Saturday November 23, 2013 - Antietam Lake and Surrounding Roads

Approx 5.5 miles

This hike begins at Antietam Lake, uses some of the park's wooded trails, but is primarily a road hike on country roads in the area. This may be new to some hikers. We will walk near the entry of Antietam Creek to the park area, see some old homes, and learn that there are many hills in the area which are not part of the park system.

Meeting place: 10:00 Angora Road parking lot, next to Antietam Lake

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

Saturday November 16, 2013 - Mount Pisgah Plane & Jim Thorpe Hike

Approx 4 miles - Steep & Strenuous! Difficult

This hike is approximately 4 short but steep and strenuous miles, so it's rated difficult. For the adventurous or just plain foolish, we will climb the 2,322 foot, 29 degree Mount Pisgah Plane of the former Switchback Gravity Railroad, in old Mauch Chunk (aka Jim Thorpe), Carbon County.
This long climb, though strenuous, abounds in history. The "switchback" was Pennsylvania's first railroad, and the second in the USA. We will remains of the original "wagon road" and continue down Packer Hill into town for lunch.After lunch, it's up Broadway onto the former, now abandoned "bus road,  returning to the parking area. Rain will not cancel this hike. - SNOW and ICE will.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at the parking lot at the top of Hill Road in Jim Thorpe
Directions: Hill Road is the only right hand turn off Broadway heading west from downtown Jim Thorpe, and is located right next to the Mauch Chunk Opera House.

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-921-3252 or cell 610-451-5380 on the day of the hike

Saturday Nov 9, 2013 - Merrill Creek Reservoir

Approx 5.5 miles

Join the hike leaders on a trip to Merrill Creek Reservoir, one of many reservoirs which drain into the Delaware River basin in times of drought. We will hike the perimeter trail which is Exactly 5.5 miles long and circles the entire distance around the lake. The trail consists of gravel roads and wooded areas and crosses two dikes and the main dam. This group enjoyed watching bald eagles nesting in the Spring. Please pack a lunch and water; an optional 2.5 mile walk will be offered after the lunch break and will cover the historic area of the park. This will be an ALL DAY hike, so plan accordingly.
Meeting place: 8:30 am, parking lot left of Walmart and behind McDonald’s, Business Rte 222, 5th Street Hwy, Temple
Optional meeting place: 10:00 am, Merrill Creek Visitor Center, 34 Merrill Creek Road, Washington, NJ

For further information & directions, contact: 610-603-9461 or 610-796-7602

Saturday November 2, 2013 - French Creek

Approx 6 miles, moderate to difficult

We will hike the Boone Trail which has some steep and rocky hills. Hiking boots are recommended. The loop trail covers most major areas of this park.

Meeting place: 9:30am Hopewell Boat Launch area

For further information & directions, contact: 610-631-0459