A series of working backpacking vacations will be held this summer to help remove overgrown brush on portions of the Appalachian Trail.

The trips are sponsored by the Appalachian Trail Conference.

The Brush Buster trail crew provides an opportunity for volunteer hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to get out into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and clear the way for fellow hikers to enjoy the Appalachian Trail.

A trail crew leader will guide the groups of volunteers through some of the most remote sections of the Appalachian Trail, cutting back brush and trees that have grown onto the trail. The crew will travel light and camp at AT shelters in the Smokies, bonding with new friends and giving back to the trails while enjoying one of the highest and most scenic ridgelines in the Southern Appalachians.

The Appalachian Trail Conference will provide all the necessary tools, equipment and training in their use and three meals a day plus snacks. Volunteers who want to participate in multiple sessions will receive housing during the breaks between sessions and transportation to and from the base camp.

The ATC, which normally coordinates A.T. management and protection, has temporarily assumed maintenance for some of the most isolated areas of the A.T.

The Brush Buster Trail Crew dates are June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 4- 8, July 11-15, and July 18-22

For more information, including an application, go to www.appalachiantrial.org/volunteer/crews.html or call 828.254.3708.