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.

Monday, December 28, 2015

Saturday January 30, 2016 - French Creek State Park


4 to 5 easy miles

This hike will be a loop around Hopewell Lake. We will hike along sections of the Boone and Horseshoe Trails and roads to loop around Hopewell Lake and Hopewell Furnace. Lunch is optional after the hike. 

Meeting place: 10:00 am, West Boat Launch parking lot at Hopewell Lake, off Park Rd
NOTE: Inclement weather cancels this hike 

For more information and further directions contact: 484-467-8976 

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Saturday January 23, 2016 - Pine Swamp / French Creek State Park


5 to 6 moderate miles

Enjoy a winter walk in FCSP. There may be snow blanketing the piney woods. Depending on the weather, the hike will be on back roads and woodland trails in the park and bordering the pine swamp. Lunch after is an option.

Meeting: 10:00 am, the parking lot across from the French Creek State Park Office on Park Road


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

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Saturday January 16 - Monocacy Hill


4.5 to 5 moderate to difficult miles

Reaching the top of Monocacy Hill can be challenging, even in good weather, but if conditions permit we will give it a try! If there is no snow or ice we will reach the top. We plan to hike the Creek Trail and the Rail-bed Trail. Snow or icy road conditions cancel.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Monocacy Hill parking lot on Geiger Road 

For more information or further directions, contact: 508-612-3582 or 610-207-5526 

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Saturday January 9, 2016 - Mount Penn


6 moderate to challenging miles

This loop hike on Mt. Penn begins at the Tower and passes Rotary Park, Kuechler’s Roost (twice), the former Angora Fruit Farm, and the ‘Man Cave.’ Expect a number of significant hills to climb, mostly during the second half of the hike. Snowy or icy roads will cancel this hike.

Meetin place: 10:00 am, at the Tower on Skyline Drive, Mt. Penn 

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

Friday, December 18, 2015

Saturday January 2, 2016 - Schuylkill River Trail Pottstown


4 to 5 moderate miles

Start the New Year with a brisk hike in the Pottstown area. Depending on the weather, we will do an in- and-out hike on the Schuylkill River Trail and perhaps walk through Manatawny Park. Dress warmly, bring drinks and an appetite for lunch later. Inclement weather will cancel.

1 st Meeting place: 9:15 am, Boscov’s East (east end of lot), Bussiness Rte. 422 East
2 nd Meeting place: 10:00 am, Grosstown Road Trailhead of the Schuylkill River Trail 


For information or directions, contact:  610-488-9269 or on day of hike: 717-376-5289 

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Friday January 1, 2016 - 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. 422 West before Myerstown. Afterwards, the Dutch Way will have pork ‘n sauerkraut on their special buffet, or platters from their menu.

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

Monday, November 23, 2015

Saturday December 26, 2015 - Millersville University Lancaster


5 - 6 easy miles

Check out Millersville University which is located in a park-like setting. This hike will be mostly on roads and around the pond area of the University. The students should be home for Christmas break, so we should have the campus to ourselves. Lunch stop could be a newly discovered diner or the Oregon Dairy.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Ollie’s parking lot in Shillington, off Bus. Rt. 222 at the junction of Rt. 222 and Rt. 724

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

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Saturday December 19,2015 - Iron Plantation Christmas


 4 – 5 easy, mostly flat miles

Visit Hopewell Village to share the echoes and catch glimpses of Christmas past. Beware the Belsnickel! Visit Bethesda Church after we leave the village. Enjoy holiday goodies in the parking lot after the hike.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, French Creek State Park Boat Launch area at Hopewell Lake on Park Road

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

Friday, November 13, 2015

Saturday December 12, 2015 - Oley Roads


approx. 5.5 moderate miles

This road hike affords scenic views of Oley farmland and fields. No severe hills as we pass historic sites such as the Reiff and DeTurk Homesteads and the Moravian School area, though nothing remains of it.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at the Weis Market, Rt. 73 and Friedensburg Road in Oley 

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

Monday, November 2, 2015

Friday, October 23, 2015

Saturday November 28, 2015 - Horse Shoe Trail Hike


approx. 6 moderate to strenuous miles

Leader says the trail stays within the woods this time. There are several difficult up-hill climbs along with plenty of great views and easy hiking. The leaves will be gone, and wearing of the orange is needed, so hope for some sun and little wind. Dress warm and bring water and snacks. This is a carpool shuttle hike. The starting point is the parking lot along Kleinfeltersville Road, below the Middle Creek Visitors Center, by the dam breast. Ending point is the Rt. 501 parking lot, just north of where the trail crosses the road.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, parking lot along Kleinfeltersville Road, below the Middle Creek Visitors Center, by the dam breast. 

