General Club Facts:

Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States
Membership in the BCHC is $10.00 per person per year in order to receive the quarterly newsletter. Further information on membership can be obtained when attending a scheduled hike. Other subgroups within the BCHC are the "Thursday Wanderers." Most hikes are followed by a dinner stop. We call ourselves "The Eating Club with a Hiking Disorder"! ****Hiking and Trail Guidelines: ** Be courteous & stay behind the leader unless directed otherwise.** Offer $.10/mile to driver when carpooling. * *In the event of inclement weather, the hike may be canceled.** Please leave your pets at home.**If unable to keep a club commitment, please find a replacement. * Wear blaze orange during hunting season (Sept 1 to last day of Feb). * Appropriate footwear and attire should match the type of hike.** If you leave the hike early, notify the hike leader or ask someone to do that for you.** Bring water and food as the hike description and weather demand.* * Hiking involves risk. Come out prepared and know your capabilities. Each hiker is responsible for their own safety and well-being.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Saturday June 15, 2024 - Easternmost Tip of Lake Ontelaunee

4-5 miles, moderate 

Hike is on mostly maintenance trails around the lake and runs along the stream feeding Ontelaunee. There are some hills but it's a relatively easy hike. Might be swampy if there were recent rains. There are some sharp grades at the end. Lunch after the hike at Saucony Creek Brewery, 15032 Kutztown Road, Kutztown.

Meeting place: 9:00 a.m. on Lake Ontelaunee Trails parking lot.

Directions: From Reading, take 222N. At Moselem Springs traffic circle go left on 662. Continue past the Golf Club, cross the bridge; parking lot is on the left. 

GPS: 1564 Moselem Springs Road, Hamburg [40.50175 -75.88768] 

For more information and further directions: W:610-944-5775 or C:484-880-8140


Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Saturday June 8, 2024 - Daniel Boone Homestead

Approx. 4 miles - Rain cancels

This hike involves following the equestrian trail and then up to the North picnic area and seeing some of the historical buildings. I am still awaiting word from Jim Lewars, former administrator, if he can join us and throw some history into the mix. There are tours available after if he cannot join us, if requested. A ride over to the historical Exeter Quaker Meeting is not out of the question. May be muddy if rain was recent.

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. at Daniel Boone Homestead Bridle Trailhead
Directions: Bridle Trailhead is on the left immediately after entering the park. 

GPS: 400 Daniel Boone Road

For more information and further directions: 610-914-3411


Monday, April 8, 2024

Saturday June 1, 2024 - Appalachian Trail at Port Clinton

Approx. 7.5 miles, moderate to strenuous 

This is not our typical hike but will offer great views and appreciation for the trail. This is an in-and-out hike with 50/50 ups and downs. We will also be doing some minor A.T. trail maintenance. Bring your hand nippers in your backpack if you would like to assist, or just enjoy the view! Bring enough water and snacks for during the hike. Lunch will take place afterwards at a local eatery to be decided by the group.

Meeting place: 9:30 A.M. At the Port Clinton Ball field

Directions: Route 61 North to Port Clinton, turn left from 61 onto Broad Street. At 2/10 mile, take second left on Pine Street. Ball field will be 400 feet ahead. 

GPS: Port Clinton Softball/Baseball Field (Port Clinton Recreation Park and Playground - 1001-1099 Schuylkill St, Port Clinton) 

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-223-6952

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Do not park on ANY railroad property or you will be towed away!


Thursday, April 4, 2024

Saturday May 25, 2024 - State Hill Loop Hike from the Holl Trailhead

 6 miles

It is very hilly. Be aware this is a mountain biking trail.

WEAR ORANGE TO BE SAFE. 

Heavy rain will cancel. 

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. at Holl’s Trailhead off Highland Road.

Directions: From State Hill Road turn Left onto Brownsville Road. Turn RIGHT onto Highland Road at Spitler’s Collision. (Approx. 1.7 miles) The road is not maintained and very rutty. The Holl Trailhead is on the right.

GPS: Blue Marsh Lake Holl’s Trailhead 

For more information or further direc tions, contact: C:484-557-7854


Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Saturday May 18, 2024 - Warwick County Park

4 moderate miles, can extend to 6 miles

This hike will take us into forests that long ago provided timber used to make charcoal for the region's iron furnaces. We'll take the Horse-Shoe Trail onto the Charcoal Trail and the Connecting Trail back to HST. The 2-mile extension includes a trail along the French Creek. There are 4 to 5 hills. Lunch option at the Inn at St. Peter's Village.

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. at the parking lot for Warwick County Park

Directions: Take I-176 South to Morgantown. Take exit 2 toward PA-10N/PA-23 E. Turn left ontoPA-10 N /PA 23 E for 9.3 mi, then right onto County Park Rd. and left into Warwick County Park. 

GPS: 191 County Park Road, Pottstown

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-750-3115


Monday, March 25, 2024

Saturday May 11, 2024 - Wyomissing Park

About 4 moderate miles

Join the club for a pleasant walk through Wyomissing Park!
Possible lunch option: Schlaylor Brewing Company, 2390 Lancaster Pike, Reading

Meeting place 9:30 a.m. - Soccer field next to Wawa gas station

Directions: Drive west on Lancaster Ave. through Shillington. After passing WAWA at Museum Road, turn right into parking lot.

GPS: Approx. 2220 Lancaster Pike, Reading 

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-698-6784


Friday, March 22, 2024

Saturday May 4, 2024 - Philadelphia Historical Hike & Train Ride

Approx. 5 miles

Enjoy a train ride from the Norristown Transit Center Station into the “City of Brotherly Love” with an enjoyable walking tour of a city rich in American history. On our walk, we’ll look at some interesting sites of Old City, Center City, and nearby neighborhoods in the morning, break for lunch near famous Headhouse Square, and then wander South Street to check out “Where all the Hippies Meet”! Dress in comfortable clothes and very comfortable shoes for walking on pavements. This trip is rain or shine, so bring raingear if the weather forecast drops!

Costs: SEPTA now requires SEPTA Key Card pass for Seniors, although they may honor a free pass with proper PA ID. (Have full round-trip fare just in case!!!!!!) Full cash price for Regular Adult on day of hike is $8 each way (total $16), subject to change if fares go up.

Meeting place: 7:00 a.m. Boscov’s East on 422 East at far end of parking lot.

We will car-pool to the Norristown Transit Center Station to take the train. We will meet around 5:00 pm to take the train back to Norristown unless another time is decided by the group on the day of the trip. Driving directions to the train station, maps of Philadelphia, and the schedule of train departures and arrivals will be provided on the day of the trip. Participants are expected to be able do a 5 mile walk in the city and able to navigate a city map if necessary.

GPS: 4500 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-823-9023