Volunteer with Us
Trails don’t maintain themselves — people do. Volunteers are the backbone of SORBA Chattanooga, helping keep our trails well-maintained and open for everyone to enjoy.
From clearing downed trees and drains to repairing erosion and advocating for trail access, our volunteers make a real, visible impact across the Chattanooga region. Every workday strengthens not just the trail, but the community around it — connecting people to the land, to each other, and to a shared responsibility for caring for these places.
Whether you have a few hours to give or want to get more involved, volunteering with SORBA is one of the most direct ways to support local trails and protect the outdoor experiences that make Chattanooga special.
Show up. Pitch in. Log your hours. It all matters. Check out our upcoming Volunteer opportunities below.
New for 2026: Trail Volunteer Giveback Program
This is our way of saying thank you to the volunteers who consistently show up and put in the work on our trails.
How it works:
Monthly Giveaways: Attend trail workdays and log your individual volunteer hours each month for a chance to win a $50 gift card from our Industry Partners. Every hour logged = one entry. The more you volunteer, the better your odds.
Year-Long Rewards: Earn exclusive SORBA Chattanooga gear as you hit milestones:
25 hours: Handup Socks
50 hours: Teren T-shirt
75 hours: Raccoon Hat
100 hours: Trail Crew Hoodie
Why volunteer?
Beyond the satisfaction of giving back to the trails you love, volunteer hours represent a significant labor investment across our trail systems. That data is vital for funding opportunities, maintaining strong relationships with land managers, and grant reporting.
This program allows us to recognize your contributions in a tangible way — and celebrate your impact with the community by announcing winners every month.
To be eligible for giveaways and rewards, make sure to log your time using our Trail Volunteer Form every time you donate your time to our local trails.
Volunteer Giveback Program
August Volunteer of the Month | Bryan VanAllman
August Stats:
46 volunteer hours logged
(134 hours total in 2026)
Trails Worked On:
Raccoon Mountain
Walden’s Ridge Park
Bryan shared why he volunteers:
“I love being out in nature and the peace I find in its beauty! My work with SORBA helps me give back and ensure our natural spaces are maintained and accessible to everyone. SORBA and its members are a great community of people who share my love of nature, and I'm happy to give my time and effort as they give back to the community.”
July Volunteer(s) of the Month | Chris and Katherine
July Stats:
30 volunteer hours logged
Trails Worked On:
Raccoon Mountain
March Volunteer of the Month | Bryant Miller
March Stats:
50 volunteer hours logged
Trails Worked On:
Raccoon Mountain
Bryant shared why he volunteers:
“It's my dirt therapy and connects me to the mountain even deeper than riding alone. It is a satisfying feeling when I ride by a completed project, even more so when the work was done by someone I mentored.”
February Volunteer of the Month | Mac McBee
February Stats:
20 volunteer hours logged
Trails Worked On:
Booker T Washington
Mac shared why he volunteers:
“I enjoy the outdoors and find most trail work—especially sawyer work—brings a feeling of accomplishment. A feeling that will return each time one bikes, hikes, or runs past the area of the trail they worked to improve.”
January Volunteer of the Month | Chris Seanard
January Stats:
16 volunteer hours logged
Trails Worked On:
Raccoon - Small Intestine
Stringers Ridge - Choo Choo & Double J
Guild Trail & Far Enough Trail
John Smart Trail
Chris shared why he volunteers:
“I really enjoy spending time in the woods to help maintain the amazing trails in and around Chattanooga. We have an amazing trail network here and I am happy to be a part of the SORBA community. Trail work is a great activity for cycling rest and recovery days. Hope to see you all out there.”