For further information or directions, contact: 610-909-5018 or “Cj1sp@allstate.com”

Friday, October 16, 2015

Saturday November 21, 2015 - Nolde Forest


approx. 6 moderate miles

Expect some ups and downs (hills) in a beautiful forest setting.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Sawmill parking lot off Rt. 625, 2 miles south of Rt. 724 

For further information or directions, contact: 484-824-2740 

Monday, October 12, 2015

Saturday November 14, 2015 - Lenhartsville Loop


approx. 5 easy miles

Enjoy our “traditional” January hike, this season in November, 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 Lenhartsville. We will pass the remains of the Maiden Creek iron furnace as well. Eat at CJ Hummel’s afterward.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, rear of the side parking lot of CJ Hummel’s Restaurant, Rt. 143 in downtown Lenhartsville

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

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Saturday November 7, 2015 - Mt. Gretna / Lebanon Valley Rail Trail


5-7 moderate miles

Randy says to carry water and snacks to explore the Mt. Gretna area via the Lebanon Rails to Trails. We’ll lunch later at the Hide-Away Restaurant for those wishing to dine.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Mt. Gretna Theatre parking lot

Directions: From the south use the turnpike or take Rt. 322 to Rt. 72 then go north on Rt. 117, at the end of the ramp go left for 2+ miles, parking on the left. From the east, take Rt. 419 to the Cornwall area and pick up Rt. 117 


For further information or directions, contact: 610-273-9160 or “ranvon1@yahoo.com” with questions 

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Saturday October 31, 2015 - Birdsboro Watershed


approx. 5 mostly flat miles – wear orange!

Walk along beautiful Hay Creek and enjoy the fall foliage. We will walk to the climbing wall where you can be treated to views of climbers of all ages scaling the almost vertical cliffs using only crampons and ropes. Don’t be tricked into thinking this is easy – it’s not! Return to the cars for a Halloween treat. Lot is small, please carpool.

1st Meeting place: 9:30 am, Livingood Park, Rt. 82, Elverson

2nd Meeting place: 10:00 am, parking lot across from the former White Bear Inn on Hay Creek Road

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

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Saturday October 24, 2015 - French Creek State Park Boone Trail


6 moderate miles

It’s easy to get lost in this area, but not if you follow our leader on the blue-blazed and other trails. Includes some rocky terrain.
Meeting place: 9:30 am, West Boat Launch at Hopewell Lake 

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

Monday, September 28, 2015

Saturday October 17, 2015 - Rausch Gap


approx. 7 moderate to difficult miles

Pack a lunch then carpool to Gold Mine Road. Follow our leader as he hikes over the mountain to Rausch Gap, then enjoy your lunch by the Rausch Stream. We will return to our cars via a rail to trail. Late lunch or early dinner is an option after the hike.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, Church Road parking lot by Blue Marsh off Rt. 183 NOTE: Heavy Rain Cancels!!

For more information and further directions, contact: 860-861-5681 

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Saturday October 10, 2015 - Hawk Mountain / Appalachian Trail


5 - 6 moderate miles

Early fall colors may be evident for this shuttle hike from Hawk Mt. Road to the beautiful Panther Spring. There will be some hills and rocks. We will follow the AT and a woods road before arriving at a hunter’s parking lot. Lunch will be an option after the hike.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, Redner’s parking lot, Rt. 61, Leesport to shuttle cars 

For further information and directions, contact: 610-286-6886 

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Saturday October 3, 2015 - Monocacy Hill Hike


4-5 strenuous difficult terrain

Enjoy the early fall in this lovely preserve. We can’t miss a climb to the lookout for a beautiful view in any kind of weather. We will also hike around some of the other wooded trails.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Monocacy parking lot on Geiger Road 

For further information and directions, contact: 508-612-3582 or610-207-5526 

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Saturday September 26, 2015 - Memorial Hike

Scheduled hike as memorial to former active member. Attendance by members and invited guests only to celebrate her life and interaction with us. Please see club flyer for details of hike location and time.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Saturday September 19, 2015 - Bartram Trail


6 miles

Walk from the parking lot up to the pole with the #3 on it. Turn around, walk back to car. Drive to the Cracker Barrel Restaurant. Eat either the Mac n’ Cheese or the meatloaf; not chicken livers!

