Meet Colleen
Meet Colleen - an avid outdoorswoman, and enthusiastic Information Volunteer for the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club), she is generally located at the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center!
Growing up in northeast Ohio (the foothills of Appalachia), Colleen and her family would spend every chance they had outdoors - no matter the season. Around her childhood home, she enjoyed building forts and catching tadpoles - even turning their family’s kiddie pool into a sanctuary for them to thrive! Colder months would find her building snow forts and ice skating - anything to play in the out-of-doors! It was not until moving to Connecticut that she found the love for mountainous places, although, she will never turn down the opportunity to sail, swim, or paddle - anything to get outside, regardless of the weather.
Colleen is currently working on hiking the New England Trail, as well as the Blue Blazed trail network maintained by CFPA (Connecticut Forest and Parks Association) - having even logged over 300 of the 800-mile network! While the Appalachian Mountains will always hold a special place in her heart, Colleen is aspiring to visit and explore new places - most notably: Yosemite, Banff, and Big Bend National Parks, while the Smoky, Catskill, and Adirondack Mountains are all on her to-visit list as well!
After joining (and falling in love with) an AMC guided excursion in 2022 (Winter Hiking Skills at the Highland Center in Crawford Notch), where she learned new skills and boosted her confidence for solo hiking in winter - she was hooked! Upon completing four more guided weekend trips, Colleen became acquainted with the local Information Volunteer. Interacting with guests, helping with route planning, being prepared (10-Essentials + Leave No Trace principles), and discussing trail conditions clearly came natural for Colleen - which was evident after our brief chat last weekend at the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center!
AMC Information Volunteer, Colleen, in her element!
Colleen recommends, anyone interested in becoming an AMC Volunteer, in any discipline, should just “GO FOR IT!” The AMC Volunteer program has something for everyone - whether interested in becoming an Alpine Steward, Naturalist, Trail Maintainer, or Trip + Hiking Leader; the AMC even offers training for these great opportunities!
For more information regarding Volunteering with the Appalachian Mountain Club, please visit their website: Here.
And be sure to meet and greet Colleen next time you find yourself at the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center - she is an absolute joy to talk paths or peaks with!
Happy Hiking, Colleen
and THANK YOU for your hard work + dedication
to the mountains we LOVE!
