{"id":51501,"date":"2024-06-05T15:28:02","date_gmt":"2024-06-05T19:28:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/?page_id=51501"},"modified":"2026-06-16T13:54:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T17:54:56","slug":"alternative-break-locations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/volunteer-vacations\/alternative-break-locations\/","title":{"rendered":"Alternative Break Locations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\n\t\t\n\t\t\tAlternative Break Locations\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/h2>\n\t

Ready to book? First read through the General Information<\/a><\/strong> section to better understand the program and reservation process. Then contact Ellie Place at EPlace@AmericanHiking.org or call 1-301-565-6704 ext. 704 to book. Include your preferred location (see available locations listed below), group size and the dates of your spring break. If you do not see a location or week that fits your schedule, please inquire with us. There may be some flexibility in scheduling and we will work with each group on a case by case basis.<\/p>\n

Please Note:<\/strong>\u00a0 Most Alternative Breaks are intended for college student and young professional groups<\/strong>. \u00a0To reserve a week\/location,\u00a0your group needs to have at least 6 participants<\/strong>. If you would like to participate in a project as a solo traveler, we suggest checking if there are any Volunteer Vacations<\/a> that interest you. These projects include volunteers of all ages, at locations across the country, almost year-round!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"5278273150_e8d9cce4a1_o_0\"\n\t

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, PA<\/h4>\n
Host: US Fish & Wildlife Service
\nMaximum Group Size: 16<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Support trail access at America’s first urban refuge! Join the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum Volunteer Vacation to expand, maintain, and repair trails.<\/p>\n

Trails will be located along Tinicum Marsh, Pennsylvania’s largest remaining freshwater tidal marsh. These well-loved trails are utilized by over 260,000 visitors annually and require maintenance that is occasionally above the level of care that refuge staff can maintain. Volunteers will be tasked with expanding\/widening trails, trimming back growth on trails, removing invasive species, and stabilizing and repairing the trail by filling in holes or gaps. The surface of trails is primarily packed dirt or gravel trails, occasionally paved trails or boardwalks. Volunteers will drive or carpool and may have to hike small distances on packed dirt or gravel trails, with little to no elevation changes.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Area & Attractions<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Celebrated as America’s First Urban Refuge, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum was established in 1972. The refuge is a treasured 1,000-acre green space nestled within the city of Philadelphia, teeming with a rich diversity of fish, wildlife, and plants native to the Delaware Estuary. The refuge supports a diversity of habitats, including freshwater tidal marsh, open waters, mudflats, and woodlands that the hundreds of species call home.\u00a0 In addition to “America’s First Urban Refuge”, Philadelphia is home to many other firsts – America’s First Zoo, America’s First Public Library, America’s First Art Museum, and America’s First University among others. The area has a rich array of museums, parks, national historic sites, and delicious eats, and that’s just within Philadelphia! The area is also within a 2-hour drive of attractions in New Jersey (including the NJ Pine Barrens), Delaware, and New York. There is endless opportunity for activities, both indoor and outdoor.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Accommodations<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Volunteers will have access to a refuge bunkhouse that can fit a maximum of 16 adults. There are 8 individual rooms, with 2 twin beds in each. The bunkhouse is fully furnished with a functioning kitchen, including potable water. The bunkhouse has 2 full bathrooms and access to onsite laundry. The bunkhouse also has a fully screened in back deck and front porch. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags or linens, towels, and personal toiletries.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTrip Inquiry\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

