Saturday January 18, 2014 - French Creek State Park's Turtle Trail

Approx. 3.6 miles, moderate-strenuous

Come out on a crisp, cold winter day for a short hike to get you off the couch. As per the brochure, the Turtle Trail circles “through the western portion of the park offering a variety of easy hiking mixed with several challenging sections.” Hiking boots and poles recommended. Of course, there will be an optional lunch stop later.

1st Meeting place: 10:00 am, Gibraltar Parking lot off Thun Trail, Rt. 724 & Gibraltar Road 
2nd Meeting place: 10:20 am, Firetower Road Parking lot

For further information or directions, contact: 610-775-2677; Cell – 610-301-7271

Saturday January 11, 2014 - Blue Marsh Winter Hike Revisited

Approx. 5-6 miles

Check out Blue Marsh from a different angle as hikers are lead the way following trails skirting the lake.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, State Hill Boat Ramp 

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-375-3358

Saturday January 4, 2014 - Blue Marsh Winter Loop Hike

Approx.  5 – 6 miles

Work off some of those holiday calories with this mid-winter hike over the hills and through the woods around Blue Marsh with Suzanne.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Church Road Parking Lot 

For further information and directions, contact: 610-488-9269

Wednesday January 1, 2014 - Polar Bear Dip Hike

Approx. 6 miles

Take a 4 mile countryside hike with some hills and views of Myerstown’s parks, cemeteries and
nursing homes 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, Dutch Way Restaurant Rt. 422West before Myerstown. 

Afterwards, the Dutch Way will have pork ‘n sauerkraut on their special buffet, or platters from their menu.

For further information or directions, contact: 610-678-5245

Saturday December 28, 2013 - Angelica Park

Approx. 5 miles

Meet at Angelica Park off of Route 10 for a hike along trails and roads through Grill and Sheerlund Park. Expect hills and it may be muddy in some places. Of course lunch later!

Meeting place: 9:30 am Angelica Park off of Route 10 after the brdige past the Brentwood Trailhead.

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

Saturday December 21, 2013 - Winter Solstice Hike

Approx 4-5 miles

Enjoy a relaxing walk to Hopewell Village to see this historic area decorated for the holiday season. When we return from our walk we will share Holiday Goodies before getting back to the hustle & bustle of preparing our own holiday celebrations!

Meeting place: 1:00 pm West Boat Launch of Hopewell Lake at French Creek State Park
For more information or further directions, contact: 610-286-8913

Saturday December 14, 2013 - Annual Christmas Party & Hike

See club flyer for details of this event.

Saturday December 4, 2013 - Explore the "Underground" in Philly

Approx 5-6 miles

We'll take a train ride to Philadelphia from the Norristown Elm Street Station and traverse the unndergorund concourses of Center City Philadelphia!

We'll go to different portions of it and "pop-up" like prairie dogs in a few places to see the street level. Hopefully no one will play "whack-a-mole" with us when we "pop-up"! Some areas of the concourse are as follows: A little south on Broad St, City Hall (if permitted), Suburban Station, Reading Terminal, The Gallery, Old Lit Brother's, Strawbridge's, 5th & Market near Independence Hall. Since it's Christmas time, we'll probably see decorations in the shopping area. Lunch at the end of the hike will be at the Reading Terminal Market or maybe China Town depending on interest!

Weather: Rain's OK, but will need to decide at the meeting place to go if it's snowing since we will carpool to the train station. 
You will fare for the train ride - Check on-line for current rate on Septa's website for Norristown round trip fare since rates may change. Current rate is $14.00 round trip for CASH tickets. Pre-purchased on-line tickets are cheaper.

Meeting place: Boscov's East parking lot business route 422 East, Exeter Twp

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

Saturday November 23, 2013 - Antietam Lake and Surrounding Roads

Approx 5.5 miles

This hike begins at Antietam Lake, uses some of the park's wooded trails, but is primarily a road hike on country roads in the area. This may be new to some hikers. We will walk near the entry of Antietam Creek to the park area, see some old homes, and learn that there are many hills in the area which are not part of the park system.

