They think working on the trail will make you feel good about yourself, but they just don't realize how darn much fun it is. John should know. He is an individual section maintainer on the Appalachian Trail for both the Nantahala Hiking Club and the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. He maintains a section of trail for each club and has spent hundreds of hours working on trail maintenance. Because he loves it.
Trail maintenance is hard work.
But, it gives you a chance to commune with nature while working on something bigger than yourself. By cutting and clearing on at least one of the many trails you hike, you get a deeper appreciation for every trail. Thousands of hours of hard work are needed every year to keep trails open. Nature is constantly working to regain the footpath. Trees blow down in storms, briars and other underbrush grow into the trail while erosion removes the soil, leaving behind bare rocks.