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, May 26, 2011

Saturday June 11 -Baptism Creek Area at French Creek State Park

approx. 5-6 miles

Today’s hike will be a joint hike with the Elverson Walking Club in the Baptism Creek area of French Creek State Park. This will be a woodland walk with some moderate hills and rocky trails. We will explore this natural area and visit the old pavilion, as well as stopping to visit the old Bethesda Meeting House and Cemetery. Also checking out the old millrace, dam site and look for lingering wildflowers. Lunch stop will follow, of course!


Meeting place:10:00 am, Hopewell Furnace Visitor’s Center parking lot, off Rte. 345


For further information, contact: 610-286-6886


Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Saturday June 4, 2011 -WHIP-POOR-WILL NIGHT HIKE (ALSO NATIONAL TRAILS DAY)

approx. 5 miles

Leader will be leading a 5 mile night hike with the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center to Translater Road to hear the Whip-Poor- Wills. Hiking boots are a must. Not recommended for children. Bring Flashlights!

1st MEET: 6:00 pm, Virginville Grange Hall, rear lot (Rt. 143-next to hotel)

2nd MEET: 7:00 pm, Osprey House (Rt. 873 to Paint Mill Rd to end)


For further information, contact: 484-269-0852; or 484-515-8001


Saturday June 4, 2011 -TRAIN RIDE TO PHILADELPHIA AND PENN’S LANDING TOUR

5 + miles approx.

We’ll try this again and hope for cooler weather this year! Enjoy a train ride from the Norristown Elm Street Station into the “City of Brotherly Love,” followed by an enjoyable walking tour of Penn’s Landing and Head House Square. Our walk will take us from the Market East Train Station to Penn’s Landing to check out the various activities the seaport has to offer, such as Independence Seaport Museum, USS Olympia, a submarine, River Ferry Links to New Jersey and others. (Be aware some may have admission fees.) Eateries are along Penn’s Landing and the nearby Head House Square area. Dress comfortably with very comfortable shoes for walking on pavements. Bring sunscreen since we’ll be by the water.

NOTE: This trip is Rain or Shine, so bring rain gear if weather forecast is drops!

COST: $9.50 round trip off-peak Saturday fare for SEPTA train ride (price subject to change), if obtained day of trip. Contact leader for discount information on advance ticket sales

MEET: 7:00 am, Boscov’s East (east end of lot). Driving directions to the train station, maps of

Philadelphia and the train schedule will be provided; last train leaves Market East at 6:30 pm

For information, contact: 610-779-2599


Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Saturday May 28, 2011-VINEMONT AREA HIKE

approx 5-6 miles


Follow the leader as he leads a hike in the Vinemont area. Hike will be on trails with some hills.


Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redner’s Market in Sinking Spring, Rt. 422 West


For further information and directions, contact: 610-777-4147