Devils Courthouse Rover - Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is recruiting volunteers to join its Devils Courthouse Rover Program.

Devils Courthouse rises above the surrounding spruce forest at an imposing 5,720 feet, this dark mass of exposed rock provides habitat for a variety of rare, high-altitude species that migrated here during the last Ice Age. With ample heat rising from the valley, it’s also the perfect territory for birds of prey, including peregrine falcons who nest on the side of the rock’s face—but they’ll only return if their home is left undisturbed.

Due to this area’s unique ecology, it is critical that casual visitors and serious hikers alike follow all posted signs and trail regulations, like no climbing on the rock outcroppings and remaining behind the established wall at the trail’s end. By staying on the trail, we can ensure that these natural wonders remain protected for years to come. The Devils Courthouse Rovers educate the visitors about these important resources and the park rules and regulations that must be followed to protect them.

Volunteers will be asked to commit to at least one 4-hour shift per week for the duration of the season (February-November).

Main Goals for This Position to Accomplish

The main goal for the Devils Courthouse Rover Program is to enhance visitor understanding and promote responsible use at Devils Courthouse Area in order to protect critically imperiled park resources in the Devils Courthouse Area.

Major Duties of Work to be Performed

• Volunteer will rove Devils Courthouse Trail from the trailhead to the summit, engaging with park visitors and serving as the “eyes and ears” at the location to better protect park resources.

• Volunteer will provide information to visitors as needed regarding remaining on established trails and in established viewing areas; resource information; littering; as well as information about not feeding and approaching wildlife. Many park visitors are not aware of park regulations. The role of the VIP is to inform them about regulations in a respectful, courteous manner. The VIP is NOT responsible for ensuring that visitors comply with regulations. 

• Volunteer will track and log their service hours and complete a daily patrol report using an NPS-provided form. Form should be submitted in a timely manner.

• Volunteer may support other resource management related tasks as needed including, recording natural resource observations and data, brushing in social trails and maintaining trail counters.

• Volunteer may need to initiate emergency response for injured hikers by calling 911 and Parkway Dispatch.

Knowledge and Skills Required: 

• Ability to communicate effectively

• Ability to display a positive attitude and professional demeanor 

• Knowledge of NPS regulations desired 

• Knowledge of birds, especially raptors desired

• Ability to determine visitor needs and answer questions 

• Ability to remain courteous and calm in hectic circumstances 

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions 

• Ability to practice safety in all aspects of the job. 

• Ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision 

Physical Requirements of Work

The work requires moderate physical effort. This position will be expected to continually walk, bend, stoop, and stand. The Devils Courthouse Trail is an out and back trail that is .9 miles in length roundtrip of moderate difficulty. Volunteers must be capable of ascending and descending the trail, as well as walking on uneven surfaces for the duration of the shift.