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.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Saturday September 26,2009 - Cunningham Falls State Park

7.5 miles

Our hike will include several vistas, a large waterfall and a large geological rock formation. The terrain varies but is mostly hilly. If you follow the leader you can never go wrong. All Berks Community Hiking Club disclaimers, warnings and threats will apply!!

Meeting place: 8:30 am, at Ollie’s parking lot (closed Giant and A.C. Moore), at the intersection of Business Routes. 222 and 724, on Lancaster Ave in Shillington
Note: Drive time is approx 2 hours; 120 miles away; park is located near Rt. 15 just past Mount Saint Mary’s College

For further information and directions, contact: 610-678-5921

Friday, August 28, 2009

Saturday September 19, 2009 - Heritage Rail Trail County Park

8 miles, easy, flat trail

Established in 1992 and covering 176 acres, the Heritage Rail Trail County Park is 21 miles long and runs from the Mason Dixon line to York. We will be walking the 8 mile section from Brillheart Station to Hanover Junction Station. This is a beautiful trail to see as we walk through Howard Tunnel, view a picnic grove with giant metal sculptures of bikes, visit the historic Hanover Junction Station, ending with a restaurant stop at “Serenity Station” located on this trail.

Meeting place: 8:30 am, Ollie’s parking lot (closed Giant and A.C. Moore), intersection of Business Routes. 222 and 724, on Lancaster Ave in Shillington

For further information and directions, contact: 610-898-9988

Saturday September 12, 2009 - Warwick County Park

5 to 7.5 miles, depending on the heat and height of the French
Creek!

We will take the Horseshoe Trail east all the way thru Warwick Park, then walk about a
mile along roads to reach another entry point into the park and continue on to French Creek. We will then cross the creek if it is low enough, loop through the main park, take the Charcoal Trail and return via the Horseshoe Trail. Otherwise, we will re-enter the park via the Horseshoe Trail and return via the Charcoal Trail.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Warwick County Park, at County Park Road off Rt. 23 in Knauertown

For further information and directions, contact: 610-323-1703

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Saturday September 5, 2009 - Ride The Train To Lover's Lane

5 to 6 miles

Board the WK&S train at Kempton Station at 1:00 pm then ride to the end of the line at
Wanamaker Station. Now the hike begins back to the Kempton Station via Lover’s Lane, other roads, with a visit to the historic village of Trexler. It is Grandparents Day – bring your Grandpa or Grandma, or your Grandchildren (show them what a good hiker Grandpa/Ma is!). Tickets for the train are $4.00 each. Park in the uphill parking lot. Optional dinner after the hike at C.J. Hummel’s.

Meeting place:12:30 pm, at WK& S Railroad Station, Kempton, directions: from I-78, take Exit 35 Lenhartsville, to Route 143 North

For further information and directions, contact: 610-921-3252 or email: ecg8@juno.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Sunday August 30, 2009 - Pennside Ice Cream Hike

Approx 2-4 miles (easy)

Enjoy a late summer walk around the Pennside area. We will re-visit the re-located Fegley’s
restaurant. We will also walk the trail behind the Antietam Valley Park & Recreation Center.
All level streets except for a short, level trail section. Return for ice cream and burgers at
Coney Tony’s Pennside Drive In. (Update: The former Fegley's restaurant is no longer located in the area and has been relocated to Boyertown.)

Meeting place: 5:00 pm, Coney Tony’s Pennside Drive In, 900 block of Carsonia Ave., Pennside
Note: Please park on the grassy area to the right of the Drive-In

For further information and directions, contact: 610-898-9988 or 610-779-2599

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Saturday August 29, 2009 Hamburg – Port Clinton Loop Hike

7 miles

We will hike on parts of the A.T., the Bartram Trail, the bridge over the Schuylkill River and the Canal Path. Join us for t his fairly easy hike on trails and roads.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, at the Hamburg Playground/Pool, location: 3rd & Island Streets

For further information and directions, contact: 610-926-3415

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Saturday Evening August 22, 2009 -STARRY SUMMER NIGHTS PART II – NIGHT HIKE

Eat first at CJ Hummel’s on Rte 143 Lenhartsville then your choice of a night hike to Pulpit Rock
or ride with members of the Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society to look through their
telescopes. Last time we saw the Northern Lights! The decent is very steep and gravely so be
sure to wear boots or snug fitting shoes with good socks. If cloudy skies cancel, we’ll go to the
“Liars Lair Bed & Brunch” to play games. You can also spend the night. Bring a tent or camper
if you have one.

Meeting place: 7:07 pm, C.J. Hummel’s, Rte 143, Lenhartsville

For further information and directions, contact: 484-269-0852

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Saturday August 22, 2009 - LEHIGH GAP NATURE CENTER NEAR SLATINGTON

5 to 6 miles

Kay will lead this hike starting on the upper ridge trail with beautiful views of the Lehigh River. Then, return halfway along the same route to take the lower trail along the river to return to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center.
CAUTION: There is no shade on the upper trail, so bring appropriate protective equipment such
as a hat or umbrella and plenty of water.

Meeting place and directions: 9:00 am, parking lot behind McDonald’s and left of Wal-Mart, Bus Rt. 222, 5th St Hwy, Temple

For further information and directions, contact: 610-796-7602