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, December 31, 2013

Saturday January 18, 2014 - French Creek State Park's Turtle Trail

Approx. 3.6 miles, moderate-strenuous

Come out on a crisp, cold winter day for a short hike to get you off the couch. As per the brochure, the Turtle Trail circles “through the western portion of the park offering a variety of easy hiking mixed with several challenging sections.” Hiking boots and poles recommended. Of course, there will be an optional lunch stop later.

1st Meeting place: 10:00 am, Gibraltar Parking lot off Thun Trail, Rt. 724 & Gibraltar Road 
2nd Meeting place: 10:20 am, Firetower Road Parking lot

For further information or directions, contact: 610-775-2677; Cell – 610-301-7271

Friday, December 27, 2013

Saturday January 11, 2014 - Blue Marsh Winter Hike Revisited

Approx. 5-6 miles

Check out Blue Marsh from a different angle as hikers are lead the way following trails skirting the lake.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, State Hill Boat Ramp 

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-375-3358

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Saturday January 4, 2014 - Blue Marsh Winter Loop Hike

Approx.  5 – 6 miles

Work off some of those holiday calories with this mid-winter hike over the hills and through the woods around Blue Marsh with Suzanne.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Church Road Parking Lot 

For further information and directions, contact: 610-488-9269

Monday, December 23, 2013

Wednesday January 1, 2014 - Polar Bear Dip Hike

Approx. 6 miles

Take a 4 mile countryside hike with some hills and views of Myerstown’s parks, cemeteries and
nursing homes leading to the Polar Bear Dip at 12 noon. If you want to jump in bring your finest, warmest swimwear and join the other “cubs” starting the new year with a ‘plunge.’ Then hike 1.8 miles back to our cars. There is free admission to the dip, but a donation to Lebanon Disabilities is appreciated. Dress warm.

Meeting place: 9:45 am, Dutch Way Restaurant Rt. 422West before Myerstown. 

Afterwards, the Dutch Way will have pork ‘n sauerkraut on their special buffet, or platters from their menu.

For further information or directions, contact: 610-678-5245