Saturday June 29, 2013 - Birdsboro Watershed

6 to 6.5 miles

If you have hiked in the Birdsboro Watershed, you have probably seen the scenic reservoir. This hike takes place on the other side of Hay Creek. We will see much of the scenic Hay Creek in the watershed area, as we return to it a number of times. We will pass the two water bodies on the west side of Hay Creek, including one adjacent to a wall of an old quarry now used for rock climbing.

1st meeting place: 9:00 am, at the parking area for the Thun Trail in Gibraltar, on Rte. 724 across from the Turkey Hill
2nd Meeting place: 9:20 am, at the parking area across from an old stone house on Hay Creek Rd (the washed out former Rte. 82). From Geigertown, at the intersection of Geigertown Rd and Hay Creek Road, the parking area is about 2.8 miles towards Birdsboro. From the intersection of Hay Creek Road and Mullen Road, the parking area is about 0.8 miles towards Birdsboro on the former Rte. 82 

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-323-1703

Saturday June 22, 2013 - Peter's Mountain on the Appalachian Trail

Approx. 7.3 miles

This is a moderate hike (about 5 hours) starting on ridge top, we will hike the rocky spine of Peters Mountain to the Susquehanna River, taking full advantage of both valley and river views. The trail follows a path through woods and over rocky outcroppings, then descends by a series of switchbacks 750 feet to the river below. Warning: Poison Ivy is in this area in June. It is recommended you wear long pants or gaiters, along with boots and poles. Pack a lunch and don’t forget water. Optional “food” stop after the hike. Rain Cancels.

Meeting place: 7:45 am, Boyer’s Market, intersection of Rte. 422 W and Rte. 419 in Womelsdorf

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-775-2677 or cell - 610-301-7271

Saturday June 15, 2013 - Bear Creek Mountain Resort (near Macungie/Topton)

5+ miles

This will be a moderate hike, and there will be some hills. Each hiker will need to sign a Bear Creek Mountain waiver to participate in this hike. To get an advance copy of the waiver (and save time on day of hike) call or email hike leader.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, at the parking area marked “Shuttle Stop 4” on the right as you enter the resort.

Directions: Take 222 north and make a right onto Long Lane Road at Valentino’s restaurant and Arby’s – 1.1 miles. Go straight on Topton Road, .8 miles; left on Linden Road, 0.9 miles; right on North Park Ave, 0.9 miles; left on State Street, 4.80 miles; right onto Doe Mountain Lane

For more information or further directions, contact: 717-278-4598 or janety@comcast.net

Saturday June 8, 2013 - Chester County's Hibernia Park

Approx 5-6 miles

Group will hike from the mansion at the park office to the Lion Heads Gate followed by a loop on a gravel road past an old cemetery to the Hatfield House. From there we will follow an old RR bed and rocky hillside trail before returning along the Brandywine River to our starting point. Hike duration will be three hours plus followed by an option for lunch after the hike at the Elverson Deli or other ...

Meeting place: 8:30 am, Livingood Park in Elverson for car pooling, park is located south of Rte. 23 on Route 82 south. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meeting time to prepare for a quick departure so we can join others at 9:00 am at the park office

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-913-0284 or cell DOH 610-413-6281

Saturday June 1, 2013 - Horseshoe Trail Hike

5.5 miles

Join the crew again for another “walk and talk” along the Horseshoe trail. This time we continue the trek starting at the bus storage lot just past Plow Church on Rte. 10, and ending at the Brecknock Township building. This hike will be mostly in the woods – what a great way to spend a late spring day!

1st meeting place: 9:00 am, Boscov’s East parking lot

2nd meeting place: 9:30 am, at the bus storage lot off Rte 10 (just past Plow Church)

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-223-6952 or “cj1sp@allstate.com”

Saturday May 25, 2013 - Birdsboro Reservoir Hike

Approx 5-6 miles

Group will hike along the old railroad bed on the north side of old Rte. 82, back over Hay Creek to a loop around the reservoir before returning to vehicles parked at the former White Bear Inn. Hike duration will be three hours plus.

Meeting place: 9:15 am, Geigertown Fire Company along old Rte. 82 or meet the group at the start of the hike at the parking area of the former White Bear Inn @ 9:30 am. 

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-913-0284 or cell DOH 610-413-6281

Saturday May 18, 2013 - Appalachian Trail

Approx. 5-6 miles

Follow leader for an easy spring walk on the AT. It will be an “in and out” hike; fairly flat but with lots of rocks. The group will visit the Allentown shelter, check out the overlooks and stop at the ice cold spring. A lunch break afterwards is optional

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redner’s Market, Rte 61 N in Leesport to carpool. It is about a 40 minute drive to the trailhead

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-286-6886

Saturday May 11, 2013 - Laureldale Borough and Muhlenberg Twp

Approx 5-6 miles

This hike will entail various terrains with some hills, and will include road, street, trail and non-trail walking. We will see the newly restored and semi-devastated (due to “Sandy”) Bernhart’s Dam Park. Wear good hiking shoes, carry water and don some orange to alert motorists.

Meeting place:  9:30 am, Dominic Manzella Recreational Park parking lots, above Manorcare, just off Elizabeth Avenue in Laureldale

DIRECTIONS: Traveling north on Rte. 222 (5th St Highway) in Muhlenberg Twp., turn right onto Elizabeth Avenue and follow to a driveway just above the 2100 block up the hill on the left side

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-929-9694, or 610-223-9806 day of hike