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.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Saturday June 15, 2024 - Easternmost Tip of Lake Ontelaunee

4-5 miles, moderate 

Hike is on mostly maintenance trails around the lake and runs along the stream feeding Ontelaunee. There are some hills but it's a relatively easy hike. Might be swampy if there were recent rains. There are some sharp grades at the end. Lunch after the hike at Saucony Creek Brewery, 15032 Kutztown Road, Kutztown.

Meeting place: 9:00 a.m. on Lake Ontelaunee Trails parking lot.

Directions: From Reading, take 222N. At Moselem Springs traffic circle go left on 662. Continue past the Golf Club, cross the bridge; parking lot is on the left. 

GPS: 1564 Moselem Springs Road, Hamburg [40.50175 -75.88768] 

For more information and further directions: W:610-944-5775 or C:484-880-8140


Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Saturday June 8, 2024 - Daniel Boone Homestead

Approx. 4 miles - Rain cancels

This hike involves following the equestrian trail and then up to the North picnic area and seeing some of the historical buildings. I am still awaiting word from Jim Lewars, former administrator, if he can join us and throw some history into the mix. There are tours available after if he cannot join us, if requested. A ride over to the historical Exeter Quaker Meeting is not out of the question. May be muddy if rain was recent.

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. at Daniel Boone Homestead Bridle Trailhead
Directions: Bridle Trailhead is on the left immediately after entering the park. 

GPS: 400 Daniel Boone Road

For more information and further directions: 610-914-3411


Monday, April 8, 2024

Saturday June 1, 2024 - Appalachian Trail at Port Clinton

Approx. 7.5 miles, moderate to strenuous 

This is not our typical hike but will offer great views and appreciation for the trail. This is an in-and-out hike with 50/50 ups and downs. We will also be doing some minor A.T. trail maintenance. Bring your hand nippers in your backpack if you would like to assist, or just enjoy the view! Bring enough water and snacks for during the hike. Lunch will take place afterwards at a local eatery to be decided by the group.

Meeting place: 9:30 A.M. At the Port Clinton Ball field

Directions: Route 61 North to Port Clinton, turn left from 61 onto Broad Street. At 2/10 mile, take second left on Pine Street. Ball field will be 400 feet ahead. 

GPS: Port Clinton Softball/Baseball Field (Port Clinton Recreation Park and Playground - 1001-1099 Schuylkill St, Port Clinton) 

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-223-6952

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Do not park on ANY railroad property or you will be towed away!


Thursday, April 4, 2024

Saturday May 25, 2024 - State Hill Loop Hike from the Holl Trailhead

 6 miles

It is very hilly. Be aware this is a mountain biking trail.

WEAR ORANGE TO BE SAFE. 

Heavy rain will cancel. 

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. at Holl’s Trailhead off Highland Road.

Directions: From State Hill Road turn Left onto Brownsville Road. Turn RIGHT onto Highland Road at Spitler’s Collision. (Approx. 1.7 miles) The road is not maintained and very rutty. The Holl Trailhead is on the right.

GPS: Blue Marsh Lake Holl’s Trailhead 

For more information or further direc tions, contact: C:484-557-7854


Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Saturday May 18, 2024 - Warwick County Park

4 moderate miles, can extend to 6 miles

This hike will take us into forests that long ago provided timber used to make charcoal for the region's iron furnaces. We'll take the Horse-Shoe Trail onto the Charcoal Trail and the Connecting Trail back to HST. The 2-mile extension includes a trail along the French Creek. There are 4 to 5 hills. Lunch option at the Inn at St. Peter's Village.

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. at the parking lot for Warwick County Park

Directions: Take I-176 South to Morgantown. Take exit 2 toward PA-10N/PA-23 E. Turn left ontoPA-10 N /PA 23 E for 9.3 mi, then right onto County Park Rd. and left into Warwick County Park. 