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Bartram Trail parking lot, end of Kernsville Dam Road off of Industrial Drive in Hamburg

For more information or further directions, contact: SWEEP (Leader)Jerry 610-777-0667 

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Saturday September 12, 2015 - Union Canal Towpath


5 - 6 miles

Easy walking along the Tulpehocken Creek to Stonecliffe Recreation area. We will access the trail at the Stilling Basin parking lot, which is the newly extended Union Canal Trail at Blue Marsh. Dress appropriately for the weather.


Meeting place: 9:30 am, Stonecliffe Recreation Area for shuttle to Stilling Basin, which has limited parking
GPS ADDRESS: 170 Columbia Avenue, Reading, PA.


For more information and further directions, contact: Take Rt. 183 North (Schuylkill Ave.) from Reading, after crossing the Schuylkill River in Glenside, turn left onto Blair Avenue. Follow to end and then turn right, continuing onto Stonecliffe Recreation Area

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

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Saturday September 5, 2015 - Middle Creek Wildlife Center


Approx. 5 miles

Avoid the Labor Day Weekend crowds by hiking some of the sanctuary trails in the company of friends. Expect some hills and rocks, along with overlooks of the lake.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Middle Creek Visitor Center parking lot 

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-777-3569 

Friday, July 31, 2015

Saturday August 29, 2015 - Springton Manor


4 – 5 miles

Springton Manor is an historic farm and national historic district located in Wallace Township, Chester County. This charming place has varying terrain, streams, fields and a farm to tour after the hike.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Morgantown Clock Tower parking lot, near the ramp off of Rte. 176, Exit to Rte. 23

For more information or further directions, contact: 484-948-5084 

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Saturday August 22, 2015 - Annual Club Picnic!


BERKS COMMUNITY HIKING CLUB PICNIC

See your friends and enjoy a day of hiking, fun and food at the Annual Berks Community Hiking Club picnic, held again at Exeter’s Community Park. Reservations required, see attached flyer for details. 

Sunday August 16, 2015 - Intel's Pennside Drive-In Ice Cream Hike


It’s been awhile since we had an ice cream hike; something different for the end of summer. We will meet here then take a leisurely walk around the Pennside area to enjoy Carsonia Park and the interesting homes and gardens in this area.

Meeting place: 4:00 pm, Intel’s Pennside Drive In, 916 Carsonia Avenue, Stony Creek, Pennside

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-914-1357 or 610-823-9023 

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Saturday August 15, 2015 - Exeter River Trail to Neversink Mountain


miles not listed

Enjoy a late summer hike as Randy leads the way along the Exeter River Trail. Heavy Rain Cancels!

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Exeter River Trailhead, Gibralter Road 

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-273-9160 

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Saturday August 8, 2015 - Springs of Summer


Approx. 5 moderate to difficult miles

This will be 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 – Eckville public road and the Appalachian Trail. Wet feet are a possibility! Rain may shorten, but not cancel this hike. Lunch to follow at C.J. Hummel’s.


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

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

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Saturday August 1 - Audubon Vally Forge


Approx. 8 miles

We will start from the parking lot at the Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary and follow the trail to Pawlings Road. Then we will cross over into Valley Forge Park and find our way to the River Trail. At the Betzwood picnic area, we will access the Schuylkill River Trail to return. The terrain is fairly flat, but it may be a hot day, so be prepared. After the hike, there are a number of options including visiting the Audubon Mansion and lunch, of course! Bring your bike to ride on a nearby trail later if you wish.

First meeting place: 9:00 am, Boscov’s East (east end of lot), Business Rte 422, Exeter Twp.

