Saturday May 13, 2023 - Trexler Nature Preserve (Lehigh County)

9 1⁄2 strenuous miles

We will be hiking the Border Loop. This trail has many elevation changes, some steep. Beautiful views. Should take just under four hours on the trail. Lunch options afterwards.

Meeting place: 10:00 a.m.

Directions: Take I-78E to 22E to 309N toward Schnecksville. Go about 5 miles and turn left onto OldPackhouse Rd. Go about 1 mile and turn right onto Orchard Rd. Parking lot on left. 

GPS: 4935 Orchard Road, Schnecksville

For more information or further directions, please contact: 484-284-0946

Saturday May 6, 2023 - Blue Marsh Skinners Loop Trail

Approx. 6-7 moderate miles

From the parking lot we will walk about 1/2 mile to Skinners Loop. We will see the remains of a few houses that were there. Mostly level with a few small hills. Bring a chair and your lunch for a picnic after the hike (there are some tables available).

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. at Old Church Road parking lot off 183

Directions: From south Reading take 422W to 222N to Rte 183N. Travel approx. 5 miles to Old Church Rd and turn left. Parking lot on your left. 

GPS: Blue Marsh Old Church Rd parking lot

For more information and further directions, please contact: 484-797-3357

Saturday April 29, 2023 - French Creek State Park

5 moderate miles

We will hike the Six Penny Trail. This is a loop hike in forested area with some hills. Steady rain cancels.

Meeting place: 10:00 a.m. at French Creek State Park Campground Visitor lot (just beyond dump station & amphitheater, across the road from the playground).

Directions: From Reading, take 422E to Rte 345 through Birdsboro. Turn right onto Chestnut Street and continue 4.3 miles to French Creek State Park. Turn right onto Park Road for 9/10 mile and right onto Campground Road.

GPS: 410 Park Road, Elverson [40°12'55.0"N / 75°46'53.2"W]

For more information or further directions, please contact: tammyphillips312@gmail.com or phone 610-587-2180

Saturday April 22, 2023 - Earth Day 2023 - Hike & Celebration of Life Honoring Rudy Visser

After a short hospital stay, Rudy Visser, nearly 96, passed away on November 21, 2022. Annelies is inviting friends, fellow hikers and family to join her on a tribute hike and share in a Celebration of Life for Rudy.

Meeting place: 10:00 a.m. at the BARN at Gring’s Mill for an easy hike along the Tully.

Directions: From Reading take 222N to Broadcasting Road exit. Go east on Broadcasting and turn right on Tulpehocken. Gring’s Mill will be on your left. Hikers are asked to save the macadam lot for non-hikers. Please park in the “Tennis Court/Bus” grassy area to the right. Walk down the hill to the stone barn. [Note: The Strollers are meeting at the same time to hike from the parking lot.]

GPS: 2083 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing 

For more information and further directions, please contact: 610-914-1357

The hike will end at noon back at the stone barn to celebrate Rudy’s life. Please see the attachment that was furnished by Annelies’ family. Hot food will be provided, salads and desserts are encouraged. Please bring your own beverage.

Saturday April 15, 2023 - Blue Marsh Lake Border Trail North

7+ moderately difficult loop

We will start on the low side along Rte 183. The first two miles are easy terrain and can be a shorter hike in- and-out for anyone not wanting to do 7 miles. This is followed by several long hills.

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. at Old Church Road Parking lot.

Directions: From Reading take Rte 183 North past Blue Marsh Italian Restaurant or Plum Creek Farm Market. Approx. 3.6 miles (5 min.) turn left onto Old Church Road. Parking lot is on left. 

GPS: Old Church Road, Bernville [40.407247 ,-76.07896]

For more information or further directions, please contact: C: 484-557-7854

Saturday April 8, 2023 - Kaercher Creek Dam and Vicinity

Approx. 4 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. There are multiple options for lunch afterwards--- group choice.

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. at Kaercher Creek boat launch parking area.
Directions: Take route 61 to Hamburg. Bear right onto 4th Street. At third traffic light turn right onto State St.( 0ld Rte. 22 ). Proceed about one mile and turn right on the driveway into the former park, opposite the old Hamburg Center. Look for the white & red sign for Hamburg Soccer Assn. 

GPS: 3801 Old Rte.22, Hamburg

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