Meeting place: 10:00 Angora Road parking lot, next to Antietam Lake

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-323-1703

Saturday November 16, 2013 - Mount Pisgah Plane & Jim Thorpe Hike

Approx 4 miles - Steep & Strenuous! Difficult

This hike is approximately 4 short but steep and strenuous miles, so it's rated difficult. For the adventurous or 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 remains of the original "wagon road" and continue down Packer Hill into town for lunch.After lunch, it's up Broadway onto the former, now abandoned "bus road,  returning to the parking area. Rain will not cancel this hike. - SNOW and ICE will.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at the parking lot at the top of Hill Road in 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 more information or further directions, contact: 610-921-3252 or cell 610-451-5380 on the day of the hike

Saturday Nov 9, 2013 - Merrill Creek Reservoir

Approx 5.5 miles

Join the hike leaders on a trip to Merrill Creek Reservoir, one of many reservoirs which drain into the Delaware River basin in times of drought. We will hike the perimeter trail which is Exactly 5.5 miles long and circles the entire distance around the lake. The trail consists of gravel roads and wooded areas and crosses two dikes and the main dam. This group enjoyed watching bald eagles nesting in the Spring. Please pack a lunch and water; an optional 2.5 mile walk will be offered after the lunch break and will cover the historic area of the park. This will be an ALL DAY hike, so plan accordingly.
Meeting place: 8:30 am, parking lot left of Walmart and behind McDonald’s, Business Rte 222, 5th Street Hwy, Temple
Optional meeting place: 10:00 am, Merrill Creek Visitor Center, 34 Merrill Creek Road, Washington, NJ

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

Saturday November 2, 2013 - French Creek

Approx 6 miles, moderate to difficult

We will hike the Boone Trail which has some steep and rocky hills. Hiking boots are recommended. The loop trail covers most major areas of this park.

Meeting place: 9:30am Hopewell Boat Launch area

For further information & directions, contact: 610-631-0459

Saturday October 26, 2013 - Pinnacle Loop

Approx. 5 miles Moderate to Difficult

We'll start at the Hamburg Reservoir, walking along forest roads, a section of the Appalachian Trail, and returning by the observatory. Expect nice views, weather permitting, and hopefully some pretty fall foliage. There will be hills to climb and rocks galore! Rocksylvania at its best.

Meeting place: 10:00am Hamburg Reservoir parking area at the end of Reservoir Road off old Route 22 east of Hamburg.

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

Saturday October 19, 2013 - Green Lane Reservoir

4-5 miles, moderate

This time the hike will be exploring the other side, which is the older area of the park. Trails will be fairly easy hiking with some hills.

Meeting place: 10:00 am Weis Market in Oley on Route 73. (Contact leader if you want to meet up at the park)

For further information & directions, contact: 484-948-5084

Saturday October 12, 2013 - Horseshoe Trail Fall Hike, the continuing series!

Approx 5.5 miles, moderate

Come join us on our continuing trak thru Berks and Lancaster Counties on the Horseshoe Trail.It's fall and our "Orange as a Pumpkin" attire needs to be worn! Look less like a deer and more like a pumpkin is the motto! The hike will start at the parking lot on Route 222 and Route 272, just EAST of Adamstown ending at Dutch Cousin Campground on Lindenwood Lane. This should be the perfect hiking weather and great timing to see fall colors. Lunch at one of the nearby local eateries for those who wish.

Meeting place: 9:00am the parking lot at intersection of Rte. 222 & Rte. 272, EAST of Adamstown.

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

Saturday October 5, 2013 - Middle Creek

5-6 Miles, easy to moderate

Enjoy some early fall foliage (but no snow geese, sorry!). This hike will be a variation of prior Middle Creek hikes. Traverse on mostly woodland trails with varying levels of difficulty. Bring water & snacks. As usual, an optional lunch stop after the hike.

Meeting place: 10:am at the Middle Creek Wildlife Visitor's Center.

