exploring trails, visitor sites, and areas throughout the park.
Location: Parkwide
Time Requirement: Available year-round, 7 days per week; work out your own self-guided, flexible schedule
Desired: Motivation to work independently and adherence to prescribed safety protocol. Learn and share with others about Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics. Interact with visitors in a respectful manner. Inform visitors about GRSM’s ‘pack-in / pack-out’ policy that helps protect park wildlife.
For information/registration, contact sheridan_roberts@nps.gov
The Smokies backcountry has 89 campsites and 15 trail shelters. It is critical to patrol and maintain the backcountry regularly.
Location: Parkwide
Time Requirement: At least 8 hours per month (March–October). Training is Required. Training sessions are scheduled twice annually.
Required: Adopt-A-Campsite Volunteer should be capable of hiking in backcountry, performing campsite maintenance, and enjoying interaction with visitors. This position requires a 1-year commitment, with a minimum 6-12 maintenance trips to your adopted site each year.
Duties: Volunteers clean fire-rings, check bear cable systems, check water sources, dismantle illegal fire rings and structures, check signage, pack out gear and trash, and submit a report after each trip.
Desired: Knowledge of the Smokies & commitment to Leave No Trace ethics.
For more information/registration, contact brian_eversole@nps.gov
The Campground Host’s primary duty is to assist ranger staff of the assigned campground with operation of the campground and surrounding area in a manner that protects park resources and promotes a safe, enjoyable visitor experience. Campground Host Volunteers live in the park campground, in their own RV or hard-sided camper. Hosts set the example by complying with all park and campground rules/regulations. Hosts keep supervisory staff advised on conditions within the campground including vacancy status, problem visitors, illness or injury to visitors, hazardous
conditions, weather conditions, wildlife observations, maintenance, and supply needs.
Locations: Smokemont, Cades Cove, Elkmont, Big Creek, Deep Creek, and Cataloochee campgrounds
Time Requirement: 4–8 week commitment, 32 hours per week; RV Site with full hookup provided
For information/registration, contact brian_eversole@nps.gov
Volunteers work in teams of 2 (married couples are welcome) to provide roadside assistance for park visitors. Prior law enforcement experience may be helpful but is not required. Experience with radio dispatch communication may be helpful. Teams are trained to recognize hazards to be avoided and passed along to rangers. Roadside Assistants live in the park in their own RV.
Location: Parkwide
Time Requirement: 3–8 week commitment, 32 hours per week; RV Site with full hookup provided
Duties: Pairs drive a courtesy patrol vehicle, identified as 'non-law enforcement vehicle'. VIPs assist with traffic control, provide minor roadside assistance (fluids, battery jump starts, unlock vehicles), assist with traffic control associated with wildlife viewing, and provide visitors with helpful information.
To apply, contact grsm_volunteer_office@nps.gov.
This position is currently at capacity and not accepting applications for 2024.
Volunteers communicate with the public and stand or walk for 4-hour periods outdoors.
Location: Oconaluftee River Trail, Mountain Farm Museum, and wildlife viewing fields along Hwy 441 in NC
Time Requirement: 4 afternoon/evening hours weekly (Spring, Summer, Fall)
Duties: When elk are present in fields and along roads, Elk Rovers focus on safety and traffic management. They drive and walk along viewing fields in Oconaluftee and/or Cataloochee Valley. They inform visitors about park regulations and offer guidance on how to view elk without disturbing the wildlife or endangering personal safety.
Desired: Ability to work at least one 4-hour shift per week; willingness to learn and share knowledge with park visitors; enjoy working as part of a team.
For questions, contact lauren_larocca@nps.gov
Volunteers at Oconaluftee and Mountain Farm Museum communicate and work with the public while learning and sharing about park and Southern Appalachian cultural history.
Location: Oconaluftee (NC) Mountain Farm
Time Requirement: One 6–7 hour shift regularly, each week
Duties: Interpret human history to over 2,000 visitors/day in period clothing or VIP uniform; duties range from opening/closing museum to general house-keeping and feeding livestock; demonstrations include domestic skills, farming, blacksmithing, etc. Some training is provided, but competency must be demonstrated.
