INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — When you walk into the Tahoe Rim Trail Association offices in Incline Village, a few smiling faces greet you, which begs the question: How can so few people manage a trail so large?

The answer is, this association represents something much larger — a network of hundreds of volunteers, hikers, bikers and equestrians who are drawn to one of the most beautiful trails in the world. This network maintains the trail, provides educational opportunities to the community and advocates for continued expansion of the trail.

“We're not done with this trail, and that's an important thing to note,” said Jaime Souza, director of trail use for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. “We are still working on a major reroute at Daggett Summit, as well as connector trails to the TRT. We are hoping to soon break ground for the Rim to Reno connector trail.”

If that surprises you, then here are a few more facts about the Tahoe Rim Trail that helped make it our readers' No. 1 choice for recreation.

Volunteers and staff Full Time Staff: Mary Bennington, Executive Director Teresa Crimmens, Director of Trail Operations Jaime Souza, Director of Trail Use Part-time Staff: Janice Barbour, Director of Development Shannon Skarritt, Development Associate Laurie Buffington, Office Administrator Volunteer Staff Member: Jim Bachus, Membership Chair/Board Treasurer AmeriCorps Volunteers 2010-11: Max Baker, Trails Program Manager Thomas Rodriguez, Outdoor Programs Manager Board President: Sam Viviano Vice President: John Singlaub

The Trail

The building of the TRT began in earnest in 1984, and for the next 17 years more than 10,000 volunteers gave over 200,000 hours to plan and build the trail. The U.S. Forest Service and Nevada State Parks supplied skilled advice and labor, but volunteers have always done most of the building, improvements and maintenance. The 165-mile trail winds through the ridge tops of the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe. It travels through California and Nevada. This multi-use 24-inch wide pathway is open to hikers, equestrians, and over half of the trail is open to mountain biker enthusiasts.

By the numbers 100-200: Number of tree blockages volunteers remove each year. 165: Total miles the trail covers around Lake Tahoe. 50: Percent of the trail where mountain bikes are allowed. 6: Number of counties the Trail crosses. 3: Number of national forests and wilderness areas the Trail passes through.

The association

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) is a grassroots organization established to assist public agencies to provide a world-class outdoor recreational area in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin. The TRTA is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 outdoor recreation organization operated by dedicated volunteers, board members, and a small, paid staff. The Association built, maintains and protects this public treasure, the Tahoe Rim Trail. The TRTA prides itself on the diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts who have supported the organization with thousands of volunteer hours as trail builders, trail maintainers, trail guides, trail ambassadors, office supporters and or board members.

Kids' programs

The association isn't just about trail maintenance and scenic views. The organization is also invested in helping create a new generation of outdoors lovers.

Each summer the Tahoe Rim Trail Association partners with Sierra Nevada Journeys to offer three-day / two-night Youth Backcountry Camps for high-school age students. The Youth Backcountry Camps provide an opportunity for youth to get outdoors with their peers and gain outdoor leadership skills, backcountry skills, and trail building experience. These camps are designed for youth with little or no experience living, working and traveling in the backcountry, or for those who want a fun service-learning trip on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Learn more at tahoerimtrail.org.

Membership information

Since 1984, the Association's members and donors have been providing the financial support necessary to build and maintain the trail, provide trail use and environmental education programs to ensure a safe trail experience. There is still much to be done. Over the next ten years, the TRTA will be adding 65 miles of new trail, maintaining the existing 165 miles, and gearing up to meet the needs of our many trail users. You can Adopt-a-Vista or a Mile in honor of your family or in memory of a loved one; double your gift through your company's charitable match program; give to the TRTA through a United Way pledge, and much more.

Upcoming fall programs

All through October, the Association is offering hikes to enjoy the fall foliage and changing of the seasons. Some will take you to Dardanelles Lake, nestled in a world of granite walls and cliffs. Also, combine yoga and nature journaling with other hikes. All in all, the selection ranges from one mile to several and from moderate to easy difficulty. Learn more at www.tahoerimtrail.org, under their Free Guided Hikes section.

Future of the trail

Often people think that since the loop is complete, the job is done. Nothing could be further from the truth. A trail that is not used and maintained will soon be taken back by nature. For this reason, the Association's mission is more important than ever to promote the use and maintenance of the trail. In addition there are many sections that do not meet the high standards established for the Tahoe Rim Trail. Sections that follow roads or are too steep need to be completely rebuilt or even moved. These improvements may require Environmental Assessments, which are very expensive. If you are interested in getting involved in this aspect of the Association, please contact the office by e-mail at info@tahoerimtrail.org. If you are interested in getting involved in this aspect of the Association please contact the office by e-mail at info@tahoerimtrail.org.