For furhter information & directions, contact: 610-589-5575

Saturday September 28, 2013 - Schuylkill Haven Hike & Boro Days

Approx. 6 miles

We will do about a 6 mile hike around the Boro on trails, through a park, around the Island, and some sidewalks past Willie’s Alma Mater. We can join in the Boro festivities, entertainment, and eat at the food stands if you choose.

1st Meeting place: 9:30 am, parking lot at Blue Marsh, on Church Road off Rt. 183 
2nd Meeting place: 10:00 am, Bubeck Park, off Rt. 443, Schuylkill Haven 

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-678-5245 

Saturday September 21, 2013 - Port Clinton Fire Tower / Appalachian Trail

6 to 7 miles

How about a fall hike in the Blue Mountains? Perhaps some of the leaves will be changing! This is a shuttle hike. We will start at the fire tower and walk to the Gold Spring for a taste of the refreshing “mountain dew” from the ever flowing spring. We will then go south on the AT and stop to see the Panther Spring and end our walk at a hunters parking lot.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redner’s parking lot in Leesport off Rt. 61 North 

for more information and further directions, contact: 610-286-6886 

Saturday September 14, 2013 - Blue Marsh Lake Hike

Approx. 7 miles

Late summer/early fall hike over the hills and through the woods with our leader.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Church Road parking lot off Rt. 183 

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-670-1119 

Saturday September 7, 2013 - Nolde Forest

Approx. 5 miles

Follow the leaders who know the trail at Nolde better than anyone! Bring water and wear sturdy shoes.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, Sawmill parking lot off Rt. 625 

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

Saturday August 31, 2013 - Schuylkill River Trail

Approx 6 to 7 miles

Follow Kay as she leads this hike starting at Angstadt Lane Trailhead behind Hafer Petroleum off Rt. 724. We will hike to Gibraltar and take a quick tour of the Allegheny Aqueduct Historical Park. Our return will be by Old River Road, eventually returning to our starting point by the Schuylkill River Trail. Dress appropriately for the weather and carry water. Part of the trail will be open to the sun while other parts of the trail are shaded.
Meeting place: 10:00 am, Angstadt Lane behind Hafer Petroleum off Rt. 724 near I-176 Morgantown Expressway

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

Saturday August 24, 2013 - The Springs of Summer

Approx 5-6 miles

A moderate to difficult hike, due to stream crossings and steep descents on the Blue Mountain. We will visit Stephanie and Cold Springs via the old Windsor Furnace public road and the A.T. Wet feet are a possibility! Rain may shorten, but does Not cancel the hike! Lunch at C.J. Hummels in Lenhartsville afterward.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, at the Hamburg Reservoir parking area, end of Reservoir Road off old Rt. 22 east of Hamburg

For more information or further directions, contact:  610-921-3252 or cell- 610-451-5380 

Saturday August 17, 2013 - Trexler Nature Preserve

Approx. 5-6 miles

Hike in the preserve will include the Fireman’s Trail and sections of the Border Trail, Buck Run, Teardrop, Elk Viewing and Turkey Ridge Trails. We will see the Jordan Creek, woods, meadows and views of the Preserve, and the Blue Mountain ridge. There will be some hills. Bring a bag lunch for a picnic and for those who prefer restaurant dining, another option is the Schnecksville Diner right outside the Preserve on Rt. 309.

1st Meeting place: 9:00 am, Walmart Supercenter in Temple
2nd Meeting place: 10:00 am, Trexler Nature Preserve Visitor Center, Orchard Rd, Schnecksville PA

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

Saturday August 10, 2013 - BCHC Picnic!!!!!

See your friends and enjoy a day of hikes, fund and food at the 24th annual Berks Community Hiking Club picnic. See the attached flier for details. 

Saturday August 3, 2013 - St Lawrence / Exeter Township

Approx. 6 miles

We begin at the Exeter Community Park in St. Lawrence and hike through St. Lawrence and up the steep hillside to the quarry overlook, giving us an excellent view of sections of Exeter Township. We return through St. Lawrence, cross the Antietam Creek, and circumnavigate the Exeter school complex in Reifton. The hike completes with a walk along Antietam Creek to return to our starting point.