Desired: Interest or experience in costumed interpretative demonstrations; extensive knowledge of historical farming practices in Southern Appalachia.
For information/registration, contact julie_flores@nps.gov
Volunteers serve as a friendly, informative presence in and around Elkmont’s Historic ‘Daisy Town’ District. They participate in training to learn about the area’s pre-park logging industry and cultural history.
Location: Elkmont (TN)
Time Requirement: Year-round (work at least one 4–6 hour shift weekly)
Duties: Rovers engage with many visitors in this popular area. They must be able to walk/stand for the duration of a 4–6 hr shift. They move through cabins, cemeteries, and trails, addressing visitor questions. They may adopt a Daisy Town cabin, share information about the restoration program, and perform litter patrol.
For information/registration, contact dexter_armstrong@nps.gov
Volunteers rove one of the park’s most popular trails providing information about regulations including littering, disturbing wildlife, and approaching wildlife. They educate and engage with hundreds of visitors daily. Volunteers walk on steep, uneven terrain for 4-hour periods, and must be prepared for changing weather. In some cases, Volunteers assist with traffic control.
Location: Laurel Falls Trail (TN)
Time Requirement: 4–8 hours weekly
For information/registration, contact dexter_armstrong@nps.gov
Position is currently at capacity and not accepting applications for 2024.
Volunteer collects base flow water quality sampling from select park watersheds along designated routes.
Location: Parkwide
Time Requirement: Bi-monthly Saturdays (Jan–December), 4–6 hour shifts
Required: Any age individual with ability to hike moderate or long distances (<1 to 15 miles). Participants less than 18 years old must have an adult legal guardian.
Duties: This is an ongoing effort to collect water samples from select park streams in order to monitor stream water chemistry. This is one of the longest running monitoring efforts in GSMNP, as well as the nation. VIPs will be paired with volunteers from local Trout Unlimited Chapters who train and lead volunteers during collections. Most collections made on Saturdays, requiring roughly 4-6 hours.
For information, contact caleb_abramson@nps.gov
Volunteers communicate and work with the public. They learn and share about cultural history relating to Mingus Mill and milling in Southern Appalachia.
Location: Mingus Mill
Time Requirement: Minimum 4 hour shift weekly
Duties: Greet and orient visitors to park themes, activities, and facilities as they relate to Mingus Mill and the historic community. Provide information on types of mills in the region, and mills that can be observed within the park.
For information/registration, contact julie_flores@nps.gov
Volunteers help maintain historic structures by doing basic housekeeping, such as sweeping, cleaning windows, wiping down walls, and yard pick-up on their adopted structure and submitting a brief report alerting park staff to any needed repairs.
Location: Cades Cove
Time Requirement: Year-round
Required: Adopt-A-Cabin volunteers must attend a 2–3 hour training session to be briefed on the program. They must be comfortable working independently, be capable of safely completing light housekeeping tasks, be willing to work within guidelines set to protect the historic nature of the structures and must be able to commit two partial days per month to ensure that their structure gets regular care.
For information/registration, contact adam_monroe@nps.gov
Educate visitors about the natural and cultural history of Cades Cove, provide safety messages at trailheads, and manage traffic related to wildlife sightings in Cades Cove.
Location: Cades Cove (TN)
Time Requirement: One 6- to 7-hour shift regularly, each week
Requirements and Duties: The ideal candidate is comfortable interacting with diverse audiences, excited to learn about the Cove's unique resources, and able to work independently as well as a part of an interdisciplinary team. Due to high visitation, volunteers frequently work near the road in situations that have heavy traffic, heavy visitation, and wildlife. Good judgement/interpersonal skills are essential.
For information/registration, please contact jeanine_ferrence@nps.gov
This position is at capacity and not accepting applications for 2024.
During wildflower season, whiteoak sinks is the sweetest of sweet spots! Informed and friendly volunteers are on-site to educate hikers, photographers, and flower enthusiasts. They encourage visitors to protect special resources of this fragile area by staying on established trails (to not cause soil compaction or trample plants). They provide site orientation for visitors and assist with identification of plants.
