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.

Friday, March 25, 2011

EVENING Hike Saturday April 30, 2011 - Walpurgisnacht Walk

Easy 3 mile

We’ll go up, up, up to Witchcraft Hill. Hear the story of “Walpurgisnacht” and how it relates to Witchcraft Hill. Hear this story written by Charles Adams III and when it’s too late to turn around…you are going to hear the rest of the story. Easy climb; walk on roads. Bring snacks and

desserts to share.


Meeting place: 6pm at Liar’s Lair for doggie roast from 6 to 7; leaving at 7:07 pm to Witchcraft Hill


Directions to Liar's Lair: Rt. 143 between Lenhartsville and Virginville; turn on Strausser Road for one mile to Rte 334 - turn right at white barn

For further directions & information, contact: Ron Kieffer – 484-269-0852; Mercedes Jurkiewicz – 484-515-8001


Saturday April 30, 2011 - Horseshoe Trail Nature Walk

approx. 5 to 7 miles


Our expert will lead this nature walk in the Furnace Hills area of the Horseshoe Trail. There should be lots of wild flowers to identify along the way. Lunch later of course!


Meeting place: 10:00 am, Pumping Station Road parking lot off of Rte. 322 east of Ephrata


Note: disregard previously posted driving directions, for further directions contact below or check club emails for update


For further directions & information, contact: 610-589-5575


Saturday April 23, 2011 - Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove

approx. 4 – 6 miles



The leaders will travers a very moderate hike along the lake, with woodland paths and some roads. Sweet Arrow Lake is a 60 acre lake built as a water supply for the Union Canal. The hike will end with crossing a footbridge onto a boardwalk along the side of a deep gorge. Optional lunch stop at the Red Lion Café on Rte. 443 in Deturksville.


Meeting place: 9:00 am, Church Road parking lot off Rte. 183 near Bernville



For further information or directions, contact: 610-929-9694 or cell 610-406-1366 day of hike


Sunday April 17, 2011 - Parks & Arts of Allentown (Part VII)


We will walk one hour in the park, enjoy the blooming spring trees; then a short drive to the FREE parking deck at 6th and Linden Streets. Attend the 3 pm Concert of the Allentown Symphony (mention 20% hiker’s discount.) After concert, a short walk to the Brewworks where you will receive a 10% food discount with your concert ticket.

Note: Symphony Hall, 23 N. 6th Street, Box Office 610-432-6715


Meeting place: 12:00 pm, parking lot behind barn at 32nd & Parkway Blvd (betw. Cedar Crest & Ott St.)


For further information or directions, contact: 484-515-8001 or 484-269-0852


Saturday April 16, 2011 - Birdsboro Watershed

approx. 7.5 to 8 miles


We will explore the northeastern side of the Birdsboro watershed. There will be hills to climb. Some terrain will be rocky and uneven, though generally on good trails. We will also circle the scenic Birdsboro reservoir. Some fine views if the leaves have not come out.


Meeting place: 9:30 am, parking area at the end of Furnace Street in Birdsboro


Directions to hike: Take the former Route 82 (Furnace Street) south through Birdsboro, and continue till the road “wash-out” at the Hay Creek. Park in the parking area there.


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


Thursday, March 24, 2011

Saturday April 9, 2011 - French Creek State Park

approx. 7 miles


Meet our leader at the west boat launch at Hopewell Lake. Hike includes sections of the Horseshoe Trail and other park trails. Expect lots of rocks and some hills. Opt. lunch at Exeter Restaurant.


Meeting place: 9:30 am, Hopewell Lake at French Creek State Park, West Boat Launch


For further information & directions, contact: 610-603-9461


Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Saturday April 2, 2011 - Wyomissing Creek Hike

approx. 5 easy miles


Our illustrious leaders will lead a hike along the Wyomissing Creek. The hike is on several “rediscovered’ park trails and will be an easy walk with few hills. Lunch later for those interested.


Meeting place: 10:00 am, Ollie’s parking lot, intersection Lancaster Ave & Rt. 724, Shillington


For further directions or information, contact: 610-373-8625 or 610-796-7602


Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Saturday March 26, 2011 - Let's try it again -Delaware Water Gap

8.5 miles


Appalachian Trail hike along top of ridge with some “ups”; some rocks but great views (no leaves) winding down a steep and rocky decent to gap. Recommend sturdy hiking boots, water and we will stop on the trail for lunch. This is Ellen’s 3rd attempt to lead this hike without being rained out!


Meeting place: 8:00 am, left of Walmart, behind McDonald’s, Bus Rt. 222, 5th St Hwy, Temple


For further directions& information, contact: 610-775-2677


UPDATE 3/26/11: Due to cold and icy/snowy weather conditons, in past week this hike was postponed again! Hikers traversed the Bartrum Trail Part II (Port Clinton to Auburn) for an enjoyable day. Delaware Hike will take place at a later date!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Saturday March 19, 2011 - Bartrum Trail to Port Clinton

7 ½ miles


Follow Richard and check out the Bartrum Trail all the way to Port Clinton. Return will be on the A.T. to old Rt. 122, followed by the “Boy Scout Trail”, then back to the park along the old canal bed.


Meeting place: 10:00 am, Hamburg Park and Swimming Pool lot on Island Street


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


Saturday, March 5, 2011

Saturday March 12, 2011 - Mount Gretna / Lebanon Valley Rail Trail

5 to 7 miles


Randy will lead a hike in the Mt. Gretna area. Hike on the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail and other area trails. Carry water and snacks, we’ll lunch later at The Hide-Away Restaurant for those wishing to dine.


Traveling directions: From the south, take turnpike to Rt. 322 to Rt. 72 and go north to Rt.117. At the end of the ramp go left for 2+ miles to parking on the left. From the East take Rt. 419 to Cornwall area to Rt. 117


1st Meeting place: 9:15 am, Shurfine parking lot, 422 West in Sinking Spring

2nd Meeting place: 10:00 am, Mt. Gretna Theatre parking lot in Mt. Gretna



For further information or directions, contact: 610-273-9160 or “ranvon1@yahoo.com”