1st Meeting place: 9:00 am, Boscov’s East, Business Rt. 422 East, Exeter Twp.
2nd Meeting place: 9:15 am, Exeter Comm. Park, at the end of Elm St. in St. Lawrence 

For further information and directions, contact: 610-323-1703 

Saturday July 27, 2013 - Shillington Park and Environs

4 to 5 miles

Its always amazing and surprising to see how many trails surround Shillington Park!

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Shillington Park, Rt. 724 next to Mifflin Center Nursing Home 

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

Saturday July 20, 2013 - Mount Penn Loop Hike

Approx. 5 miles

Explore the mountain right here at home as Clyde leads the way!

Meeting place: 9:00 am, William Penn Fire Tower

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

Saturday July 13,2013 - Horseshoe Trail in Brecknock Township

Approx. 4 to 5 moderate miles

Rich continues the exploration of the Horseshoe trail with this mid-summer hike to Witmer Road and possibly to Rt. 568. Bring your clippers to assist with Mark Forster’s trail maintenance as you hike!

Meeting place: 9:00 am, Brecknock Twp Municipal Building, 889 Alleghenyville Road, Mohnton

Directions: The municipal building is approx. 3 miles from New Holland Road/Rt. 625. Take the New Holland Road to the stop sign in Knauers, make a left, then bear right up the hill to another stop sign. Go straight at this stop sign over the hill to the municipal building on your left.


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

Saturday July 6, 2013 - Kelly's Run

6 + miles, May be Challenging!

BCHC has not had a hike here in quite some time, so looking forward to seeing this beautiful area by the Susquehanna River. This trail is rocky and steep in some places, but is a beautiful hike with views of small but picturesque waterfalls. Wear sturdy waterproof boots and bring plenty of water and snacks.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Ollie’s parking lot, intersection of Business Rts. 222 and 724, Lancaster Avenue in Shillington

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

Saturday June 29, 2013 - Birdsboro Watershed

6 to 6.5 miles

If you have hiked in the Birdsboro Watershed, you have probably seen the scenic reservoir. This hike takes place on the other side of Hay Creek. We will see much of the scenic Hay Creek in the watershed area, as we return to it a number of times. We will pass the two water bodies on the west side of Hay Creek, including one adjacent to a wall of an old quarry now used for rock climbing.

1st meeting place: 9:00 am, at the parking area for the Thun Trail in Gibraltar, on Rte. 724 across from the Turkey Hill
2nd Meeting place: 9:20 am, at the parking area across from an old stone house on Hay Creek Rd (the washed out former Rte. 82). From Geigertown, at the intersection of Geigertown Rd and Hay Creek Road, the parking area is about 2.8 miles towards Birdsboro. From the intersection of Hay Creek Road and Mullen Road, the parking area is about 0.8 miles towards Birdsboro on the former Rte. 82 

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-323-1703

Saturday June 22, 2013 - Peter's Mountain on the Appalachian Trail

Approx. 7.3 miles

This is a moderate hike (about 5 hours) starting on ridge top, we will hike the rocky spine of Peters Mountain to the Susquehanna River, taking full advantage of both valley and river views. The trail follows a path through woods and over rocky outcroppings, then descends by a series of switchbacks 750 feet to the river below. Warning: Poison Ivy is in this area in June. It is recommended you wear long pants or gaiters, along with boots and poles. Pack a lunch and don’t forget water. Optional “food” stop after the hike. Rain Cancels.

Meeting place: 7:45 am, Boyer’s Market, intersection of Rte. 422 W and Rte. 419 in Womelsdorf

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-775-2677 or cell - 610-301-7271

Saturday June 15, 2013 - Bear Creek Mountain Resort (near Macungie/Topton)

5+ miles

This will be a moderate hike, and there will be some hills. Each hiker will need to sign a Bear Creek Mountain waiver to participate in this hike. To get an advance copy of the waiver (and save time on day of hike) call or email hike leader.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, at the parking area marked “Shuttle Stop 4” on the right as you enter the resort.