Second meeting place: 10:00 am, Audubon Sanctuary parking lot


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

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Saturday July 25, 2015 - French Creek State Park


5 - 6 miles

Hike with our Mary as she explores the trails within French Creek State Park. This hike is mostly on various woodland trails in French Creek State Park, as well as the historic area of Hopewell Furnace. Optional lunch stop afterwards.


Meeting place: 9:30 am, Hopewell Visitor Center, off of Rt. 345


For more information and further directions, contact: 508-612-3582 

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Saturday July 18 - Hopewell Furnace National Park


5 - 6 miles

Follow our Leader for this mid-summer hike in the Hopewell Furnace National Park. This hike will be on various woodland trails. Optional Lunch stop afterwards. Heavy rain cancels.


Meeting place: 9:30 am, Hopewell Visitor Center off of Rt. 345

For more information or further directions, contact:  860-861-5681 

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Saturday July 11, 2015 - The Highpoint of Berks County


 5 – 5.5 miles

Diane is leading this hike to get ‘high’ by taking us to the highpoint of Berks County. No, not the pinnacle, this is the true highpoint of Berks County. This hike will be along woodland trails with some rocks. Sign the logbook proving you are a “high-pointer!” Wear sturdy hiking boots, carry water and snacks as well as sunscreen and insect repellant. Optional lunch later at the famous Haag’s Hotel in Shartlesville.


Meeting place: 9:30 am, Parking lot off of Rte. 183 on the right, 2.8 miles from I-78

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-488-0231Th 

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Saturday July 4, 2015 - Warwick Park Chester County


5 - 6 miles

This will be a round trip loop walk with some elevation, rocks and maybe one or two stream crossings on stepping stones – weather and water level permitting. The focus will be on lesser known and walked trails in Warwick Park. There will also be shorter, easier, early exit options as well. Lunch afterwards at the Bakery in St. Peters Village

Meeting place: 9:30 am, at the main entrance on Park Road, off Rt. 23 in Knauertown, 191 County Park Road, Pottstown, park in the large parking lot near the new park office and modern rest rooms

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-310-9942 (often no reception in the park) 

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Saturday June 27, 2015 - Green Lane Reservoir


4-5 miles

A pleasant trail along the water with varying terrain and a few moderate hills (No swimming).

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Weis Market in Oley on Rt. 73 to carpool; Please call leader if you plan on meeting at the park

For more information or further directions, contact: 484-948-5084 

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Saturday June 20, 2015 - Ephrata Ice Cream Hike


5-6 miles on country roads

Let’s do something different! How about a walk around the historic town of Ephrata? We will see the Ephrata Cloister and the Eicher Indian Museum, then walk along Cocalico Creek.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Grater Memorial Park on the west end of Ephrata 

Directions: Take 222 South, 322 West, then turn left onto Fulton Avenue and then onto Cocalico Street by the Ephrata Business Center. Look for signs to the Grater Memorial Park and the Ephrata Playhouse parking lot

For more information or further directions, contact: 484-824-2740 

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Saturday June 13, 2015 - Kernsville Dam


5 + miles on trails and roads

This hike will be mostly a woods walk along the Schuylkill River. This area was part of the project to clean up the river after years of contamination from the mines in northern Pennsylvania.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, at the lower Schuylkill River parking lot off of Rt. 61, beyond the Cracker Barrel Restaurant

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

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Saturday June 6, 2015 - Neversink Mountain


6-7 miles

The Mountain Laurel may be in bloom for us to view and enjoy at this time. This hike covers sections of Neversink Mountain where the Mountain Laurel are plentiful. As always, Neversink has lots of rocks and some steep hills, but the view of Reading and the river are always worth the work.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, at the pond of the Forest Hills Cemetery 

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

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Saturday May 30, 2015 - Historic Poole Forge



5-7 casual miles

This relaxing road walk will start and finish at Poole Forge park, off of Rt. 23, Churchtown and amble along quiet country roads through Amish farm land. We will likely see farmers “working” their fields. If we are in luck, a resident historian will brief us on the history of the area and the various sites along the way. The actual hike distance will be determined by group preference. Lunch after the walk is an option. Rain Cancels!
Meeting place: 10:00 am, Poole Forge Park on Rt. 23, look for the parking area adjacent to the covered bridge
Directions (1): From Rt. 625 South, turn east onto Rt. 23 then continue 2.5 miles and turn right (across from Landis Computer) into Poole Forge Park

