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.

Monday, August 31, 2020

Saturday August 29, 2020 - Lancaster County Preserve

 Approx. 3.5 miles - Moderate

This 90% woodland hike has two stream crossings and one big hill. Choice of several stops afterwards.

Meeting place: 9:30am at Wernersville State Hospital for short carpool tp Preserve

Directions: Take 422 west through Wernersville and turn left on sportsman Rd. (If you get to Robesonia, you've gone too far) Meet at first parking area on left.

For more information or further directions, contact: 6210-507-5600

Monday, August 24, 2020

Saturday August 22, 2020 - Schuylkill River Trail

 Approx 5 miles - Easy

Pleasant Summer hike to the point where the Schuylkill River meets the Tulpehocken Creek.

Meeting place: 9:00am on RACC parking lot close to the railroad tracks

Directions: At the west end of Washington St., turn left on River road and then right into RACC parking lot. Go to the right and park close to RR tracks.

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-373-8625


Monday, August 17, 2020

Saturday August 15, 2020 - Annual Picnic - Safe Picnic

 Annual Picnic K.I.S.S. Picnic - (Keep It Simple Stupid)

French Creek State Park Group Campsite 

Picnic with social distancing rules to keep this outdoor event safe.

Members are to refer to club flyer for further details.

Monday, August 3, 2020

Saturday August 1, 2020 - Monocacy Hill Hike

 5 Miles - Moderately Difficult

Join our group as we hike through some of the well-marked trails of the Monocacy Hills 428 acres. We will be going down to the creek and up to the peak with beautiful views of the valley. Hiking boots and poles are recommended as the climb is a bit rocky.Lunch after is an option at the Yellow House Hotel - but reservations are required (and it's a bit pricey) so you will be asked when you arrive for the hike if you are going to lunch.

1st Meeting place: 9:15am to car pool at Amity Area Community Pool parking lot.  (There are several parking lots in the athletic complex, meet at the parking lot at the back of the pool, near the gravel road to the lower field)

GPS: 55 Amity Park Rd., Birdsboro

2nd Meeting place: 9:30am at Geiger Rd.nparking lot. There is very limited parking so car pool if you can.

GPS: 54 Geiger Rd., Douglassville

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-468-5039

Monday, July 27, 2020

Saturday July 25, 2020 - French Creek State Park

5.5 Miles - Moderate 

Hike the green blazed Lennies Lenape Trail. This is a mostly shaded, rocky, trail that goes through some of the Hopewell area and passes by the north side of Hopewell Lake.

Meeting place: 9:00am at Scott's Run Lake

Directions: Take Route 345 from Birdsboro. At FCSP entrance, bear right onto Park Rd. Turn right at sign for Scott's Run Lake, then left on single-lane road to the lake.

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-603-9461

Monday, July 20, 2020

Saturday July 18, 2020 - Warwick County Park

 Approximately 5 miles - moderate

Hike around trails in and around Warwick County Park. Park rules require that you carry a mask with you at all times, although you are not required to wear a mask while walking. Heavy rain will cancel the hike. Call or email hike leader with questions.

Meeting place: 9:00am at parking lot next top Park Office.

Directions: Follow Route 724 through Birdsboro. Turn right on Route 345. After passing entrance to FCSP, turn left on Hopewell Road. (a right turn at this intersection takes you into Hopewell Furnace ). At the end of Hopewell Rd., turn left onto Harmonyville Rd. Turn right on St Peters Rd. and go through St. Peters Village. Turn left on route 23 and then a quick right onto County Park Rd.

GPS: 191 County Park Road, Pottstown

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-698-4293

Monday, July 13, 2020

Saturday July 11, 2020 - Nolde Forest Hike

 Approximately 5 miles - Moderate

Some hills, no long ones. Being your lunch and a chair. (Picnic tables also available)

Meeting place: 9:00am Mansion Parking Lot

Directions: Off Route 625 tow miles south of Route 724 and Kenhorst Shopping Center - Go 1/2 mile beyond the Sawmill parking area to driveway on right.

GPS: 2910 New Holland Road

For more information and further directions, contact: 484-948-5084

Monday, July 6, 2020

Saturday July 4, 2020 - French Creek State Park

 6 miles - Moderate to Difficult

The Mill Creek Trail is a loop hike with rocky terrain. It is possible to shorten the hike using other marked trails in French Creek, but if anyone wishes to do so they will be on their own. Come prepared for a back country-type hike.

Meeting place: 9:00am Shed Road parking lot off of Route 345 from Birdsboro.

