Saturday January 5, 2013 - French Creek State Park

5+ Miles
This will be a five mile or slightly longer hike that will take us to the William’s Hill Fire Tower via the Horse Shoe Trail and the Ridge Trail. There is an option for a short rest at the pavilion if the group agrees; building a brief fire in the fire place to warm-up before continuing the hike. The last part of the hike will take us downhill on the Blue Trail and then the Green Trail back to our vehicles, with the possibility of small detours forced on the group by the leader! Snow or ice cancels.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Scott's Run Dam parking area

For further information & directions, contact: 610-913-0284, no available cell phone service at French Creek State Park

Tuesday January 1, 2013 - Polar Bear Dip

Approx 6 miles

Take a 4 mile countryside hike with some hills leading to the Polar Bear Dip at 12 noon. If you want to jump in, bring your finest, warmest swimwear and join the other ‘cubs’ starting the new year with a ‘plunge.’ Then, hike 1.8 miles back to our cars. There is free admission to the dip, but a donation to Lebanon Disabilities is appreciated. Dress warm.

Meeting place: 9:45 am at the Dutch Way Restaurant, Rte 422 W, before Myerstown
(Afterwards, Dutch Way will have Pork & Sauerkraut on a special buffet and platters on the menu.)

For more information & directions, contact: 610-678-5245

Saturday December 29, 2012 - Pottsville/Yuengling Brewery Tour

Approx. 3-4 miles
The tradition continues! End the year and begin the New Year with a visit to America’s oldest brewery, only a short drive from Reading. The brewery tour will be followed by a walk around Pottsville, stopping for lunch during the walk. Dress for the weather. 

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Redner’s Market, Rt. 61 North, Leesport


For further information or directions, contact: 610-589-5575 

Saturday December 22, 2012 - Hamburg to Schuylkill River's Own Pulpit Rock

5-7 miles, easy flat loop hike
We will hike from the Hamburg Environmental Study Area to Schuylkill River’s own pulpit rock and back. A lunch break after the walk is planned. Expect some mud, maybe even snow!

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redners Market parking lot, Rt. 61 North in Leesport, or 10 am at the State Street trail head parking lot in Hamburg.
NOTE: This hike is weather permitting, call leader if weather is questionable 

For further information or directions, contact:  610-504-4190 

Saturday December 15, 2012 - Neversink Mountain

Approx. 6 miles

This hike begins by following the Neversink South Trail, which with leaves off the trees, will afford us great views from above the Schuylkill River. We then turn onto the Neversink North Trail, stopping at the scenic overlook of Reading and the Witch’s Hat. The hike continues for a way onto the East Ridge Trail before returning to the glen and our starting point.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at the pond at Forest Hills Memorial Park

Fro further  information or directions, contact: 610-323-1703 

Saturday December 8, 2012 - Annual Club Christmas Party & Hike

Please see details of Christmas Party via the club newsletter.

Hike for Christmas Party on Dec 8, 2012 at 1:00 pm. approximately 5.7 miles or less. (Depends on the group!)

We'll be hiking from Janelle Hall along the roads of the nearby Bowers area. See some lovely views of older homes in the area, most likely decked out in "Christmas Attire" for a house! Travel will proceed to country roads, mostly flat areas. But watch out...make sure you are bundled up in a warm holiday scarf and mittens to keep warm on the windy Bowers plains! Wear shoes good for a road hike. This should give everyone a good appetite before dinner!

For further information or directions on hike, contact Santa's tour scout Rich at 610-223-6952

Saturday December 1, 2012 - Mount Pisgah Plane & Jim Thorpe's "Olde Time Christmas"

Approx. 4 Short but Steep and Strenuous Miles - Difficult

For the adventurous or the just plain foolish, we will climb the 2,322 foot, 29 degree Mount Pisgah Plane of the former Switchback Gravity Railroad, in Old Mauch Chunk (aka Jim Thorpe), Carbon County. This long climb, though strenuous, abounds in history. The switchback was Pennsylvania’s first railroad, and the second in the USA. We will see the remains of the original “wagon road” and continue down Packer Hill into town for lunch. The group may split up here depending on size, meeting an hour later in front of the Mauch Chunk Opera House. While in town, enjoy J. Thorpe’s” Old Time Christmas” celebration. After lunch it’s up Broadway onto the former, now abandoned “bus road,” returning to the parking area. This hike is short, but steep and strenuous and is rated difficult for that reason.

NOTE: Snow on the ground does not cancel, but falling ice or snow will cancel! 