GPS: 191 County Park Road, Pottstown

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-750-3115


Monday, March 25, 2024

Saturday May 11, 2024 - Wyomissing Park

About 4 moderate miles

Join the club for a pleasant walk through Wyomissing Park!
Possible lunch option: Schlaylor Brewing Company, 2390 Lancaster Pike, Reading

Meeting place 9:30 a.m. - Soccer field next to Wawa gas station

Directions: Drive west on Lancaster Ave. through Shillington. After passing WAWA at Museum Road, turn right into parking lot.

GPS: Approx. 2220 Lancaster Pike, Reading 

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-698-6784


Friday, March 22, 2024

Saturday May 4, 2024 - Philadelphia Historical Hike & Train Ride

Approx. 5 miles

Enjoy a train ride from the Norristown Transit Center Station into the “City of Brotherly Love” with an enjoyable walking tour of a city rich in American history. On our walk, we’ll look at some interesting sites of Old City, Center City, and nearby neighborhoods in the morning, break for lunch near famous Headhouse Square, and then wander South Street to check out “Where all the Hippies Meet”! Dress in comfortable clothes and very comfortable shoes for walking on pavements. This trip is rain or shine, so bring raingear if the weather forecast drops!

Costs: SEPTA now requires SEPTA Key Card pass for Seniors, although they may honor a free pass with proper PA ID. (Have full round-trip fare just in case!!!!!!) Full cash price for Regular Adult on day of hike is $8 each way (total $16), subject to change if fares go up.

Meeting place: 7:00 a.m. Boscov’s East on 422 East at far end of parking lot.

We will car-pool to the Norristown Transit Center Station to take the train. We will meet around 5:00 pm to take the train back to Norristown unless another time is decided by the group on the day of the trip. Driving directions to the train station, maps of Philadelphia, and the schedule of train departures and arrivals will be provided on the day of the trip. Participants are expected to be able do a 5 mile walk in the city and able to navigate a city map if necessary.

GPS: 4500 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading

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


Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Saturday April 27, 2024 - Blue Marsh

Mileage - Up to 6 miles

North Lake loop, very hilly but we will start on the easy part. If you want you can do the beginning as a loop, for whatever length you want, 2, 3, 4 or 6 miles.

Meeting placed: 9:30 a.m. Old Church Road parking lot

Directions: Take Route 183 North. Pass the Blue Marsh Restaurant. In about 2.5 miles -Turn Left onto Old Church Road. Parking lot is on the left.

GPS: Blue Marsh Old Church Road Trailhead.

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


Thursday, March 14, 2024

Saturday April 20, 2024 - Most of the Neversink Loop

4-5 miles

Neversink North Trail to Witch’s Hat, down the Upper Glenn Trail to Klapperthal, South Trail to West Woodland Trail and back. Great views of the new growth and some breaks to be mindful and appreciate surroundings. There are hills, one steep going down, suggest using poles.

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. at 10th and South playground.

Directions: From Mt. Penn, take Perkiomen Ave. to Spruce St. and turn left. At S. 10th turn left andproceed four blocks to playground. There are extra spaces close by in neighborhood. 

GPS: 10th & South Playground, Reading

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-505-9397


Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Saturday April 13, 2024 - Blue Marsh / State Hill Boat Launch

5 moderate miles Additional mileage out-and-back to Boat Launch. Some hills and lake views.

Meeting place: 10:00 a.m. at Stilling Basin upper stone lot=

Directions: North on Rate 183, turn left at light (CVS) onto Leesport Rd. Turn right onto County Welfare Rd to Palisades. Turn left, then right to the Stilling Basin. 

GPS: Approx. 1280 Palisades Drive, Leesport

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


Thursday, February 29, 2024

Saturday April 6 - Blue Marsh Skinner's Loop Trail

Approx 6-7 miules

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 lunch for a picnic afterwards.

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 directrions, contact: 484-797-3357


Monday, February 19, 2024

Saturday March 30, 2024 - Leesport Area Hike - Beagle Road Area

 Approx 5 miles

Some major hills. Hike will be on roads that are unpaved and paved. Steady rain or snow cancels. Lunch afterward to be determined. This hike is not for those who don’t like hills.