GPS: 1028 Shed Road, Douglasville

for more information or further directions, contact: 717-376-5289


Monday, June 29, 2020

Saturday June 27, 2020 - Historic Charles Evans Cemetery Hike

5+ miles, gradual hills

Mark McLaughlin, cemetery arborist, will hike with us, point out and identify some of the many special trees that he cares for. When he is done, we will take a 2.7 mile stroll around the perimeter with options to see famous statues such as Charles Evans, founder, the William DeBorbon Memorial, which is similar to the larger Witches Hat on Neversink Mountain, Hillside Mausoleum, views of the Fire Tower and many other views of Reading if we are blessed with clear weather.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Charles Evans, 1119 Centre Ave, inside the stone entrance 

NOTE: Park along/on the side of the circle driveway. There may be a volunteer hiker wearing an orange vest guiding you – tips accepted.

PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED; CHECK MEMBERS EMAILS FOR HIKE UPDATES.
CONTACT LEADER BY 8:00pm FRIDAY IF PLANNING TO HIKE

For more information further directions, contact leader: 484-797-4234 or “donnaschopsy@yahoo.com”

Monday, June 22, 2020

Saturday June 20, 2020 - Appalachian Trail Hike in Memory of Linda Witman

4 miles (2 miles in, 2 miles out)

Meeting place: 9:00am at Redner's , Route 61 North, Leesport

Trailhead start to be determined by leaders based on volume of hikers on trail.

GPS: 5471 Pottsville Pike

PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED; REFER TO MEMBER EMAILS FOR HIKE UPDATES.

To Preregister or for more information, contact leaders at: 484-252-9493 or 610-301-7271

Monday, June 15, 2020

Saturday June 13, 2020 - Robesonia Furnace Woods

4+ moderate to difficult miles

Hike with leader through the historic Robesonia Furnace Woods where in 1845 Henry Robeson transformed iron production by constructing an anthracite-coal furnace. This production continued until 1927 when Bethlehem Steel Corp bought Robesonia Furnace with the purpose of demolishing its competitor for iron ore. The hike will be on all types of terrain; poles are recommended. 

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY MEMBERS; REFER TO EMAILS FOR HIKE UPDATES. PHONE LEADER BY 9:00pm FRI JUN 12 IF PLANNING TO HIKE.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Conrad Weiser Middle School, shuttle to trail head 1 mile away 

GPS: 347 Penn Avenue, Robesonia

Contact leader for preregistration or for more information: 610-507-5600

Monday, June 8, 2020

Saturday June 6, 2020 - Oley Road Hike

Approx. 6 moderate miles

This Oley Road Hike provides lots of scenery. We will see some historic mills and houses, including the Reiff homestead. There is a 1 mile plus hill to climb, but the reward will be the views as we descend.

PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED BY MEMBERS; REFER TO EMAILS FOR HIKE UPDATES.
CONTACT HIKE LEADER'S EMAIL BY FRIDAY JUNE 5 TO SIGNUP. 

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Weis Market, Rt. 73 and Friedensburg Road

GPS: 61 Kings Plaza, Oley

To contact leader for Preregistration or for more information contact: 610-323-1703 or les.rohrbach@comcast.net

Post hike: All hikers that attended had a lovely hike with good weather. Social distancing was practiced. A few hikers even went to Jen & Jessie's afterwards for an enjoyable lunch outside!

Saturday, May 30, 2020

Saturday May 30, 2020 - Norristown Farm Park

Approx. 5 miles

One of the most unique parks in the PA State Park System, Norristown Farm Park is a working farm in continuous use since Colonial times. We will see some of the 15 historic buildings, the earliest dated 1764, along with woods and fields, plus miles of trails with links to the Schuylkill River and Perkiomen trails. Lunch later at the Collegeville Diner. Check with the hike leaders if the weather looks iffy.

1st Meeting place: 9:00 am, Boscov’s East, Bus. Rt. 422 East, Exeter to carpool

2nd
 Meeting place and GPS: 10:00 am, Norristown Farm Park, 2500 Upper Farm Rd, Norristown. After entering park, follow Upper Farm Rd, pass Visitors Ctr, continue a short distance to lot #3 where rest rooms will be available. 

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-763-8376 or 610-796-7602

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Saturday May 23, 2020 - Appalachian Trail (South of PA Route 501)

6 to 8 mod miles

This will be an in and out hike starting at the parking lot off of Rt. 501. We will hike south on the AT and visit the Kimmel and Fisher Lookouts. We can go as far as we want, remembering we have to cover the same mileage to return to our cars. Let’s start our summer hiking by challenging our abilities on the AT. Bring water and snacks, wear appropriate hiking footwear and clothes – be prepared to have fun! Lunch afterwards is always optional.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, parking lot off Rt. 501. Heavy rain will cancel this hike. 

Directions: Head North on 183, west on I-78 to Bethel exit. Proceed North on Rt. 501 about 5mi to parking lot on right side near mountain top.

