At some point, I’m sure everyone has come across their favorite trail or campsite littered with trash. It's frustrating, right? We venture into nature, only to find it spoiled by discarded bottles, wrappers, and waste. 

The growing popularity of off-roading and outdoor adventures means more people are hitting the trails, but it also means more litter and damage to our landscapes.

Trail clean-ups are more important than ever to preserve these natural spaces. Whether you're an off-roading enthusiast or simply a nature lover, getting involved in trail clean-ups can make a huge difference. But how can you get involved?

Well, if you’re wondering the same thing, I have a guide to break down where you can find trail clean-ups, what you will need, and how to plan your own! 

How to Find a Trail Clean-Up in Your Area?

Finding a trail clean-up event near you is easier than you might think. Many regions have clubs and organizations focused on offroading or overlanding that host clean-up events nationwide. Start by exploring online communities and forums like Reddit or brand-specific off-roading forums. These platforms frequently have threads or groups dedicated to trail clean-up events. If you can’t find any current events, you can always find people who have put on these events in the past and connect with them.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are excellent resources for finding local clean-up events. Similarly to online communities, many groups and organizations have a social media presence where you can connect and learn about different trail clean-up opportunities. These groups are also great for meeting local people with similar passions in your area.

However, communicating through social media networks may be easier than through forums or online communities. You can grow your community even more by posting content on different platforms and getting others interested in your clean-ups.

There are also a few larger organizations that operate nationwide, support local trail clean-ups, and often host events dedicated to maintaining the trails. These events usually have entry fees to cover food and supplies, but they’re still a great way to meet other people and get involved in cleaning up. 

Ways You Can Do Your Part on the Trails

Even if you’re not participating in an organized event, you can still make an impact by doing your part whenever you’re out on the trails. Always bring a small trash bag with you on your adventures. If you come across litter, pick it up and carry it out with you. Following the principles of Leave No Trace is crucial.

If you encounter large amounts of waste or significant environmental damage, report it to local authorities, land managers (USFS, BLM, NPS, etc.), or submit the location via a community app like Sons of Smokey. They can organize larger clean-up efforts and address any underlying issues.

Sharing the importance of trail cleanliness with others can also amplify your impact. Encourage others to pick up trash and leave no trace. Additionally, many trails require ongoing maintenance beyond clean-ups. Volunteering for trail maintenance days can help keep the trails safe and accessible.

How to Organize Your Own Clean-Up

Trail clean-ups aren’t reserved for groups or organizations to put on; if you feel like your favorite area is becoming too littered with trash and waste, it’s a great opportunity for you to do your part while getting the community together to protect our public land.

Here are some steps I would take if I were to put on a trail clean-up:

Pick a Popular Trail or Trail System

The first and most crucial step is to choose a trail or a trail system that holds a personal significance for you. It could be any trail near your home or within driving distance. If you have a trail that you frequently visit and notice it getting messy, that would be an ideal choice.

If you’re unsure where to go, our app has many different trails you can explore. We provide you with information such as trail conditions, coordinates, potential camp spots, and real reviews from local adventurers.

Get a Group Together

This is completely optional; however, going offroad with another person or group is always safe. Plus, if you know that there is a ton of garbage or litter on the trails, having multiple hands can ensure more waste is picked up faster.

If you have a group of buddies you hit the trails with, get them together. If you don’t know anyone or want to invite more people, I suggest contacting your network on your social pages. There are also many groups all over the country that you can partner with.

You can also just reach out to your followers and see who’s interested in participating in the clean-up! Using social media as a tool to amplify your clean-up is a great idea to get a larger group together. Don’t be scared to put yourself out there; the off-road and overland communities are very welcoming and would do anything to continue having access to public land. 

Pack the Proper Gear 

Outside of your usual gear to hit the trails, you’ll need a few extra things to clean up any waste you find. Let me break it down for you:

• Gloves: I would opt for thick gloves that can’t easily break. You may find broken glass or things that are just a bit riskier to hold with a latex glove, so having a good pair of leather gloves is crucial. Or, if you don’t have a pair, you can always double up on latex gloves. 

• Trash Bags: This is pretty self-explanatory. However, I suggest getting the thicker, more durable bags. You’ll find a variety of trash out on the trails, and you want to ensure you are prepared for anything. Some companies also offer reusable trash bags. If you’re planning on hosting these on an ongoing basis, you may want to take a look into these options. 

• Spare Tire Trash Bag Carrier (Optional): A trash bag carrier may be beneficial for those without a truck bed but with a spare tire carrier. Trash bags in the back of your SUV or truck can spill, get messy, or start to smell bad. To avoid all of this, you can invest in a spare tire bag to hold all of your waste. 

These are probably the 3 most important things you can bring with you to all trail clean-ups, aside from your regular gear. If you want to dedicate more time to helping clean up, you could also purchase a grabbing tool so you’re not bending down all day collecting trash.

Dispose of the Garbage

Proper disposal of the collected trash is crucial after the clean-up. If possible, take the trash back home with you or to a suitable disposal facility. Avoid relying solely on on-site dumpsters, as they can become overfilled quickly.

Another important step is to separate recyclables from general waste. This extra step can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your clean-up. If you have a large amount of trash, contact your local waste management service for guidance on proper disposal. Some services might offer special pick-ups for large clean-up events.

Organizations That Can Support Your Clean-Ups

Many organizations will support your trail clean-up efforts. The easiest way to find them is just a quick Google search or word-of-mouth.

However, I want to shout out two organizations here because they do great work for the community.

Tread Lightly! is a big player in the offroad and overland space. Many of you may know the saying ‘tread lightly’ and what it implies, but this organization encompasses the entire idea of being respectful and safe out on the trails. Not only do they have many opportunities to learn, but they also host tons of events year-round to teach people how to be responsible.

I also want to highlight ExtremeTerrain and their Clean Trail Grant Program. ExtremeTerrain, deeply respects the trails, drive, and play. They aim to leave the trails in better shape than when they were found. That's why they created the Clean Trail Grant program. This initiative offers grants to eligible groups for their trail improvement projects. These projects can include trail clean-ups, restorations, expansions, and more. If you are interested in applying for this grant for your group, you can learn more about the program here.

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So, we've all seen it: our favorite trails and campsites tarnished by trash. It's disheartening to find discarded waste along trails. You can only hope that those who are privileged enough to explore will also take responsibility for cleaning up after themselves. However, that isn’t the reality many times.

While it isn’t your job or responsibility to clean up after others, leaving the trails better than you found them is a powerful way to contribute to preserving these natural spaces. Teaching others to do the same can amplify this positive impact. This is a community effort; if we all learn to clean up after ourselves, it will make a significant difference.

By participating in or organizing trail clean-ups, you’re not just picking up trash—you’re fostering a culture of respect and care for our environment. Encouraging others to join these efforts can create a ripple effect, inspiring more people to act. Together, we can ensure that our trails remain safe for everyone to enjoy.

So grab your gloves, pack your trash bags, and let’s make a difference out there!