Meeting place: 10:00 am, at the parking area at the top of Hill Road, Jim Thorpe

Directions: Hill Road is the only right hand turn off Broadway heading west from downtown Jim Thorpe, and is located right next to the Mauch Chunk Opera House 

For further information and directions, contact:  610-921-3252 or cell# 610-451-5380 on the day of the hike

Saturday November 24 - Blue Marsh Hike

Approx.5.5 miles with a few small hills

Trekkers will lead a hike from mile marker 19 to mile marker 24 on the Blue Marsh Lake trail, mostly through fields and wooded areas. Some parts may be muddy along creek banks. After meeting at the Mt. Pleasant parking lot on Rt. 183, we will shuttle to the starting place near mile marker 19. Call if weather is questionable. 

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Mt. Pleasant parking lot. WEAR BLAZE ORANGE. 

Directions: From Reading, take Rte. 183 North. After crossing the bridge at Mt. Pleasant, immediately look for parking lot on the right.

For further information and directions, contact: 610-603-9461 or 610-796-7602 

Saturday November 17, 2012 - Virginville Loop

Approx. 5 - 6 miles

This is mostly a road hike which will include some hills and views of the surrounding countryside. Afterwards, come to Linnae’s house to celebrate National Homemade Bread Day. If you have a favorite loaf you’d like to share, please bring it with you (bread machine bread is allowed!)

Meeting place: 9:30 am, back parking lot of the Virginville Grange, Rt. 143

For further information or directions, contact:  610-562-0207 

Saturday November 10, 2012 - Valley Forge Park

Approx. 5-6 moderate miles with a few hills

Share the misery of the winter of 1777 and look to the joy of spring 2013 as we hike Mount Misery and Mount Joy in Valley Forge Park. Maps: www.nps.gov/vafo/planyourvisit/upload/mt joy 2010.pdf www.nps.gov/vafo/planyourvisit/upload/mt-misery 2009.pdf

Meeting place: 10:00 am at the parking lot near George Washington’s Headquarters 

Directions: take 422 East to the Valley Forge exit for Rt. 23 North. Make a right at the bottom of the ramp. Almost immediately, make another right at the light. Your are now on Rt. 23 North. Follow for about a mile and a half, past the Chapel on your right and past Von Steuben statue on the left. Make a right onto Inner Line drive and Washington’s Headquarters parking lot is about 150 yards on the left.

For more information or further directions, contact:  610-631-0459 

Saturday November 3, 2012 - Nolde Forest Hike

Approx. 5 miles
Follow the two leaders over the hill and through the woods, tra la! Expect quite a few hills. 

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Saw Mill parking lot, Rt. 625

For more information or further directions, contact:  610-777-4223 

Saturday October 27, 2012 - Halloween Camping & Hike at French Creek

Approx 5 .1 miles according to new trail maps which will be available

Don’t be scared to join leaders for camping at the yurts in French Creek State Park on the last weekend in October. The hike will end with a Soup & Sandwich gathering by the boat ramp parking area. Folks can bring a dish (please no roasted snail toes or pickled spider eggs) to go with caldron soup and finger sandwiches. One of the cooks promises not to over-cook and make the noodles disappear into oblivion like last year! Anyone else who would like to camp can check for cabin/yurt availability. 

Meeting place: The hike will start at 9:30 am @ Hopewell village parking lot with shuttling of needed vehicles to end point. The hike will end @ the parking lot on Fire Tower Road. We will then move everyone to the boat ramps by Scotts Run Road to Hopewell lake for soup and sandwiches.

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-223-6952 or 610-823-9023 (cell #s) 

Saturday October 20, 2012 - Monocacy Hill

Approx. 4-5 woodland miles. 

Hills & rocks simultaneously. Boots/ pole(s) highly recommended. We’ll explore four trails on this beautiful knob in Amity Twp., and finish in plenty of time for the “Gastronomical Tour.”

Meeting place: 11:00 at the trailhead (Geiger Rd between Monocacy Hill Road & Hill Road.) 

For more information or directions, contact: 610-779-2963 (www.monocacyhill.org for map/directions) 

Saturday October 13, 2012 - Hibernia County Park Loop

Approx. 5 - 6 miles, fairly flat easy scenic walk.