Directions: Take 222 north and make a right onto Long Lane Road at Valentino’s restaurant and Arby’s – 1.1 miles. Go straight on Topton Road, .8 miles; left on Linden Road, 0.9 miles; right on North Park Ave, 0.9 miles; left on State Street, 4.80 miles; right onto Doe Mountain Lane

For more information or further directions, contact: 717-278-4598 or janety@comcast.net

Saturday June 8, 2013 - Chester County's Hibernia Park

Approx 5-6 miles

Group will hike from the mansion at the park office to the Lion Heads Gate followed by a loop on a gravel road past an old cemetery to the Hatfield House. From there we will follow an old RR bed and rocky hillside trail before returning along the Brandywine River to our starting point. Hike duration will be three hours plus followed by an option for lunch after the hike at the Elverson Deli or other ...

Meeting place: 8:30 am, Livingood Park in Elverson for car pooling, park is located south of Rte. 23 on Route 82 south. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meeting time to prepare for a quick departure so we can join others at 9:00 am at the park office

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

Saturday June 1, 2013 - Horseshoe Trail Hike

5.5 miles

Join the crew again for another “walk and talk” along the Horseshoe trail. This time we continue the trek starting at the bus storage lot just past Plow Church on Rte. 10, and ending at the Brecknock Township building. This hike will be mostly in the woods – what a great way to spend a late spring day!

1st meeting place: 9:00 am, Boscov’s East parking lot

2nd meeting place: 9:30 am, at the bus storage lot off Rte 10 (just past Plow Church)

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-223-6952 or “cj1sp@allstate.com”

Saturday May 25, 2013 - Birdsboro Reservoir Hike

Approx 5-6 miles

Group will hike along the old railroad bed on the north side of old Rte. 82, back over Hay Creek to a loop around the reservoir before returning to vehicles parked at the former White Bear Inn. Hike duration will be three hours plus.

Meeting place: 9:15 am, Geigertown Fire Company along old Rte. 82 or meet the group at the start of the hike at the parking area of the former White Bear Inn @ 9:30 am. 

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

Saturday May 18, 2013 - Appalachian Trail

Approx. 5-6 miles

Follow leader for an easy spring walk on the AT. It will be an “in and out” hike; fairly flat but with lots of rocks. The group will visit the Allentown shelter, check out the overlooks and stop at the ice cold spring. A lunch break afterwards is optional

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redner’s Market, Rte 61 N in Leesport to carpool. It is about a 40 minute drive to the trailhead

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

Saturday May 11, 2013 - Laureldale Borough and Muhlenberg Twp

Approx 5-6 miles

This hike will entail various terrains with some hills, and will include road, street, trail and non-trail walking. We will see the newly restored and semi-devastated (due to “Sandy”) Bernhart’s Dam Park. Wear good hiking shoes, carry water and don some orange to alert motorists.

Meeting place:  9:30 am, Dominic Manzella Recreational Park parking lots, above Manorcare, just off Elizabeth Avenue in Laureldale

DIRECTIONS: Traveling north on Rte. 222 (5th St Highway) in Muhlenberg Twp., turn right onto Elizabeth Avenue and follow to a driveway just above the 2100 block up the hill on the left side

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

Saturday May 4, 2013 - Neversink Mountain

Approx 5+ miles

Join us as we hike on Neversink Mountain and hopefully see the beautiful mountain laurel. This 5+ mile hike has some solid hills. Wear good shoes and bring water.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, at Fairview Avenue and 27th Street in Mt Penn. Park on Fairview Avenue.

For further information and directions, contact: 610-777-4223 

Saturday April 27, 2013 - Money Rocks & Welsh Mountain Wildlife Preserve

Approx  5-6 miles

We will be hiking three hours plus on several different short trails, with some steep uphill/downhill sections (bring hiking stick today!)...See map of trails at: http://combinedschedules.blogspot.com. Option for food stop afterwards at Wimpy’s and Dees on Rte. 322, just west of Honey Brook.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, at the Clock Tower Shopping Center in Morgantown (the center with the Goodwill store, not the dollar store), at the southeast corner of Rts. 10 and 23 near the Windmill Restaurant...Please try to arrive ten minutes early so we can leave promptly at 10 am.