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James River State Park, Virginia<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Host:\u00a0Virginia\u00a0State Parks<\/a>
\nMaximum Group Size: 12<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
Project & Hiking<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\" James River State Park has 22 miles of trails within it’s 1561 acres. We need help every year with maintaining existing trails, doing reroutes, and rehabilitating closed trails. Prior to beginning any project, we do a thorough safety briefing and explanation of the procedures and goals for our project, and volunteers are always accompanied and will work closely with Park and DCR staff. Volunteers will hike less than a mile each day.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Area & Attractions<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"The park is located in Central Virginia, with three miles of frontage on the James River. Most is forested with mixed hardwoods and pine, with some wetlands and sunny meadows near the river. Wildlife is abundant and sightings of deer, turkey, bear, and bobcat are frequent. Nearby attractions include the ever-popular Crabtree Falls, just west of the park, university towns of Charlottesville (UVA), Lynchburg (Liberty, Randolph, University of Lynchburg), and Farmville (Longwood University, Hampden-Sydney). A number of other state parks are nearby for a change of scenery and the Appomattox National Historical Park is just down the road.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Accommodations<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"We host our ASB groups in a six-bedroom lodge with two queen bedrooms, two twin bedrooms, and two bunk-bed rooms. There are three shared bathrooms, a washer and dryer and gas fireplace in the lodge. Outside, there is a firepit and grill. There is full heat \/ AC. There is no wifi in the lodge, but wifi is available at the visitor center.<\/p>\n

The lodge has a fully furnished kitchen with all major appliances except a dishwasher. Cookware, dishes, glassware and kitchen items are provided. Volunteers will need to provide their own towels, bedding and linens as well as personal hiking clothing and gear.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTrip Inquiry\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

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Hungry Mother State Park, Virginia<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Host:\u00a0Virginia\u00a0State Parks<\/a><\/h4>\n
Maximum Group Size: 14<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
Project & Hiking<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Alternative Break crews are needed to help construct and maintain Raiders Run Trail! Many sections of the Raiders Run Trail have been re-routed to make it more user friendly and sustainable. The trails have been bench cut on moderately steep slopes but will be improved for sustainably with water diversion features including sheet flow on the tread and out-slope and grade reversals. We will continue to improve these trails previously constructed by maintaining, improving, shaping, and defining existing hiking and mountain bike features including berms, rollers, and trail tread formations on these trails along with other necessary features. Most of the work will be spent bending, shoveling, raking, chopping, and tamping.<\/p>\n

Volunteers may drive themselves from the Bunkhouse to the trailhead each day, or they can choose to walk. The exact location on the trail will change every day, but hiking will be under 1 mile each morning. Much of the trail is unfinished, so footing will be uneven. There is slight elevation change throughout the entire trail, but it is rated as an easy trail.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Area & Attractions<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Hungry Mother State Park encompasses roughly 3,000 acres with 250 acres developed. The park is nestled in the Appalachian mountains of southwest Virginia and has a 108-acre lake stocked with muskie, walleye, and catfish, but plenty of other native species are available. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding are all available. Hungry Mother also has 18 miles of some of the finest mountain trails to hike and bike. One trail will take you to the highest knob in the Park, Molly’s Knob with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Find out who Molly is and how she is ingrained in our legend of how she helped to give the park its name. The park is located in the same county as the highest peak in Virginia, Mt. Rogers, and is surrounded by National forest and many natural areas. The Channels, the Pinnacles, the Cascades, and Grayson Highlands State Park to name a few are all extraordinary natural finds and are all within an hour’s drive of the park. This area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Basic shopping needs and nice eateries are located in Marion, VA, only four miles away.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Accommodations<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Volunteers will stay in cabins with two bedrooms each – one with a full sized bed, the other with two bunk beds (each cabin sleeps 6 total). Each cabin has a full kitchen with a fridge, stove, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, cookware, and dishes, a living room that includes seating, a dining area, and fireplace, and one full bathroom.<\/p>\n

Outdoor amenities include a deck with rocking chairs, a picnic table, charcoal grill, and fire ring. The cabins include AC\/Heat, Wi-Fi, and coin washer\/dryers are located throughout the park.\u00a0Volunteers must bring their own linens (sheets\/bedding or sleeping bags).<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTrip Inquiry\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

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Grayton Beach State Park, Florida<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Host: Florida State Parks<\/h4>\n

