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.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Saturday July 26, 2014 - Birdsboro Watershed

7 miles

This hike traverses both sides of the scenic Hay Creek, and travels up hills on each side of the creek past both reservoirs in the Birdsboro watershed. Expect hills to reach each reservoir. Bring enough water for the conditions.


Meeting place: 9:00 am, parking area on Hay Creek Road (former Route 82), north of Geigertown, .8

miles north of where Mullen Hollow Rd ends at Hay Creek Road

DIRECTIONS: From the traffic light in Gibraltar at the Turkey Hill, travel east on Route 724 for 1.2 miles. Take the first right turn at the sign for Hillcrest Hall Bingo, cross the railroad tracks, turn left on Old River Road, then almost immediately make a right onto Rock Hollow Road. Drive 2.8 miles on Rock Hollow road, cross Cocalico Road, then drive another 1.1 miles to the first stop sign at Hay Creek road. Turn left and drive .7 miles to the parking area.


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

Friday, June 13, 2014

Saturday July 19, 2014 - Ladew Topiary Gardens, Maryland

Harvey Ladew created 15 thematic garden rooms on 22 acres with over 100 topiaries, including a re-creation of a fox hunt. At your leisure, enjoy a self-guided walk in the gardens with the option of a docent tour of a circa 1747 farmhouse. A lunch menu is available at the café. Tickets can be purchased at the gardens at the following prices:
House, Gardens and Nature Walk – Adults $13; Senior 62+ $11; Gardens and Nature Walk – Adults $10; Senior 62+ $8
Visit website: www.ladewgardens.com for more information


NOTE: RAIN CANCELS


Meeting place: 8:45 am, Ollie’s parking lot, intersection of Business Rts. 222 and 724, Lancaster Avenue in Shillington; 1 1⁄2 hour drive to Ladew 

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

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Saturday July 12, 2014 - Stonehenge Gardens / The Lehigh & New England Rail Trail Tamaqua

3+ miles

We will begin with a visit to Stonehedge Gardens, a free non-profit public garden near Tamaqua Pa, where we can wander through the gardens, gift-shop, and gallery. Then we will hike the rail-trail for about 3 miles into Tamaqua for lunch at the Tamaqua Diner. We will then retrace our steps back to the cars. It may be hot, so bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and money for lunch. More information about the gardens and trail can be found on the internet.


Meeting place: 10:00 am, Redner’s, Rte. 61 in Leesport – We will carpool with as few cars as possible due to the distance and limited parking. Directions to Stonehedge will be provided.


For further information or directions, contact: 610-488-9269; Cell 717-376-5289

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Saturday July 5, 2014 - Tucquan Glen

Approx. 4 miles, moderate to difficult

Enjoy a cool hike along a beautiful stream in a rocky gorge and back, possibly on a different trail. Optional lunch later.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, Ollie’s parking lot, intersection of Business Rts. 222 and 724, Lancaster Avenue in Shillington – Shuttle to area off of River Road near Holtwood Dam

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