Directions (2): From Rt. 176 South, turn west onto Rt. 23 then continue 4.5 miles and turn left (Landis Computer will be on your right) into Poole Forge Park 

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-322-9670 

Monday, April 20, 2015

Saturday May 23, 2015 - Leaser Lake


5-6 miles, mostly on trails

We will hike around the lake on various trails. This area is mostly flat, passing through woods and fields. There are good views of the Blue Mountains to the north.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redner’s Market, Leesport off of Rt. 61 North

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

Friday, April 17, 2015

Saturday May 16, 2015 - Monocacy Hill


approx. 5-6 strenuous/difficult miles

This hike on the way to the top of Monocacy Hill is difficult, but the view is worth the effort! We can be sure the ice will be gone and maybe the leaves will not be in full bloom to interfere with the view. We will also plan to hike the Rail-bed Trail and Creek Trail before heading out to lunch in the area, for those interested.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Monocacy Hill parking lot on Geiger Road

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-385-6862 or 484-797-4234 (cell) 

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Saturday May 9, 2015 - Pinnacle Hike


approx. 7 moderate to strenuous miles

This is always a hike with lots of up-hills and some rock leading to this famous Appalachian Trail landmark. The hike will go from the east side of the reservoir, to the Pinnacle on connecting trails. After a break, we will pick up the AT and head back down the mountain. Hiking poles and good shoes are recommended. Lunch after is always an option.

First meeting place: 9:30 am, Redner’s Market Rt. 61 N in Leesport

Second meeting place: 10:00 am, Hamburg Reservoir parking lot


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

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Saturday May 2, 2015 - Middlecreek Wildlife Center


5-6 miles

Check out this beautiful wildlife sanctuary to see if some Canada geese are still around! The hike will be on the Horse-Shoe Trail, the park’s trails and roads. We will view the lake from some of the many overlooks and stop at the Visitor’s Center.

Meeting place 9:30 am, Middle Creek Visitor’s Center parking lot

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

Friday, April 3, 2015

Saturday April 25, 2015 - Horse-Shoe Trail Hike



6-7 miles

Another hike along the Horseshoe Trail. Starting point is the parking lot on Rt. 501 just south of the Boy Scout camp Mack, at the corner of Rt. 501 and Lake Drive. Start time for the hike is 9:30 am. Please arrive at 9:00 am so vehicles can be moved to the other end of the trail. This hike will be a good way to greet an early spring weekend!

Meeting place: 9:00 am, at the HST parking lot off of Rt. 501 just north of Rt. 322; just south of the Boy Scout Camp Mack, at the corner of Rt. 501 and Lake Drive.

For directions or more information, contact: 610-909-5018 
or email: cj1sp@allstate.com 

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Saturday April 18, 2015 - Baptism Creek Natural Area


5-6 miles

The wildflowers should be in full bloom in this secluded natural area. The hike will be on woodland trails beside some ever flowing rock-filled streams. Expect some hills and rocks. For those interested, there will be lunch following at a nearby restaurant. 

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Hopewell Visitor Center off of Rt. 345

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

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Saturday April 11, 2015 - French Creek State Park


6-7 miles

Visit our own FCSP for a spring hike on the Turtle Trail. The leaves may be starting to bud! There are lots of rock and some hills, but you will be in good company and will not notice them much. Lunch later for those interested.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, parking lot on the west end of Hopewell lake in FCSP 

For directions or more information, contact: 610-603-9461 

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Saturday April 4, 2015 - Nolde Forest Environmental Center


5-6 miles
Join our two leaders for a spring hike in Nolde State Forest. The hike will be on some roads and trails. There will be moderate hills. Lunch later is an option.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Saw Mill parking lot off of Rt. 625, 2 miles south of Rt. 724

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

Friday, February 27, 2015

Saturday March 28, 2015 - Angelica Park and Thun Trail


Approx 6 miles

Hike with Mark along the Thun Trail that now connects to the former Angelica Park. You can then enjoy
the natural habitat of Angelica Park and reminisce about the days when there used to be a lake and paddle boats.
MEET: 10:00 am, Ken-Grill Pool parking lot, 730 High Blvd, Kenhorst DIRECTIONS: New Holland Rd / Rt. 625, left onto High Blvd to pool on right LEADER: Mark Forster – 610-373-6730 