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

Saturday April 20, 2013 - Thun Trail Spring Hike

Approx. 5-6 miles

Join the Berks Community Hiking Club on a local excursion. Meander along the Thun section of the Schuylkill River Trail from the Brentwood parking lot to the GoggleWorks and return. Entire trek will be 5-1/2 to 6 miles. Lunch afterward is optional, of course.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Brentwood Parking lot, Rt. 10, Morgantown Road (Rte.10) 

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

Saturday April 13, 2013 - Marsh Creek State Park Glenmoore

Approx. 5 miles

Enjoy an approx. 5 mile hike starting from the boat launch off Reeds Road on the western side of the lake. Depending on trail conditions, we may head toward the dam and explore the trail system below the dam breast. Or, we may cross Marshall Road and hike through the area formerly owned by Mr. Greenfield. Either way, expect some easy hills and be prepared for some wet trail conditions.
1st Meeting place: 9:30 am, Livingood Park in Elverson on Rte. 82 just south of Rte 23 to carpool to the trailhead.
2nd Meeting place: 10:00 am at the parking area for the boat launch.

NOTE: Bathroom facilities are available at both Livingood Park and at the boat launch. If weather is nice, we will “picnic” by the lake after the hike, so bring a sandwich. The hike leader will provide beverages and a light snack.

For further information and directions, contact: 610-286-8913 

Saturday April 6, 2013 - Thun Trail

Approx 6.3 miles

This will be a refreshing hike along the Thun Trail. Come and join us as we search for spring blossoms along the Thun Trail. This is a shuttle hike from Birdsboro to Morlatton in Douglassville.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, behind the brick office building in Birdsboro where Rte. 345 (at the bridge) and Rte. 724 converge.

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

Saturday March 30, 2013 - Horseshoe Trail / Robeson Township Hike

Approx 4.5 miles

Try another in our series of Horseshoe Trail hikes. Take an early spring hike through the southern Berks area of Robeson Township along the Horseshoe trail. Some wooded trails and country roads. Distance is about 4.5 miles ending at Rt. 10 near Plow Church.

Meeting place: 9:00 am Boscov's East Business Rte 422 East, Exeter to carpool to the starting point at Haycreek Rd (Rte 82) and Furnace Road. Limited parking at starting point so shuttling will be required.

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

Saturday March 23, 2013 - Evansburg State Park

5 miles

Hike in quiet Evansburg State Park. This is a 5 mile loop hike along both sides of the Skippack Creek. Boots are recommended as it could be muddy in places.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at picnic pavilion at park

Directions: Take 422 East to Collegeville exit, turn left (North) on Rte 29 until you reach Rifge Pike approx 3 miles. At the "T" intersection, turn right on Ridge Pike, cross the bridge, then bear left and follow Germantown Pike. After approx. 1 mile, then turn left onto Skippakc Creek Road which is the first left turn after the traffic light at Evansburg Road. When Skippack Creek Road becomes May Hall road, continue straight onto May Hall Road to the picnic pavilion.

For further information & directions, contact: 610-631-0459

Saturday March 16, 2013 - Fleetwood Area Country Roads

Approx 5 miles

This will be a loop hike in rural Richmond Township with some hills and will include woods, farmland, and views of the mountains to the north and the valley to the south. We will start and end at the family owned Countryside Farm and Greenhouse. There will be an optional tour of the greenhouse at the end of the hike. Lunch to follow at a local restaurant to be determined by the group.

Meeting place: 10:00 am Countryside Farn & greenhouse, 439 Krause Road, Fleetwood

Directions: From Reading, take Rte 222 North. Shortly after Rte 222 & Rte 662 make a left onto Krause Road (after Richmond Elementary on the right & before the Berkleigh Country Club) Go a short distance after turning onto Krause Road. Greehouse is on right.

