2027 Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Patrol

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is recruiting volunteers to join the Bike Patrol in Damascus, VA. Applicants must be 18 years or older.

The goal of the Volunteer Bike Patrol is to greet riders, provide visitor information, maintain good public relations as a representative of the US Forest Service, assist with challenges when they arise, and monitor forest resources and visitor usage.

The minimum time commitment for this volunteer opportunity is 40 hours per year.

Responsibilities Include:

●     Serve as a public representative of the USFS while biking the Virginia Creeper Trail

●     Greet and welcome visitors and provide visitor information on history, resources, regulations, and safety

●     Alert staff to potential problems and safety hazards on the trail

●     Relay visitor comments and concerns to forest staff

●     May provide first aid and bike maintenance to visitors when needed, in accordance with training

●     May assist with special events and programming

●     Log volunteer hours in a timely manner

●     Follow policies and guidelines and understand the park’s organizational structure.

Other Requirements:

Volunteer must provide their own bike and helmet. The use of a helmet is required. Excellent communication skills; knowledge of the trail and local resources, or the desire to learn; basic bike maintenance skills or willingness to learn; willingness to provide basic first aid, according to certification level; and ability to safely operate a bicycle. CPR/First Aid certification is preferred, but not required.

Physical Effort: Must have the ability to cycle outdoors for a suggested tour of one to four hours at a time.

Working Conditions: Position takes place outdoors, across seasons, and weather conditions can vary. 

Required Training: Training will be scheduled through the position supervisor and involves: (1) orientation training on history and policies; (2) basic interpretation and customer service; (3) training rides with an experienced Bike Patrol volunteer or staff.

Please call for more information on this opportunity! For additional information, please contact Janida Bonham, Volunteer Coordinator at janida.bonham@usda.gov or at 276-782-4361