trail captains

What started as a small board tackling an enormous task has grown into something remarkable: a community of dedicated Trail Captains maintaining 42km of premier singletrack across the Agreement Forest and Hilton Falls. Eleven years in, our trails have never been better—and that's thanks to volunteers like you. Ready to be part of the legacy? We're recruiting for 2026.

People in bright orange shirts cleaning up a wooded trail, one person carries wood planks to the side.
Man mountain biking on a trail through a forest with fallen leaves.
Person wearing a helmet and orange jersey riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail in a dense green forest.
A group of men working together in a forest, building a wooden structure with tools such as drills, during daylight.
Group of cyclists riding on a dirt trail in a forest during autumn with colorful fall foliage.

A Quick Look Back

For our first few years, trails were maintained solely by our board—a massive task for a small team. In 2018, we launched the Trail Captains program, inviting passionate HAFTA members to pitch in. In 2022, Hilton Falls asked us to take on their singletrack trails too, given how interconnected they are. Today, our TCs ensure our trails remain safe, fun, and sustainable—and we're so grateful for their dedication.

Returning Trail Captains

First, a huge thank you for your hard work! As we plan for 2026, please let us know by February 28, 2026 if you'll be returning. Just email trailcaptains@hafta.ca or fill out the form to confirm—and let us know:

  • Whether you'd like to keep your current trail section or try something new

  • If you have friends or family you'd like to be paired with

It's never too late to sign up, but responding early helps us accommodate your preferences. Your commitment makes all the difference!

Want to Become a Trail Captain?

If you love our trails and want to give back, we'd love to have you join the TC crew!

What You'll Do:

  • Beginning in spring, trim ground overgrowth and cut back vegetation encroaching on your assigned section (typically ~2km, shared with 2–3 people)

  • Check your trails quarterly for downed trees, damaged bridges, drainage issues, and general conditions

  • Log your work and flag any concerns—larger repairs are handled by others; you just report them

Time Commitment:

About 16–20 hours per season, shared among your team

  1. 1–2 maintenance sessions (roughly 3 hours each), plus quick quarterly checks

  2. Season runs April to October; May and June see the heaviest growth

Why It's Worth It:

Keep the trails we love safe and rideable

  1. Connect with fellow trail enthusiasts

  2. Feel the pride of stewardship (plus maybe a little trail glory )

  3. Perks: Monthly prize draws for TCs who log their hours, plus a discount on a Conservation Halton park pass equivalent to the cost a single-person yearly pass

How to Get Involved

  1. Become a HAFTA member (if you're not already)

  2. Email us at trailcaptains@hafta.ca or fill out the form below to express interest—include any pairing or trail preferences

  3. Attend an orientation (typically in April—Saturday or weekday evening options available)

  4. Sign waivers for Conservation Halton and the Regional Municipality of Halton

Tools: You're welcome to use your own, but HAFTA provides hand saws, pruners, loppers, and grass whips. We also loan powered trimmers, rakes, blowers, and more—available from the Hilton Falls main entrance. Note: some training is required for most powered tools.