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

Saturday March 9, 2013 - Oley Road Hike

Approx 6 miles

We will walk through the scenic Oley countryside, enjoying the farm land and numerous old stone buildings. The climb of a long hill will position us for a return from a ridge that provides a lovely view of the Oley Valley before the hike comes to a close. Snowy or icy roads will cancel.

Meeting place: 10:00 am Weis Market Rte 73 & Friedensburg Road, Oley

For further information & directions, contact: 610-323-1703

Saturday March 2, 2013 - Middle Creek

5 miles

The leader will take hikers on an afternoon trek on the trails of Middle Creek. Be prepared for the (muddy) conditions. Don’t tell the geese we will be coming, last year they left before our arrival. A lunch stop afterwards is optional. Bad weather cancels.

Meeting place: 1:00 pm Middle Creek Visitor's Center

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

Saturday February 23, 2013 - Vinemont Hike

Approx 5-6 miles

Join Doug for a combination of road and trail hike with some hills in the Vinemont area. We will be eating afterwards of course! Deep snow cancels.

Meeting place: 9:30 am Redner's in Sinking Spring Rte 422 West to shuttle to the hike

For further information & directions, contact: 610-750-4097

Saturday February 16, 2013 - French Creek/ Horseshoe Trail

Approx 5-6 miles

We will continue our Horseshoe Trail series of section hikes. This hike starts at the firetower entrance road in French Creek Park, then winds through the surrounding gameland. Come and see the park in the winter with the leaves down. After walking through a variety of terrain we will end at the intersection of a farm lane and Geigertown Road. This is a shuttle hike. Heavy snow cancels. Lunch in Birdsboro will follow for those interested.

Meeting place: 10:00 am parking lot across from the French Creek Visitors Center on Park Road

For further information & directions (weather conditions permitting), contact: 610-286-6886

Saturday February 9, 2013 - Thun Trail

Approx 5 miles

Try the Thun Trail in the winter. The brochure says this hike is 5 miles. Easy hiking from the Brentwood parking lot to Gibralter by Rt. 724. Snow or ice cancels. This will be a shuttle hike.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am, Brentwood parking lot, Rte 10, Morgantown Road

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

Saturday February 2, 2013 - Heart of the Perkiomen Valley

Approx 6.5 - 7 miles

Take a winter walk along the Perkiomen Trail from Green Lane Park, the Snyder Road Trailhead, to Schwenksville borough, ending near Pennypacker Mills. Follow the Perkiomen Creek for about 6.7 miles. Wear footwear appropriate for the conditions. Falling snow, rain, bad roads will cancel. Check with the leader if weather is questionable.

Meeting place:
1st - 9:30 am Weis Market Rte 73 & Friedensburg Rd, Oley
2nd - 10:15 am Snyder Road trailhead, Green Lane Park

For further information & directions, contact: 610-775-2677

Saturday January 26, 2013 - Port Clinton Towpath

Approx 5 miles

Take a 4 to 5 mile hike on the Old Schuylkill Canal Towpath in Port Clinton. This is mostly woodland trail walking with some roads and hills. Hope to see some ice formations on the cliffs. Wear good hiking boots and orange blaze as we will be adjacent to state game-lands and may even enter the area. There is an old cemetery to explore on our descent into the village.

Meeting Place:
1st - 9:30 am Redner's Market Rte 61 North, Leesport
2nd - 10:00 am Port Clinton Playground, at the end of Pine Street

For further directions & more information, contact: 610-929-9694

Saturday January 19, 2013 - Lancaster Central Park

Approx 6 miles

This hike meanders through a wooded area along the beautiful Mill Creek. Walk across a covered bridge, traverse a portion of the Conestoga Trail and view the Lancaster Valley from Indian Rock. This park abounds with history.

Meeting place: 9:30 am Ollie's parking lot, Rte 222 & Rte 724 in Shillington.
A little snow is ok, but ice cancels,

For further information & directions, contact: 610-796-7602

Saturday January 12, 2013 - Thun Trail Winter Hike

Approx 6 miles, weather permitting
An easy walk (if there is no snow) to Baer Park and back. Along the way we will see what remains of the Schuylkill Navigation Company. Special appearance by co-leader George Glass.

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

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