Location: Whiteoak Sinks (TN)
Time Requirement: Spring (April–May), one shift per week during wildflower season
Required: Must be able to hike approximately 9 miles on uneven, steep terrain. Volunteers are outdoors and must be prepared for changeable weather conditions.
For information, contact kendra_straub@nps.gov
Volunteers assist with monitoring timing of plants blooming in the park.
Locations: Purchase Knob (NC) and sites around Chimneys Picnic Area (TN)
Time Requirement: Flexible (seasonal shifts) March through May or March through October (one visit per week, or every other week during observation season)
Required: Ability to learn how to identify common plant species and other natural history skills; ability to walk short distances over trails or off-trail on uneven ground.
Duties: Visit sites regularly to count and record the number of blooms of different species within established plots. Opportunity may arise to add new types of phenology to study, such as bird and caterpillar activity. It takes 1–2 hours to complete observation of plots, plus travel time to and from the Purchase Knob/Chimneys area.
For information/registration, please contact paul_super@nps.gov
Volunteer will communicate and work with the public. They learn the park's cultural history, read maps, and give directions.
Locations: Sugarlands Visitor Center, Gatlinburg Welcome Center, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Clingmans Dome
Time Requirement: 4–8 hours per week
Desired: Previous experience working an information desk; knowledge of natural/cultural history of the park; knowledge of road and trail systems; interest in flora & fauna; ability to stand for most of 4-hour day; ability to lift small packages.
Duties: Volunteers provide information to visitors on one-to-one or group basis to facilitate a meaningful visit.
For information, contact judyb@gsmassoc.org (Gatlinburg Welcome Center) or julie_flores@nps.gov (Oconaluftee and Clingmans Dome)
Uniformed volunteers work in teams to assist Cades Cove staff with management of roadways and parking areas (near entry to Cades Cove Loop Road). They provide safety messaging and help orient visitors. They assist visitors to ensure safe travel from parked vehicles to entry area. Some volunteers perform data collection and recording using paper datasheets.
Location: Cades Cove (TN)—entry areas to include: Orientation Shelter, Campground, Picnic Area, Horse Concession, Road Shoulder
Time Requirement: Spring–September 1, Wednesday Mornings (6:45am – 2pm)
Required: Ability to walk & stand outdoors during a 4–6 hour shift, sometimes in inclement weather. Comfortable talking with visitors. Volunteers wear personal protective gear as directed by Supervision.
For information/registration, contact jeanine_ferrence@nps.gov
Volunteers assist with monitoring the timing of tree leaf-out and fall browndown.
Location: Parkwide
Time Requirement: Spring–Fall, flexible shifts (one visit per week, or every other week during observation season)
Required: Moderate walking over short distances, along trails on uneven terrain.
Duties: Visit adopted plots to rate the growth state of 20 trees. Data entry experience helpful. Ideally, the volunteer can commit to 1 plot visit per week or every other week, for several consecutive weeks.
For information/registration, contact grsm_phenology@nps.gov or paul_super@nps.gov
Volunteer works with the Parkwide Volunteer Coordinator to guide a streamline management of GSMNP's Volunteer-In-Park Program. Duties include but are not limited to: communications by email and phone, data entry, filing, event planning, creating educational presentations/PowerPoints/info-sheets, assist with Artist-In-Resident Program, designing materials for outreach events, uniform and supplies inventory, and end of year reporting. Most work takes place in an indoor office setting. For the right candidate, leadership of outdoor volunteer activities is an option. Public speaking experience helpful. A federal background check (paid for by park) is required for this position, as it involves use of government computer.
Location: Park Headquarters and Sugarlands Office (TN)
Time Requirement: 4–7 shifts per month during business hours, Monday–Friday; some weekend outdoor options may be available
For more information/registration, contact grsm_volunteer_office@nps.gov
Knowledge of plant identification and gardening techniques with native and non-native plants.
Location: Oconaluftee (NC)
Time Requirement: Seasonal; hours are negotiable
Desired: Experience with horticulture or landscaping, especially with native plants; ability to perform moderate physical labor.