How about a fall hike through the forests and fields of Hibernia! We will see the lake, mansion and historic buildings of a once thriving community. This walk is partly along the meandering Brandywine River and could be in full autumn color if we are lucky. A lunch break after the walk is optional.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, parking lot across from the Windmill Restaurant, Rt. 10, Morgantown or at the park office at 10:30


For more information or directions, contact: 610-286-6886 

Saturday September 29, 2012 - Bernhart's Dam Park / Muhlenberg Rail-Trail

Approx. 6 miles 
Follow the leader as he treks this hike in the Muhlenberg Twp/Laureldale area. This hike is over various terrains including roads, sidewalks, trails and some hills. We will walk the new trail of Bernhart’s Dam Park and part of the Muhlenberg Rail-Trail. We will traverse through the Rosedale Grove and through the borough streets. Wearing orange and a lunch stop after the hike is optional.


Meeting place: 9:30 am, Dominic Manzella Memorial Parking lot, above Manorcare, just off Elizabeth Ave. in Laureldale
Directions: Traveling north on Bus Rt. 222 (5th St Hwy) in Muhlenberg Twp, turn right onto Elizabeth Ave (China Wok Restaurant is on the corner) then follow to a driveway just above the 2100 block uphill on left side. Obey speed limits in Laureldale. 


For further information & directions, contact: 610-929-9694 or 610-223-9806 on day of hike 

Saturday September 22, 2012 - Bartrum Rail Trail

Join Leader/Sweep {610 777-0667} as we take a picaresque trip down the Bartrum Rail Trail in Hamburg. We’ll be meeting [NOT LEAVING AT 10:01, OK?, MEETING!!!] at 10:00 AM at the stone monument in the parking lot on Kernsville Dam Road, just off of Industrial Drive, at the head of the Trail. I’ll be leading the first twenty yards or so and then falling back, cause, I don’t, ya know, walk fast. We’ll be ambling to the 2.5 mile duck/goose marker, quacking/honking at the duck/goose, and then turning around and coming back to the stone monument. Once back there and with the hiking thing out of the way, we’ll be driving 0.1 mile to the Cracker Barrel restaurant where I have, incidentally, inside info that the mac and cheese is excellent! DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY IF YOU CAN WALK: ...eh, not so much. However, FLIP FLOPS NOT RECOMMENDED! Maybe bare feet...”


Meeting place: 10:00 am, (Prompt!!) at the stone monument in the parking lot on Kernsville Dam Road, just off of Industrial Drive, at the head of the trail

For further information & directions, contact: 610-777-0667 

Saturday September 15, 2012 - Crow's Nest Preserve Hike & Picnic

Approx. 5 miles, moderate mostly flat
Start your day with a hike from Crow’s Nest Preserve to Hopewell Village and back. You may bring your lunch and a folding chair if you want to have a picnic there with the hikers (and an item to share if you’d like.) We can eat indoors or out, there is a refrigerator, running water and bathrooms. The building will be open when we get there so you can put a lunch bag inside out the heat, before the hike.
NOTE: Please Wear Orange for this hike if you have it due to Archery Season 


Meeting place: 10:00 am, Crow’s Nest Preserve, 210 Piersol Road, Elverson, PA 19520


For further information & directions, contact: 610-385-6862 

Saturday September 8, 2012 - Coventry Woods Park

Approx. 4-5 miles
Leader will take us along several well groomed trails in this relatively unknown park in North East Chester County area. Group will be meeting at the large parking area at the north end of Saint Peter’s Village and driving 3 miles to the start of the hike. Option for a late lunch at the “Bakery.” Maps to St. Peter’s Village to Coventry Woods and the trails of Coventry Woods are available at “http://combinedschedules.blogspot.com” 


Meeting place: 10:00 am, large parking area at the north end of St. Peter’s Village

For further information & directions, contact: 610-913-0284, or day of event @ 610-413-6281 

Saturday September 1, 2012 - Green lane Reservoir

Approx. 4.5 - 5 miles
A nice walk with water views, mostly level with some ups and downs.

1st meeting place: 10:00 am, Weis Shopping Center in Oley, along Rt. 73

2nd meeting place: 10:20 am, parking lot on Knight Road (from the traffic light on 663, driving south into the park, cross the bridge to the second parking areaNote: There is Not a Lot of Space to Park – Please Carpool if You Can)

For further information & directions: 484-948-5084 

Friday August 31, 2012 - Full Moon Hike

Approx.3 miles
Take a hike under the full moon. After the hike, the tower will be open to take another hike to the top to view the moon better. As always, bring water, snacks and also bring a flashlight.

Meeting place: 7:30 pm, The Tower on top of Mt Penn


For further information & directions, contact: 484-529-8682 

Saturday August 25, 2012 - Horseshoe Trail Hike

Approx. 6 miles
This hike begins with a car pool to end point of hike just east of Rt. 100 North of Ludwig’s corner where the trail crosses Rt. 100. Arriving about 9:30 am, we will then shuttle hikers to the starting point just east of Rt. 113.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, Boscov’s East, Business Rt. 422 East, Exeter Twp.