For more information and further directions, contact: 717-376-5289

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Saturday May 16, 2020 - Evansburg State Park

5 to 6 moderate miles

Located in southcentral Montgomery County between Norristown and Collegeville, Evansburg State Park offers significant green space and has a variety of habitats including forests, meadows, old fields and farmland. Waterproof mud boots are recommended. Lunch later in Collegeville.

1st Meeting place: 9:00 am, Boscov’s East (east end of lot), Bus Rt. 422 East, Exeter Twp. 

2nd Meeting place: 9:48 am, Pavilion parking lot in Evansburg Park

For more information or further directions, contact: 484-824-2740

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Saturday May 9, 2020 - Kaercher Creek and Hamburg Hike

Approx. 5 moderate miles 

We will hike some of the old trails in the now closed Kaercher Creek County Park. We will see some remnants of the graded but never finished Allentown and Auburn Railroad from 1875, as well as a nice blend of woods, town roads, cemetery and fields. Lunch afterwards at CJ Hummel’s in Lenhartsville.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Kaercher Creek Boat Launch Area

Directions: Rt. 61 North to Hamburg, bear right onto 4
th Street, at 3rd traffic light turn right onto State Street (old Rt. 22), proceed about 1 mile then turn right on driveway to former park, across from the Hamburg Center. Look for the red and white sign of the Hamburg Soccer Association.

GPS: 3501 Old Rt. 22, Hamburg


For more information and further directions, contact:  610-921-3252 (610-451-5380 day of hike)

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Saturday May 2, 2020 - Robesonia Furnace Woods

4+ moderate to difficult miles

Hike with leader through the historic Robesonia Furnace Woods where in 1845 Henry Robeson transformed iron production by constructing an anthracite-coal furnace. This production continued until 1927 when Bethlehem Steel Corp bought Robesonia Furnace with the purpose of demolishing its competitor for iron ore. The hike will be on all types of terrain; poles are recommended.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Conrad Weiser Middle School, shuttle to trail head 1 mile away 

GPS: 347 Penn Avenue, Robesonia

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-507-5600

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Saturday April 25, 2020 - Schuylkill River Trail

[Ed. This hike was quickly improvised because the original hike for this date was an excursion to Philadelphia. That hike will be rescheduled for a friendlier time.]

Hike was canceled.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, parking lot at Rt 724 & Gibraltar Rd & Proudfoot Dr (near Cedar Hill Flowers)

GPS: 699 Old River Road, Birdsboro


For more information and further directions, contact: 610-823-9023

Saturday, April 18, 2020

Saturday April 18, 2020 - Pinnacle Hike via Pinnacle Side Trail

7-8+ difficult miles

Join us on an In and Out hike to the Pinnacle. We will hike Reservoir Road to the Appalachian Trail. Get ready for hills and rocks on this hike that may exceed 7 to 8 miles.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Hamburg Reservoir Parking area, end of Reservoir Rd. 

Directions: 61N to Hamburg, bear right onto South 4th St., go approx. 1 mile, then turn right onto State Street, travel approx. 2.2 miles then turn left onto Reservoir Rd, continue for 1.1 miles to the parking area

GPS: 402-450 Reservoir Road, Lenhartsville


For more information and further directions, contact: 610-301-4342

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Saturday April 11, 2020 - Blue Marsh Hike

Approx. 5 easy miles

Hike with leader on this spring hike as we hike over to the boat launch area and back. Lunch later of course!

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Blue Marsh Spillway parking area

Directions: 183 North, left onto County Welfare Rd., right onto Palisades Drive, left to Blue Marsh Lake area toll gate


For more information and further directions, contact: 484-824-2740

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Saturday April 4, 2020 - Nolde Forest

Original hike  was 5 moderate miles - Hike cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions.

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Saturday March 28, 2020 - Warwick Furnace

4 to 5 moderate miles

This will be a road hike with very little traffic and moderate hills in a very charming valley in Chester County, near Warwick Park. See the newly opened and recently excavated 18th century furnace.

Meeting place: 9:30 am at Warwick Park to carpool, as parking at site is limited 
GPS: 191 County Park Road, Pottstown

DIRECTIONS: Rt. 176 S to Morgantown, East on Rt. 23 for 9 miles to Knauertown. Turn right onto County Park Rd (between houses in the village), proceed 1⁄4 mile to park entrance on left, turn left past office to lower parking lot.

For more information & further directions, contact: 484-948-5084

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Saturday March 21, 2020 - French Creek State Park

Approx. 6 moderate miles

Follow Kathy as she leads this hike on the green-blazed Lenni Lenape Trail. This trail is rocky and hilly, although some say it is the easiest trail in French Creek S.P. Tick spray suggested. Rain or snow cancels.

