Adopt-A-Trail Program

The Adopt-A-Trail program encourages community responsibility for our environment through scheduled litter cleanups. This program is a year-long commitment (with the option to extend) where organizations, groups, businesses, families, and individuals (18 years of age and older) agree to participate in a minimum of 6 cleanups a year.

We appreciate your interest in keeping Raleigh clean!

I frequently hike or bike Raleigh’s wonderful greenway system. Seeing litter, graffiti, or overgrown vegetation on the trail reduces enjoyment of the greenway. I adopted a nearby trail to ensure a good greenway experience for my neighbors and to give back to the city parks department that provided this amenity. I encourage others to volunteer to keep our parks looking their best.

-Veteran Adopt-A-Trail Volunteer

What is Adopt a Trail

Love the Outdoors? Make a Real Impact with Adopt-A-Trail!

Grab your friends, family, coworkers—or just your furry friend—and join Raleigh’s Adopt-A-Trail program! This is your chance to protect the beauty of our trails while getting some fresh air and giving back.

When you sign up, you’re committing to just 6 cleanups a year—it’s a small effort that makes a huge difference.

Whether you're a business, a club, a family, or an individual (18+), this is your invitation to help keep Raleigh green, clean, and beautiful.

Ready to roll up your sleeves and be a trail hero?
Join us today and help turn small steps into big change! —Keep scrolling to find out how to apply.

Program Requirements

In order to apply for the programs these are the things you need to know:

Volunteer must be 18 or older to apply
Up-to-date release form
Cleared background check
Handbook Recognition
6 cleanups a year (cleanup supplies are not provided)
Report your hours

2 people in safety vests with bags and litter grabbers walking on a bridge

Choose a Trail and Apply

Want to find a location close to your home or office? Want a section that is close to a designated parking lot?

Use the map below to locate available greenway trails to adopt. The map shows what trails are:

Available
Under construction/closed
Already adopted

Click the icon in the top right corner of the map to view the legend.

After selecting an available trail, you can apply for the program here. This program is currently under construction. Feel free to apply and we will contact you when it's back open so you can get started!

* The Volunteer Services Team shall coordinate, review, and approve the proposed area of adoption. If there is a question of safety or health, the proposed adoption will not be approved.

Cleaning up your Trail

As an Adopt-A-Trail volunteer, you're not just picking up litter—you’re helping us keep Raleigh’s trails safe, beautiful, and in top shape.

Before you head out for your cleanup, be sure to review the Adopt-A-Trail Safety Reminders sheet to keep your group safe and informed.
Need help with big stuff?
If you collect large items or filled bags that don’t fit in a trash receptacle, no problem! Just snap a photo or drop a pin and include that info in your cleanup report—we’ll take care of the pickup.
Why reporting hours matter:
Every cleanup and every minute you give makes a difference. When you report your hours, it helps us track the impact of the program, track maintenance hours, and recognize the incredible work you're doing. Your time counts—so don’t skip it!
Heads up for group leaders!
If anything changes in your group—like your main contact, email, phone number, or address—please let us know ASAP. Staying up-to-date ensures we can keep your adoption active and running smoothly. Unreported changes could lead to the loss of your adopted trail, and we definitely don’t want that!

Helpful tools
If you see something needing repair or maintenance
Please contact the greenway maintenance staff at 919-996-4115 or by email or report it on Ask Raleigh .
If you see graffiti
Report it on the Ask Raleigh website.
Stay informed of greenway closures, detours, and alerts!
Want Greenway Alert Emails or Texts? You can sign up to receive an email or text message to stay up to date on greenway alerts. To sign up, visit MyRaleigh Subscriptions for online registration or by text message here.
Greenway Parking Locations
The Capital Area Greenway System is served by over 4,000 parking spaces located in lots and on-street across the City. When walking or biking isn't an option to reach the greenway, use our parking locations.
Know the Greenway Rules and Etiquette
View Greenway Rules and Safety Information

One-time Cleanups

smiling woman with trash bags and safety vest

Interested in hosting a cleanup but can’t commit to a year-long program? Work with our staff to schedule a cleanup at any City of Raleigh Park or Greenway. Locations requests may change based on the size of your group or the needs of the location. Please allow at least a month to schedule in advance.

*Cleanup supplies (pickup sticks, gloves & bags) may be available for group sizes under 15*

Other Greenway Volunteer Opportunities

Learn about volunteering with the Raleigh Police Department or Raleigh Stormwater to help create safer and cleaner greenway trails.
Greenway Volunteer Program
Stormwater Volunteering

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Adopt-A-Trail Program

Jump To:

What is Adopt a Trail

Program Requirements

Choose a Trail and Apply

Cleaning up your Trail

If you see something needing repair or maintenance

If you see graffiti

Stay informed of greenway closures, detours, and alerts!

Greenway Parking Locations

Know the Greenway Rules and Etiquette

One-time Cleanups

Other Greenway Volunteer Opportunities

Contact

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