Friday, February 20, 2015

Saturday March 21, 2015 - Horse Shoe Trail Hike


Approx 6 moderate miles

Rich says the trail stays within the woods this time. There are several hard up-hill climbs along with plenty of great views and easy hiking. The leaves will not be back yet, so hope for some sun and little wind. Dress warm and bring water and snacks. This is a car-pool shuttle hike. Starting point is the parking lot along Kleinfeltersville Road below Middle Creek’s Visitors Center, by the dam breast. Ending point is Rt. 501 parking lot, just north of where the trail crosses the road.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, parking lot along Kleinfeltersville Road, below Middle Creek’s Visitors Center, by the dam breast.

For further information and directions, contact: 610-909-5018; email: Cj1sp@allstate.com 

Friday, February 13, 2015

Saturday March 14, 2015 - French Creek State Park




5-6 moderate miles

Come out for a late winter hike. We will take the Horse-shoe Trail and other paths in this park. The hike will take us through the Pine Swamp and if we are lucky, we will be able to hear the frogs and salamanders awakening from the winter sleep and calling for a mate, but there is no guarantee!! Perhaps we will also see the first Skunk Cabbage in the snow! Lunch after the hike is an option.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at the parking lot across from FCSP office on Park Road 

For further information and directions, contact: 610-286-6886

Friday, February 6, 2015

Saturday March 7, 2015 - Middle Creek Hike



4-5 miles

Hike the annual sojourn with Mark to see this amazing natural habitat. Let’s hope the snow is gone, while the Geese are still hanging around!

Meeting place: 1:00 pm, Middle Creek Visitors Center, 100 Museum Road, Stevens PA 

Directions: Take Rt. 272 South, then right onto Rt. 897 North for 14 miles into The Village of Kleinfeltersville. In Kleinfeltersville, take the first left after the stop sign (Hopeland Road). The visitor’s center will be on the right about 2 miles down Hopeland Road.

For further information and directions, contact: 610-589-5575; Cell – 484-794-3365

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Saturday February 28, 2015 - Coventry Woods


5.5 moderate to strenuous miles

Enjoy a late winter hike in this beautiful North Coventry Township park. Expect some hills to keep warm. We finish on the expanded Love Valley Trail. Wonder what happens here??? Snow will cancel.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, main lot at Coventry Woods

DIRECTIONS (1): Take Rt. 724 east from Birdsboro. About three quarters of a mile past River Bridge Road (the road/bridge leading to Douglassville), turn right onto Unionville Rd. All Type Fence is located at this intersection. Follow Unionville Road 2.1 miles past Temple Church and Shenkel Church. Turn right at St. Peter’s Road, then after about half a mile, turn left into Coventry Woods (Fernbrook Lane is to the right). Parking is just over the crest of the hill.


DIRECTIONS (2): From Rt. 23, take St. Peters Road through St. Peter’s Village and continue for about 4 more miles on St. Peter’s Road. When you see Fernbrook Lane to the left, turn right into Coventry Woods.


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

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Saturday February 21, 2015 - Port Clinton Tow Path


4-5 miles

Hike on the old Schuylkill Canal Towpath in Port Clinton. This is mostly woodland trail walking with some roads and hills. We hope to see some ice formations on the cliffs. Wear good hiking boots and orange blaze, since we will be adjacent to State game-lands. There is an old cemetery to explore on our descent back to the village. A lunch stop later is an option!

1st Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redner’s Market, Leesport off of Rt. 61 North 
2nd Meeting place: 10:00 am, Port Clinton playground area off Broad Street 

For further information and directions, contact: 610-929-9694 

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Saturday February 14, 2015 - Schuylkill River Trail To Landingville


6 moderate miles

We will circle the marsh, the home of 211 species of birds and an active beaver dam, then return to our starting point. A restaurant stop after the hike is an option, for those interested.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redner’s Market, Leesport off of Rt. 61 North 

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

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Saturday February 7, 2015 - Hillington Park and Vicinity


Approx. 5 moderate miles

Doug really knows the trails in this area and it is always amazing to see what part of Shillington these trails lead to!

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Shillington Park, Rt. 724 / Philadelphia Ave next to Mifflin Center Nursing home

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