Maximum Group Size: 16<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
Project & Hiking<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Volunteers will support park staff in repairing sections of trail in low-lying areas to help raise the trail from the water. Volunteers will put down mesh and fill the trail with shell rock. Volunteers will hike less than 1 mile each day to the project work sites.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tArea & Attractions<\/b><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Grayton Beach State Park gets rated “The Most Beautiful Beach in America” and the Dune Lake Trail is between the Coastal Dunes and Western Lake a Coastal Dune Lake. Grayton Beach has White Quarts Sand that came from the Appalachian Mountains from the Glaciers over 10,000 years ago. Grayton Beach State Park has Western Lake is the second largest Coastal Dune Lakes in the area. Coastal Dune Lakes only exist in this area of the Florida Panhandle, Madagascar, and Australia.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Accommodations<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Volunteers will stay in a primitive group campsite The Camp Loop has a Bath House in the center of the loop with running water, toilets and showers. The Group Site has benches around it with multiple Hammock Posts. The Group Site is on Western Lake with a spectacular view. The park staff will fully supply the crew with all required cooking gear, but volunteers will need to provide their own tent and personal camping gear (sleeping bags, sleeping pads, clothing, etc.).<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTrip Inquiry\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

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Cumberland Trail<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Host: Cumberland Trails Association<\/h4>\n

Maximum Group Size: 30<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
Project & Hiking<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Join the Cumberland Trails Conference to help build the Cumberland Trail! This service project includes 4 days of trail building with one free day for the students to explore the local area. Trail building involves hiking into the worksite, building trail by cutting into the soil with hand tools, removing tree stumps and roots in the trail tread, and hiking out in the afternoons. Participants will hike up to 1-3 miles each day. Although the work is hard the reward is great by knowing you are a part of something bigger!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tArea & Attractions<\/b><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\"The Cumberland Trail is an ambitious hiking trail project under development in East
\nTennessee. When completed, the Cumberland Trail (CT) will extend more than 300 miles from its northern terminus in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (TN\/KY) to its southern terminus at the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park located on Signal Mountain just outside
\nChattanooga, Tennessee. As of August 2022, over 250 miles of the trail are open for hiking.\n

The scenic footpath follows a line of high ridges and deep gorges along or near the rugged, eastern edge of Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. The trail offers a unique wilderness experience and many scenic views, waterfalls, landscapes, gorges, wildlife, and widely varying flora.<\/p>\nAs a remote, back-country trail, it meanders through eleven Tennessee counties, on
\nlands managed by Tennessee’s Departments of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), and Tennessee Forestry. The trail also connects two national parks and passes through a National Wild & Scenic River area.\n\t\t\t\t\t

Accommodations<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Volunteers will stay at one of the surrounding lodges, state parks, or campgrounds nearby to the project location. Project locations will vary depending on time of year, but all options provide indoor lodging and access to a full kitchen.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTrip Inquiry\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

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Pocahontas State Park, Virginia<\/h4>\n

Host: Virginia State Parks<\/h4>\n

Maximum Group Size: 14<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
Project & Hiking<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"At Pocahontas State Park, volunteers will learn how to build trails for hiking and mountain biking and help the park expand access, clean up trails and create new trails. Participants will also learn basic carpentry, landscaping, and team building skills throughout the week. Enjoy working outdoors in one of the largest state parks in Virginia!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Area & Attractions<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Pocahontas State Park is located 8,000 acres in Chesterfield County, allowing for a wide open back country feel while being within a half hour of Richmond, VA. The park is home to world famous single track mountain bike trails, and over 800 miles of trails! Within the park are three lakes, offering significant boating and fishing opportunities. The park also has a visitor’s center containing numerous reptiles. The park has a large pool complex and concert amphitheater. The park is also minutes away from the city of Richmond, Virginia.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Accommodations<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"The crew will stay in a lodge with three bathrooms (one universally accessible) and six bedrooms. The lodge is climate controlled with central heating, air conditioning and a gas fireplace. Linens are not provided, so crews will need to bring their own. The kitchen has a range\/over, refrigerator, microwave, drip coffee maker, pots, pans, dishwasher, ice maker, dishes and utensils. There is a dining area with seating for 16. The living area has sofas, chairs and a gas fireplace. Outside the lodge has a picnic table, fire-ring, and charcoal pedestal grill.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTrip Inquiry\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

