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.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Saturday May 30, 2015 - Historic Poole Forge



5-7 casual miles

This relaxing road walk will start and finish at Poole Forge park, off of Rt. 23, Churchtown and amble along quiet country roads through Amish farm land. We will likely see farmers “working” their fields. If we are in luck, a resident historian will brief us on the history of the area and the various sites along the way. The actual hike distance will be determined by group preference. Lunch after the walk is an option. Rain Cancels!
Meeting place: 10:00 am, Poole Forge Park on Rt. 23, look for the parking area adjacent to the covered bridge
Directions (1): From Rt. 625 South, turn east onto Rt. 23 then continue 2.5 miles and turn right (across from Landis Computer) into Poole Forge Park

Directions (2): From Rt. 176 South, turn west onto Rt. 23 then continue 4.5 miles and turn left (Landis Computer will be on your right) into Poole Forge Park 

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-322-9670 

Monday, April 20, 2015

Saturday May 23, 2015 - Leaser Lake


5-6 miles, mostly on trails

We will hike around the lake on various trails. This area is mostly flat, passing through woods and fields. There are good views of the Blue Mountains to the north.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redner’s Market, Leesport off of Rt. 61 North

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

Friday, April 17, 2015

Saturday May 16, 2015 - Monocacy Hill


approx. 5-6 strenuous/difficult miles

This hike on the way to the top of Monocacy Hill is difficult, but the view is worth the effort! We can be sure the ice will be gone and maybe the leaves will not be in full bloom to interfere with the view. We will also plan to hike the Rail-bed Trail and Creek Trail before heading out to lunch in the area, for those interested.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Monocacy Hill parking lot on Geiger Road

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-385-6862 or 484-797-4234 (cell) 

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Saturday May 9, 2015 - Pinnacle Hike


approx. 7 moderate to strenuous miles

This is always a hike with lots of up-hills and some rock leading to this famous Appalachian Trail landmark. The hike will go from the east side of the reservoir, to the Pinnacle on connecting trails. After a break, we will pick up the AT and head back down the mountain. Hiking poles and good shoes are recommended. Lunch after is always an option.

First meeting place: 9:30 am, Redner’s Market Rt. 61 N in Leesport

Second meeting place: 10:00 am, Hamburg Reservoir parking lot


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

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Saturday May 2, 2015 - Middlecreek Wildlife Center


5-6 miles

Check out this beautiful wildlife sanctuary to see if some Canada geese are still around! The hike will be on the Horse-Shoe Trail, the park’s trails and roads. We will view the lake from some of the many overlooks and stop at the Visitor’s Center.

Meeting place 9:30 am, Middle Creek Visitor’s Center parking lot

For more information or further directions, contact: 717-949-2056 

Friday, April 3, 2015

Saturday April 25, 2015 - Horse-Shoe Trail Hike



6-7 miles

Another hike along the Horseshoe Trail. Starting point is the parking lot on Rt. 501 just south of the Boy Scout camp Mack, at the corner of Rt. 501 and Lake Drive. Start time for the hike is 9:30 am. Please arrive at 9:00 am so vehicles can be moved to the other end of the trail. This hike will be a good way to greet an early spring weekend!

Meeting place: 9:00 am, at the HST parking lot off of Rt. 501 just north of Rt. 322; just south of the Boy Scout Camp Mack, at the corner of Rt. 501 and Lake Drive.

For directions or more information, contact: 610-909-5018 
or email: cj1sp@allstate.com