The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a non‑profit federation of 100 outdoor groups and 10,000 individuals working together to build and maintain 1,700 miles of hiking trails in southern New York and northern New Jersey.  We also serve as a liaison with various agencies and as an umbrella advocacy group for the hiking interests in our area.  We are active in conservation efforts and work to preserve open space.

Group membership in the Trail Conference supports trail work and trail protection in our region.

To apply for membership of your group:

• Click here for online club/group application form
• Click here to download a printable PDF application form.

The Trail Conference insurance program for member groups: optional low-cost liability insurance is available through the Trail Conference. Click here for details (PDF).

Group Application Process

Groups affiliated with the Trail Conference fall into four possible membership categories:

• youth
• contributing
• supporting
• partner 

Please review the membership application for the differences between these classifications.  Many of our member organizations maintain hiking trails (or own land on which the Conference maintains hiking trails).  Affiliated groups can be assigned sections of trail to maintain, and the Conference office helps coordinate and standardize these trail maintenance efforts.  Other groups maintain hiking trails which are not under the jurisdiction of the Conference, such as trails on the group's own property or in areas remote from our northern NJ/southern NY base.

All group applications must be approved by our Delegates Assembly after review by our Board.  We request that a representative from your group attend that meeting in case our delegates have any questions to ask.  Upon receipt of your forms, we will notify you of the date of the meeting at which your application will be considered (usually early each February, June, October and December).  Upon acceptance, your group should name a Conference delegate who will be your representative and liaison with the Conference and be invited to Delegates Assembly meetings held several times a year.  Delegates from organizational member groups are voting members at these meetings.  Partner groups have a voice, but not a vote.

These meetings provide an excellent opportunity to hear the latest trail news, discuss various trail maintenance & conservation issues & to decide the future direction of Conference activities and services.  During the course of the year, delegates are kept informed of Conference activities and issues and will be responsible for conveying information to your group.         

If your group decides to join, your appointed delegate & the president of your group both receive subscriptions to the Trail Walker newspaper. Groups are eligible for discounts when ordering our maps and guides.  Non-profit member groups can have their activities listed in the bi‑monthly Hikers' Almanac in the Trail Walker.

Thank you for your interest in the Trail Conference!

Click on attachment below (ClubMemApp) to download a Group/Club Member Application Form.

You can also download a copy of the Trail Conference Bylaws. Click on the appropriate attachment link below.