UPDATE! NEW DATE - Saturday September 30, 2023 - Lower Switchback Rail Trail / Jim Thorpe

NOTE: UPDATE - Hike Leaders have changed dates of listed hikes

9 moderate miles

We will once again visit the Switchback in JT, where history and nature come together on a trail that dates back to the early 1800s when trains hauled coal from the mines to the Lehigh Canal. Starting at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, we will take the lower trail into town, enjoy lunch, then return on the same trail. There will be a steep descent and ascent into town. Bring water and snacks, along with hiking boots for the rocky and muddy sections. Rain cancels.

1st Meeting place: 8:30 a.m. at Redner's Market, 5471 Pottsville Pike, Leesport (Rt. 61 North)
2nd Meeting placer: 10:00 a.m. at Mauch Chunk Lake Park

Directions: 61 north for approx. 13 miles, right onto 895 for 6.7 miles, left onto E. Railroad Ave in New Ringgold for another 6.7 miles, left onto W. Penn Pike for 2.2 miles, right onto Owl Creek Road (careful, hard to see this turn) for 8.1 miles to Mauch Chunk Lake Park Office 

GPS: 625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe [40.843472, -75.805361]

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

UPDATE - NEW DATE - Saturday September 23, 2023 - Ephrata Rail Trail Hike

NOTE: UPDATE - Hike Leaders have changed dates of listed hikes

5 no-hills miles

We will hike through scenic farmland to Warwick Township and back. Steady rain cancels. Optional lunch afterwards. There is a good map of the trail online at “Ephrata Rail Trail.”

1st Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. at Ollie's parking lot in Shillington and drive approx. 20 miles to the trailhead.

2nd Meeting place: Meadow Valley Road Trailhead

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-750-4097

Saturday September 16, 2023 - Trexler Nature Preserve (Lehigh County)

9 Strenuous Miles

We will hike the Border Loop. This trail has many elevation changes, some steep. Beautiful views. Should take just under 4 1/2 hours on the trail. Lunch options afterwards.

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. on Orchard Road parking lot

Directions: Take I-78E to 22E to 309N toward Schnecksville. Go about 5 miles and turn left onto Old Packhouse Road. 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, contact: 484-284-0946

Saturday September 9, 2023 - Gring's Mill Recreation Area

4-5 easy miles

We will hike on the flat, gravel Union Canal Towpath beside the Tulpehocken Creek. Bring a packed lunch for after the hike.

Meeting place: 10:00 a.m. at Gring’s Mill Recreation Area grass parking lot at top of hill.

Directions: Route 222 to Broadcasting Road exit. Go east on Broadcasting and turn right on Tulpehocken Rd. - Gring’s Mill will be on your left. 

GPS: 2083 Tulpehocken Road, Reading

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-763-7900