About Us

We are a volunteer organization that works in cooperation with the White Mountain National Forest to maintain sustainable multiuse trails in the Mad River region of NH.

The richly diverse trail networks we help steward today are made possible by the generosity and cooperation of public and private landowners, and the tenacity and hard work of local legacy trail builders. This group is committed to honoring and protecting the integrity of these trails while maintaining sustainable improvements for today’s users to enjoy.

National Forest trail systems maintained by MRTC:

Trail User’s Code of Conduct

Using these trails on public or private lands is a gift, not a right.

  • Please be respectful and enjoy the trails with gratitude to the landowners, and the hard work that went into building and maintaining them.

  • Leave no trace (pick-up trash, dog waste, and try your best to tread lightly).

  • This is a multiuse trail network, be respectful and mindful of others.

  • Please make yourself known in advance of approaching and/or passing others.

Do your part to help prevent further erosion to these trails:

  • Do not use the trails when ground is too wet and muddy.

  • Do not create another route around mud or obstacles

  • Stay on the trails, and do not cut corners.

  • Avoid slipping and skidding around corners or steep sections.

Parking:

  • If lot is full, please use other established parking lots along the road and refrain from parking directly on the soft shoulder of the road.

  • Also, just a reminder to not restrict trail emergency and maintenance access by blocking forest service gates.

Out of respect to the generous residents of Sandwich Notch Road, who own land with trails maintained by volunteers, please avoid car shuttling and be mindful of dust and noise while traveling near their homes.

Volunteer FAQ

Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions MRTC members may have regarding volunteer efforts. If you still can’t find the answers you’re looking for, please Email madrivertrailcollective@gmail.com

What qualifies as trail work?

  • USFS Level 1: Any trail work that maintains an 8 feet by 4 feet trail corridor and cleaning drainage

  • USFS Level 2: Any trail work outside the scope of Level 1

What is the difference between sanctioned and non-sanctioned trail work
Sanctioned trail work: Any projects that have been approved by the club and part of the documented List of Sanctioned Projects.

Non-sanctioned trail work: Any work not discussed and agreed upon by the club; E.g., Altering or creating trail features, creating alternate routes / lines, etc.

Why should I document my individual trail work contributions?
Documenting individual trail work contributes to our overall volunteer hours that are tracked by the National Forest’s ledger.

How do I submit my individual volunteer time?
Email madrivertrailcollective@gmail.com and note the following:

  • What trail did you work on?

  • What did you do?

  • How much time did you spend?