Duties: Assist staff with planting, weeding, and maintenance of native plant garden; may assist with landscaping/vegetation projects as interested.
For information/registration, contact julie_flores@nps.gov
This position is at or close to capacity for 2024.
Volunteers rove the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road on bicycle. They provide guidance and friendly support for pedestrians, drivers, and other cyclists. Volunteers inform visitors about safety regulations and share information about Cades Cove. They perform traffic management along the Loop Road, Laurel Creek Road, and the Campground Drive. They are in communication with park rangers and provide support as needed in emergency situations.
Location: Cades Cove Loop Road (TN)
Time Requirement: May–September, morning & afternoon shifts available
Required: Volunteers use their own bikes and are required to wear uniform/helmet. They must be at least 18 years of age.
For information/registration, contact dan_wilson@nps.gov
Volunteers observe visitor-use patterns in popular sections of the park during the busy season. They collect and record basic data about how visitors use and experience the park. They count parked vehicles, count site visitors, observe, and record visitor flow and behavior. Data gathered is submitted to park management via a simple online form.
Time Requirement: 4–6 hour shifts, one day per week; April–October annually
Required: Ability to stand and walk outdoors for duration of shift. Volunteer may not be required to interact directly with park visitors.
For information/registration, contact kendra_straub@nps.gov
Assist with short term projects involving filing of archeology site forms.
Location: Park Headquarters
Time Requirement: Two 8-hour workdays total, or several shorter workdays
Duties: Volunteer sorts paper records into existing file folders in filing cabinets or prepare new file folders for use. No computer access is needed.
Required: Ability to work in normal office conditions and potentially cramped spaces is necessary. Volunteer must also be able to bend over to reach low filing cabinets and lift up to 20 pounds.
For information/registration, contact allison_harvey@nps.gov
Contribute to the largest "science project" in the Smokies. Gain new job skills/maintain existing job skills; network with park personnel, local business owners, and scientists from across the country.
Location: Parkwide
Time Requirement: Flexible/intermittent
Duties: Volunteers work in five areas: fieldwork, clerical, education/outreach, special events/fundraising, or computer/technical.
Visit the DLiA website for more information or contact todd@dlia.org
Group Volunteer Opportunities
These projects are available to volunteer groups. They are based on current need and may be weather dependent. Groups may book a hotel near the service area or reserve an in-park campsite (no showers available).
This litter collection program engages community groups and visitors to the area. Volunteers adopt one or more scenic overlooks, which they clean regularly (removing litter at least 4 times yearly). This stewardship option is great for families & groups. All ages welcome but youth volunteers (under 18) must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Participants should be able to stand/walk on uneven terrain and carry light loads.
Location: Overlooks and official pull-offs throughout the park (NC/TN)
Time Requirement: Group or individual visits adopted site as regularly as possible, removing litter each time. Site visit may require 1–3 hours.
For information/registration, contact grsm_volunteer_office@nps.gov
Volunteers assist staff with seasonal opening and closing activities or mid-season upkeep. They may rake, blow leaves, clear fire rings, collect litter, or do other grounds work. Volunteers should be physically fit/agile and have the ability to walk safely on uneven terrain. Some may be asked to carry light weight (up to 50 lb loads). They work with outdoor tools (shovel, rake, ash bucket). Ages 16 and up. Must be able to follow supervisory directives and safety protocol.
Location: Campgrounds and Picnic Areas
Time Requirement: Need varies through the year. Projects typically take 3–5 hours. (Campground openings typically Feb–April and closing Sept–Dec)
Lodging: 40 hour per person/week minimum to qualify for an in-park group campsite.
For information/registration, contact adam_monroe@nps.gov
Volunteers help maintain ecological health & natural beauty of the park. Ideal for those interested in offering critical support while exploring and enjoying the Smokies. This project is great for families & groups. Youth volunteers (under 18) must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Participants should be able to walk along uneven terrain and carry light loads.
Location: Parkwide
Time Requirement: Available year-round
Lodging: 40 hour per person/week minimum to qualify for an in-park group campsite.