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. at Redner’s in Leesport, then drive 1 mile to hike location. 

Directions: From Reading, go north on Rte 61 to Leesport


GPS: 5471 Pottsville Pike, Leesport


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


Monday, February 12, 2024

Saturday March 23, 2024 - Blue Marsh

 Easy to Moderate 4 miles

We will hike the Dog Lake and Switchback Trails.


Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. at Stilling Basin - Upper lot near the basin


Directions: From Route 183 north, turn left at the CVS onto W. Leesport Road. Turn right onto County Welfare Road. At stop sign, turn left onto Palisades Road, then right into the Stilling Basin 

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


Friday, February 9, 2024

Saturday March 16, 2024 - Monacacy Hill Recreational Area

 5 moderately difficult miles (easier alternative)

Join our group as we hike once again through some of the well-marked trails of Monocacy Hill’s 428 acres. We will go down to the creek with the charming waterfall and up to the peak with beautiful views of the valley. We may also go by landmarks like the never-used railroad trestle and the homestead site of Sallie Shirey. Hiking boots/poles are recommended as the climb is a bit rocky. For those who don’t wish to climb to the peak, an alternative path that meets up on the other side is a possibility. Lunch at Vincenzo’s afterward, 1333 Old Swede Rd, Douglassville, 610-689-8000, https://www.vincenzosristorante.org.

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. in Geiger Rd parking lot. Parking in lot is limited – if parking on the road, park on the side next to the recreation area, NOT across the street at residents’ houses.

Directions: From 422 coming from Reading use the jughandle to turn left onto Limekiln Rd. Turn right onto Monocacy Hill Rd, right again onto Geiger Rd and right into the parking lot.

GPS:42GeigerRd,DouglassvillePA19518 [40.280955,-75.754068] 

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


Friday, February 2, 2024

Saturday March 9, 2024 - Middlecreek Wildlife Management Area

 Approx 5-6 miles

This hike will visit Valley View overlook with a hill to climb to get there. Lunch at The Kville after the hike. 

Meeting place: 10:00 a.m. at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Visitors Center
Directions: From 272 south, take Rte 897 north for 14 miles to Kleinfeltersville, then take the first left after the stop sign onto Hopeland Road, then travel 2 miles to the Visitors Center. GPS: 100 Museum Road, Stevens 17578

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


Monday, January 29, 2024

Saturday March 2, 2024 - Green Lane Reservoir

Approx 5-6 miles

A nice walk with water views, mostly level with some ups and downs.


1st Meeting place:  9:00 a.m. at Weis Shopping Center in Oley, along Rt. 73. Carpool to trailhead if you can as there is not a lot of parking space at the park.

Directions: From Reading take Pricetown Road (Rte 12) to Breezy Corners and turn right on Rte 73 east. At Friedensburg Road traffic light, turn left, go past service station and turn left into shopping center parking lot.2nd Meeting place: 9:30 am, parking lot off of Deep Creek Road/ Snyder Road

GPS: 61 King’s Plaza, Oley

2nd Meeting place: 9:30 am, parking lot off of Deep Creek Road/ Snyder Road

Directions: Leaving Oley Weis, turn left towards Boyertown follow Route 73 to Route 663 north. Stay on Rte 663 until you make a right onto Deep Creek Road. Follow Deep Creek Road, make a right at Snyder Road, go 1/10 mile and turn left into parking lot. 

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-223-6952


Thursday, January 25, 2024

Saturday February 24, 2024 - Leesport Area Hike

Approximately 5 easy miles

We’ll have some hills and roads and sidewalks. Steady rain or snow cancels. Lunch to be determined afterward for those who wish to join.

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. at Redner’s in Leesport & drive a mile to hike location. DIRECTIONS: From Reading, go north on Rte 61 to Leesport

GPS: 5471 Pottsville Pike, Leesport

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