For further information & directions, contact: 610-223-6952

Saturday August 18, 2012 - French Creek State Park / Lenni Lenape Trail

Approx. 6 moderate miles
This weekend we'll travel the Green Lenni Lenape Trail at French Creek State Park. Expect rocks, some hills, with a terrific view of Hopewell Lake and an old pavilion. We are the eating club with a hiking disorder – so lunch will follow!

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Scott’s Run Lake


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

Saturday August 11, 2012 - French Creek State Park / Six Penny Lake

Approx. 5-6 moderate miles 
Herb will lead a woodland walk under a canopy of trees. We will walk through one of the group camping areas, descend into the site of the former Six Penny Lake, explore this long forgotten spot and then return to our cars. If we are quiet, perhaps we will hear the laughter of former picknicers and swimmers! Be sure to bring water and a snack and wear hiking boots. There are lots of rocks and a few hills. Lunch afterwards is optional. 


Meeting place: 10:00 am at parking lot across from the Fr.Creek Park Office on Hopewell Road 


For further informations & directions, contact: 610-286-6886 

Saturday August 4, 2012 - Amish Farmland Road Hike

Approx. 6 easy miles
Follow Doug as he leads the way along gentle hills and back roads in Amish farmland. 


Meeting place: 9:30 am, Dollar Store Parking Lot, Kenhorst Plaza, Rts. 724 and 625; then carpool to start of hike at St. John’s Worship Center, Rt. 625

For further information & directions, contact: 610-777-4147; Cell #610-750-4097

Saturday July 28, 2012 - Schuylkill River Trail/ Historic Douglasville

Approx 5 – 6 miles
This will be a fairly flat hike in the Douglassville area. We begin our hike with a walk to the historic St. Gabriel’s Churchyard where noted colonial settlers William Bird, George Douglass, Andrew Robeson and Marcus Huling are buried. After this, we cross the Schuylkill River Trail to walk through old Douglassville. The Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County owns 4 buildings here. Can you name them? Continuing, we road walk along the Old Philly Pike, the original route from Pottstown to Oley and Reading, viewing a number of older homes. We return via the Schuylkill River Trail.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at the Douglassville/Schuylkill River trailhead

Directions: From Rte. 422 eastbound, after passing Keystone Villa at Morlattan and St. Gabriel’s Church, turn right between the Douglassville Hotel and Lords and Ladies, proceed past these buildings to the trail parking in the rearFor further information & directions, contact: 610-323-1703 

Saturday July 21, 2012 - Berks Community Hiking Club Picnic at Kutztown Park

See all your friends and enjoy a day of hikes, fun and food at the 23rd annual Berks Community Hiking Club picnic. See club flier and contact information in flier for details.

Saturday July 14, 2012 - Weiser and Appalachian Trail Hike

Approx. 5 - 6 miles
This will be a loop hike starting at the Port Clinton Fire Tower, downhill to the Weiser Trail and then east to the Appalachian Trail. A short, northern hike on the A.T. and then back uphill to State Game Lands 106 and completing the loop back to the fire tower. Moderate walking on old road beds. See map of trails at “http://combinedschedules.blogspot.com.” Please call leader if weather is questionable. 


Meeting Place: 10:00 am, Redners Market, Rt. 61 North, Leesport


For further information and directions, contact: 610-913-0284 or cell 610-413-6281 (day of event) 

Saturday July 7,2012 -Kelly's Run /Holtwood Recreation Area & Pinnacle Hike

6+ Moderate to Strenuous miles
This hike will include varied terrain along the trails leading to Kelly’s Run, Conestoga Trail and some roads. Wear clothing that goes along with the weather (it may be hot or raining).


1st Meeting Place: 9:00 am, Ollie’s Parking Lot, Business Rte 222 (Lanc. Ave) & Rt. 724 Shillington
2nd Meeting Place: 10:00 am, Holtwood Dam Rec Area


For further information or directions, contact: 610-589-5575 

March 10,2011 - Lake Ontelaunee

Length: 7 miles

Check out the Lake Ontelaunee area with leader; will shuttle (or not) to parking at Kindt’s Corner parking area. Trail conditions may cause shortening of hike. Any kind of bad weather, including snow on the ground will cancel. If questionable, call leader.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redner’s Market, Rt. 61 N. Leesport

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-488-7176

Saturday March 3, 2012 - Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area

Length: 5+ miles

Leader will lead an afternoon hike and this one will be a variation of his prior Middle Creek hikes, but will be mostly on woodland trails. The snow geese will be migrating at this time of year on their way north, so we should see them near the lake. Hike will be a minimum of 5 miles and wear sturdy boots. A lunch stop is optional afterwards.