For information/registration, contact grsm_volunteer_office@nps.gov
Volunteers identify target plant species (with instruction). They manually remove various exotic plant species, including garlic mustard, Japanese honeysuckle, privet and English ivy. Methods include hand pulling and use of loppers and clippers.
Location: Parkwide; some areas require hike-in
Time Requirement: 5–8 hour minimum
Required: Volunteers must be 12 years or older, able to walk on uneven and/or steep terrain, and follow safety guidelines, particularly those involving poison ivy, stinging insects, and snakes.
Lodging: 40 hour per person/week minimum to qualify for an in-park group campsite.
For information/registration, contact jesse_webster@nps.gov
Volunteers use hand tools to remove unneeded barbed wire fencing that detracts from the historical scene, impedes the natural flow of wildlife through the valley, and interferes with personnel and equipment transport/operations during prescribed burning operations. Volunteers wear long pants, long sleeves, sun protection, and must be able to handle small rolls of barbed wire. Leather gloves will be provided.
Location: Various locations around park
Time Requirement: 7-hour minimum (winter months only)
Lodging: None
For more information/registration, contact grsm_volunteer_office@nps.gov
**Advance Registration Required**
Volunteer groups must reserve well ahead and commit to at least one 8-hour workday. Participants must be able to hike at least 4 miles, use hand tools (shovel, fire rake, pulaski, sledgehammer) and provide personal gear for the day (water, food, rain gear, appropriate clothing, boots).
Location: Abrams Falls, TN
Time Requirement: At least one 5.5-hour workday, May–Oct
Duties: Volunteers perform a range of trail maintenance and trail re-construction while working alongside a park trail crew. Projects include but are not limited to installing drainage structures, rehabilitating trail surfaces, constructing staircases, and pruning and transplanting vegetation.
Lodging: A group campsite may be provided; no shower or other lodging is available.
For information/registration, adam_monroe@nps.gov
Volunteers should have ability to walk over uneven terrain (some steep) and carry light loads. Work can be accomplished by young volunteers (ages 8 and up) who work alongside their parent or a responsible adult.
Location: Parkwide
Time Requirement: 2-hour minimum, year round
Lodging: None
For more information/registration, contact grsm_volunteer_office@nps.gov
Volunteers-in-Park (VIPs) help meet important needs at Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Volunteers are asked to offer firm commitment to their projects. Each VIP must complete a Volunteer Agreement Packet and receive supervisory confirmation before beginning active service at GSMNP.
Join us. Hello, my name is Benny Braden and today we're here celebrating with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, National Public Lands Day. We set up our tent. This is where people come and volunteer and our focus is removing litter as well as removing graffiti. Some folks feel like they need to leave their mark. And we're here to remove that mark.
National Public Lands Day is really important to me, working to mobilize volunteers across the country to help restore and protect and revitalize our public lands, places that we can all enjoy, to relax, recharge, and learn about our communities and each other. Have a good time! We have established a garden at Cherokee High School. It's called sochan and it is a plant of resilience, and we do a study because it's sensitive to ground level ozone. Our 60 national parks, large national parks, are really about environmental education, and I'm so very excited and so very appreciative of the work that the National Environmental Education Foundation does. We take interest in this special day because enjoying the parks, and also the public lands, is good medicine. To unite people and to give them an ever-existing natural healing resource and it's for all of us. The nation needs healing, to disconnect from our devices and to connect to one another as human beings. Reconnect with nature. You know, the Great Smoky Mountains, it serves as a sanctuary for healing. Where are we as a country when it comes to race and race relations? And so that's what prompted Smokies Hikes for Healing, and those participants work with a highly skilled and highly trained facilitator, give us new tools and new perspectives on how we deal with race and race relations, because we all deal with that. When you hike in the Smokies, you always come out better than when you went in. For me, I was a first responder, struggle with post-traumatic stress, and I've spent a lot of time in the outdoors and that's helped me kick-start my healing. Our public lands allows folks to get to a spot where they can get away from the noise and just feel the benefits of nature, both physically and mentally.
