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, April 26, 2014

Saturday May 24 - Schuylkill Canal Towpath Hike

4-5 miles

This hike begins in the village of Port Clinton and follows the old towpath along the Schuylkill River. It is mostly woodland trail walking with some hills and road walking. There is also a cemetery [be careful to walk between graves, not over them] with some very old tombstones that we can explore on our descent back to the village. We hope to see remnants of an old canal lock, if possible. We will be adjacent to gamelands, so wearing orange may be a good idea. Wear good boots and carry water as well.

1st Meeting place: 9:30 am at Redners Market on Rte 61 N in Leesport.

2nd Meeting place: 10:00 am at parking area just beyond the railroad property on the left side of Broad Street in Port Clinton, in view of playground. Large sign on right indicates where to park.

For further information and directions, contact: 610-929-9694

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Saturday May 17, 2014 - Newmanstown/ Fort Zellers Circle Hike

6 miles

Hike on roads and town parks. We will see a cannon, tank, pond with various ducks and historic Fort Zellers. Hopefully, we will have a beautiful spring day.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at Newmanstown playground. Rte 422 west to Rte 419 at Womelsdorf. Turn left and go south on 419 about 2 miles to Newmanstown. At only light in town, turn right and go one block. Church is on left, parking lot for playground is on right.

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

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Saturday May 10, 2014 - Bartrum Trail

6 miles, easy hike

This trail is an old railroad bed, flat and straight. The hike will be followed by lunch at Cracker Barrel on Industrial Drive. Our apologies to Gerry, but we were unable to include his entire description, colorful as it was.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at Bartram Trailhead Parking Lot at end of Kernsville Dam Road. North on Rte 61 to Hamburg. Turn right at stop sign for Industrial Drive (McDonald’s, Burger King, Cabela’s). Just before railroad tracks, turn left on Kernsville Dam Road.

For further information and directions, contact: 610-777-0667

Monday, April 7, 2014

Saturday May 3, 2014 - Horse Shoe Trail - Gamelands

6 miles

Hike on the Horse-shoe Trail in the vicinity of the Gamelands. Some hills. This is a loop hike that is rated as moderate.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at Pumping Station Road and Rte 322 (near Brickersville) 

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