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York River State Park, Virginia<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Host:<\/strong>\u00a0Virginia State Parks<\/a>
\nMaximum Group Size:<\/strong> 15<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
Project & Hiking<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"VolunteersVolunteers will spend the week doing trail maintenance to improve surfaces and access to the park’s trails.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Area & Attractions<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"The park is known for its rare and delicate estuarine environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a rich habitat for marine and plant life. It is on the York River and is designated as a Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The pristine environment offers clues to a rich natural and cultural history and hosts fossil beds and Colonial and Native American artifacts. Programs, activities and visitor center displays focus on the history, use, wildlife and preservation of the York River and its marshes. More than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails allow visitors to explore the marsh, river shoreline and forests. A boat ramp, fresh and salt water fishing spots, a fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and seasonal boat and recreational equipment rentals are available. Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Island and Yorktown offer extensive opportunities for history and touring. Williamsburg Pottery, Lightfoot and Williamsburg Area Outlet Shops on Route 60 offer shopping opportunities. Busch Gardens, Water Country, Go-Karts Plus (miniature golf, etc.), Williamsburg Winery, etc., offer many opportunities for a range of entertainment. Virginia Beach and the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge are nearby.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Accommodations<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Volunteers will stay in two mobile homes that provide bunkbeds, full kitchen facilities, bathrooms with showers, and living areas. Each trailer has a large outdoor eating area with a gas grill and fire pit. There is access to a washer and dryer. Wifi access can be arranged.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTrip Inquiry\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

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Kiptopeke State Park, Virginia<\/h4>\n

Host: Department of Conservation & Recreation, Virginia State Parks<\/h4>\n

Maximum Group Size: 16<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
Project & Hiking<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Come join Kiptopeke State Park to help rebuild one of our beach boardwalks! After over 30 years of use, our 4 boardwalks which lead from various areas of the park to the beach are in need of some cosmetic and structural maintenance. Work will include removing decking and railings from the existing boardwalk structures, shoring up structural supports, and re-decking and rebuilding railings. No prior trail experience is required – all supplies, instruction and tools will be provided. All park trails are easily accessed from the cabin\/lodge area. It is about a half a mile from the lodges to the maintenance area, where the group will meet to distribute tools and head out to the worksite.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

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\"\"Kiptopeke State Park is set on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The park is 562 acres, and includes over 3 miles of beachfront, 5 miles of trails, as well as a campground and several lodging facilities. We also offer a 24\/7 fishing pier that is very popular with local anglers. The park includes marine forests, is a popular birding destination, but mainly receives many visitors for the beach and fishing. The Eastern Shore offers many recreational activities as well as a fascinating local history. There are many preserves, refuges, and other lands held for conservation uses on the shore, held by many federal, state, and local agencies – as well as other organizations such as the Nature Conservancy. The quaint town of Cape Charles offers local dining and shopping options, as well as art galleries, a movie theater, and a small museum. There is also a grocery store about 15 minutes outside the park. The park is also located just on the northern end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which links the shore to the Hampton Roads area (Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton) – where almost any recreational activity can be found.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

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\"\"Volunteers would be housed in one of the parks lodges. The lodges contain 6 bedrooms (2 queen, 2 rooms with 2 twin beds, and 2 rooms with 2 sets of bunkbeds) for a max capacity of 16 as well as 3 full bathrooms, and an open-concept living and kitchen area. All lodges have HVAC and hot water. A fire ring and large charcoal grill are outside, as well as a picnic table. Linens and towels are not provided, but pillows are. Kitchens come fully equipped with cookware and dishware for 16 people, as well as a stove\/oven, coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator. A grocery store is located about 15 minutes outside the park. There are no TVs or WiFi in the lodges, and the campground has coin-operated laundry machines.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTrip Inquiry\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

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Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Host:\u00a0Virginia\u00a0State Parks<\/a>
\nMaximum Group Size: 13<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
Project & Hiking<\/h5><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

This project will be focusing on several different trail building and trail maintenance tasks. All instruction will be provided by the experienced hosts! Project work could include:<\/p>\n