Allegheny Portage Railroad recruiting volunteers
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is actively recruiting volunteers as we move forward with the creation and utilization of our Volunteer Trail Crew. Trail crew members will assist park staff with the maintenance and upkeep of the 12 mile long 6 to 10 Trail, that follows the historic inclined planes and levels of the Portage Railroad along the eastern front of the Allegheny Mountains. There will be a monthly workday planned throughout the summer from May through December to help improve trail conditions and safety for park visitors. The priorities for the first year are to remark the trail route, clear debris and trash from the winter season, maintain the trail corridor by cutting back vegetation during the growing season, and removal of invasive plants and shrubs.
Interested individuals must apply for the position through their announcement on Volunteer.gov. Volunteers must be able to hike distances up to two miles on possible steep and rocky terrain to access work areas. Volunteers may be required to carry an equipment pack up to 20 pounds. The project will be ongoing into 2023 and beyond with additional trail priorities being accomplished as the project grows. If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact the park volunteer coordinator at Margaret_Speicher@nps.gov.
A link to the volunteer.gov announcement can be accessed through their website.
About the 6 to 10 Trail The 6 to 10 Trail system of the park follows the route of the Allegheny Portage Railroad of the 19th century. The hiking sections of the trail are located on or near the original route. The bicycle section is located on the route of the New Portage Railroad. The 6 to 10 Trail system is over 8 miles long following the main section of the trail from start to finish. If you hike the loop trails that follow the oldest sections of the railroad, the entire 6 to 10 Trail is over 12 miles.
About Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Located 10 miles west of Altoona, Pennsylvania off the Gallitzin exit of US Highway 22. The park preserves portions of the first railroad crossing of the Allegheny Mountains. This unique railroad connected the eastern and western divisions of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. For additional information on Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, please visit www.nps.gov/alpo.