Meeting place: 9:30 am at Hopewell Visitor Center off Rt. 345.
GPS: 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson

DIRECTIONS: East on Rt. 422 to Rt. 345 South to Birdsboro. Continue on Rt. 345 then turn right onto Mark Bird Lane

For more information & further directions, contact: 610-603-9461

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Saturday March 14, 2020 - Valley Forge National Historic Park

Approx. 6 easy miles

As you hike the trails try to imagine Gen. Washington’s winter encampment of 1777-1778 when 12,000 soldiers and 400 women and children marched into Valley Forge and began to build what became the 4th largest city in America. Few examples of the original 1500 log huts and fortifications remain. This hike is on mostly paved trails among rolling hills and is beautiful hike on a sunny day. Rain, snow, sleet or ice cancels.

1st Meeting place: 8:30 am at Boscov’s East (east end of lot), Bus. Rt. 422 East, Exeter 
2nd Meeting place: 10:00 am, Valley Forge Visitor’s Center
GPS: 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia

For more information & further directions, contact: 610-763-8376

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Saturday March 7, 2020 - Middle Creek Hike #2

3-5 miles (depending on conditions)

Will it be another “meander in the mud” hike or will there be snow around? Maybe we will see snow geese as they are on their annual migration.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at Middle Creek Visitor’s Center
GPS: 100 Museum Road, Stevens

DIRECTIONS: From Rt. 272 South, take Rt. 897 North 14 miles to Kleinfeltersville, then first left after stop sign onto Hopeland Rd, then 2 miles to the Visitor’s Center.

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-589-5575 or cell – 610-507-5600

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Saturday February 29, 2020 - Crow's Nest Preserve Hike

4 to 5 moderate miles, circle hike

Join hike leader Herb for a leap year winter hike through the fields and woods at this nearby natural area. We will stop at the Natural Lands Trust Visitor Center to get warm. Dress for the weather and wear waterproof footwear as the land alongside French Creek can be muddy.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at Crow’s Nest Visitor’s Center
GPS: 210 Piersol Road, Elverson


For more information & further directions, contact: 484-252-9493 or email herbvanhorn@gmail.com

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Saturday February 22, 2020 - Mt Penn Hike

5 to 6 moderate to difficult miles

Utilizing numerous Mt. Penn trails, Les will take us past several stone cellars, Rotary Park, and Vulture Rock. There will be several steep climbs. The hike includes road walking along Skyline Drive which affords scenic views of Reading on a clear day. Snowy or icy roads cancel this hike.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at William Penn Fire Tower on Skyline Drive 
GPS: 2500 Skyline Drive, Reading

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

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Saturday February 15, 2020 - Warwick - Ephrata Rail Trail

5 easy flat miles, shuttle

Winter walk along the gravel, asphalt path starting in town and passing thru open fields of Lancaster County farmland. Dress for the weather. Lunch optional. Extreme weather, hazardous roads cancels this hike.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at Warwick Township Municipal Park parking lot
GPS: 315 Clay Road, Lititz

DIRECTIONS: South on Rte 222, then East on 772 (Rothsville). At E. Newport Road bear right, and then left on Clay Road.

For more information & further directions, contact: 610-301-7271

Monday, January 6, 2020

Saturday February 8, 2020 - Soup & Sandwich Hike Along the Tulpehocken

5+ easy miles

Stroll along the Tully on a mid-winters’ day. We will stop at the lower dam on the creek and return after visiting the Gring’s Mill dam. Hot soup and some sandwiches will await at the Park Rangers Office. 
After-hike eats will be served around 1 pm.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at the lower parking lot of the Berks Co. Park Rangers Office. 

GPS: 1901 Tulpehocken Road


For more information & further directions, contact:  610-909-5018 or 610-823-9023

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Saturday February 1, 2020 - Pinnacle Via Furnace Creek Trail

8.5 strenuous miles

Expect plenty of rocks as we hike with an elevation gain of over 1000 feet. We will arrive at the Pinnacle between 12:30 to 1:00 pm and remain there for approximately 40 minutes, so bring lunch while enjoying the view. Rain or snow cancels this hike.

Meeting place: 9:30 am at Hamburg Reservoir, end of Reservoir Road, off Old Rt. 22 
GPS: 400 Reservoir Road, Lenhartsville or 40.583405, -75.941681

DIRECTIONS: Take 61N, bear right onto South 4th Street, go approx. 1 mile, then turn right onto State Street, travel approx. 2.2 miles, then turn left onto Reservoir Road for 1.1 miles to parking lot.

For more information & further directions, contact: 610-247-5190 or naturerocks1024@gmail.com