©MIKE KOSMYNA

Alternative Spring Break students work on improving trails in the park.

Volunteer for the Enjoyment of Others!
No Experience Necessary

Purpose
The Cuyahoga Valley Trails Council (CVTC) was organized in 1985 to "promote, coordinate, and participate in the building, inspection, maintenance, improvement, and enjoyment of trails in and around the Cuyahoga Valley."

The CVTC works with the National Park Service to carry out the development of the planned network of over 200 miles of trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP). With guidance from the National Park Service and from CVNP's 1985 Trail Plan, the CVTC sponsors numerous trail work projects which involve both the maintenance of existing trails and the development of new trails.

Organization
The CVTC is a nonprofit, 501(C)(3) corporation, directed by a Board of Trustees representing four trail user groups: hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, and crosscountry skiers. The CVTC is not a membership organization; all are welcome to participate in any activities sponsored by the CVTC. To sign-up for the monthly newsletter, E-Trails, click here.

Trail Work
Trail work projects are scheduled once a month from March through December, usually on the third Saturday of the month. Anyone can be a trail work volunteer; no experience, special skills, or special tools are required. Volunteers clear new trails, install drainage systems, build bridges and steps, and perform many other vital maintenance functions. Materials are provided by the National Park Service. Fully trained crew leaders direct each project. Visit www.cvtrailscouncil.org to view work schedules.

Special Projects
The CVTC assists CVNP with special events and cleanup projects, such as RiverDay, National Trails Day, and National Public Lands Day. The CVTC provides ideas for worksites and leadership for events.

Stanford Trail Bridge
In 2008, CVTC purchased and installed the $15,000 fiberglass bridge on the Stanford Trail. Click here for photos.

Brandywine Gorge Trail Bridge
In October 2009, CVTC volunteers worked alongside NPS staff to assemble and install the Brandywine Gorge Trail Bridge, a 3-section, 165-foot long, fiberglass bridge spanning Brandywine Creek. Read more.

Publications
The CVTC produces the popular Trail Guide Handbook: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a comprehensive guide to all the trails in CVNP and The Nature of the Towpath, a natural history guide to the Towpath Trail. CVTC publications are available at CVNP visitor centers and at numerous outfitters, bookstores, and specialty shops in Northeast Ohio. Proceeds from the books support CVTC activities.

For more information contact Director of Volunteer Services Lisa Meranti at (330) 657-2381 or lmeranti@cvnpa.org.