Meeting place: 1:30 pm, Middle Creek Wildlife Visitor’s Center

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-589-5575 – call if weather is questionable

Saturday February 25, 2012 - Schuylkill River Trail

Length: 4 miles, easy

The Berks Community Strollers will be joining us for this hike on trails with some road walking. Deep snow cancels. Dress appropriately for the weather. Lunch place will be decided by the group on the day of the hike.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, behind the office building at the intersection of Rt. 345 and Rt. 724 in Birdsboro. We will shuttle to Gibraltar to start the hike

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

February 18,2012 - Flying Hills Circle Hike

Length: 4 to 6 miles (easy, hilly)

Could be a cool, cold, blustery day for a circular hike along hilly rural roads of Cumru Township. Starting at Flying Hills, this hike will be a nice mix of old and new in the country. We will shuttle from the meeting place.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Brentwood parking lot, Rt. 10, Morgantown Road

For more information or further directions, contact: Ellen Konecny - 610-775-2677

Sunday February 12, 2012 - Arts/Park/Concert/Brewworks Part X Meet

We will start with a short walk along the Hassen Creek Nature Trail where we will construct and install a Wood Duck Nest Box. The hike will start at 12:34. Expect it to be “smeary” so bring boots and clean shoes for the concert. At 3:00 we will go to the Allentown Symphony Hall (23 N. 6th Street, Tel #610-432-6715); 10% discount to hikers – mention this. Afterwards we’ll enjoy a brew at the Allentown Brewworks – 812 Hamilton Street (10% food discount with concert ticket). Free parking at the garage deck at 6th and Linden Sts

Meeting place:12:00 noon at the Upper Macungie Park, along Rt.100 just north of Fogelsville.

Directions: to Upper Macungie Park, Rt. 100 N of Fogelsville. Over the hill, right at the light, right at the stop sign on Hassel-dahl Road to the Park.

For more information or further directions, contact: 484-515-8001 or 610-562-8680

February 11, 2012 - Appalachian Trail Port Clinton Fire Tower

Length: 5 to 6 miles

Today’s hike will be a loop hike starting at the Port Clinton Fire Tower, downhill to the Weiser Trail and then east to the Appalachian Trail. Continue on with a short northern hike on the A.T. and then back uphill to State Game Lands #106, completing the loop back to the fire tower.

Meeting place:10:00 am, Redner’s Market, Rt. 61 N. Leesport.

See map at Clyde’s blogsite: http://combinedschedules.blogspot.com

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-913-0284 or Cell 610-413-6281

February 4, 2012 - Riverfront Park

Length: approx. 7 miles

Leader plans on walking from the meeting place to Baer Park and back. This will depend on the weather and trail conditions.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Brentwood parking lot, Rt.10, Morgantown Road

For more information and further directions, contact: 484-529-8682

January 21, 2012 - French Creek State Park

Length: 5.5 miles

Follow the leader as she leads a hike on the green-blazed Lenni Lenape Trail.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, at Scott’s Run Lake in French Creek State Park. Bad Weather Cancels!

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-796-7302

January 28, 2012 - Antietam Lake Hike

Length 5-6 mile loop, moderate to difficult

Clyde will lead the hike from the parking area to Kuechler’s Roost on the new gravity trail, returning on other park trails along the route of the former Gravity Railroad

NOTE: The road at the Antietam Dam was closed at this schedule’s deadline, so drivers should approach via Hill Road.

See map at Clyde’s blogsite: http://combinedschedules.blogspot.com. Please call leader if weather is questionable.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Antietam Lake parking area, off of Angora Road

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-913-0284 or Cell 610-413-6281

Saturday January 14, 2012 - Lenhartsville Loop

Length – 5 miles

Our “traditional” early January hike along the Maiden Creek and country roads in the hills near Lenhartsville. This is an easy road hike with some nice views of the Maiden Creek and the hill country southeast of town. Eat at C.J. Hummel’s afterward.

Meeting place: 1:00 pm in the rear side parking lot of C.J. Hummel’s Restaurant, Rt. 143 in downtown Lenhartsville

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-921-3252 or 610-451-5380 day of the hike; any questions can also be emailed to leader at “ecg8@juno.com”