Saturday January 20, 2018 - Explore Pike Township

5.5 moderate miles

Ever wonder why the Oley Hills and Hill Church got their names? There may be a clue on this 5.5 mile road hike. It starts in District Township, but most of it is in Pike Township. Many of the roads through wooded settings are unpaved. The historic Hill Church is at the mid-point. Snow or ice are more likely here and will cancel this hike.

1st MEET: 9:30 am, Weis Market, Rt. 73 and Friedensburg Road, Oley; there
will be a 10 mile drive to the starting point.

GPS: 4010 Friedensburg Road, Oley

2nd MEET: 10:00 am, District Twp Park at Landis Store & Weil Roads, Boyertown 

GPS: 202 Weil Road – this may be 1/10th mile from the park

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

Saturday January 13, 2018 - Tour of Columbia, PA

4 to 6 easy miles


There is much to see in Columbia PA as Mark leads the way mostly on city streets where we will walk past the Watch & Clock Museum and the Turkey Hill Experience. The hike is planned for 4 miles with and extra 2 miles if the group decides to cross the Wrightsville Bridge. Lunch later at the Oregon Dairy. 



Meeting place: 9:00 am, Ollie’s parking lot, Lancaster Avenue & Rt. 724, Shillington 

GPS: 2251 Lancaster Pike, Shillington


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

Saturday January 6, 2018 - Lenhartsville Loop

Approx. 5 easy miles


Our “traditional” 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 south of town. We will pass the remains of the 19th century Maiden Creek Iron Furnace as well. Lunch afterwards at C.J. Hummel’s restaurant. 

GPS: 28 Willow Street, Lenhartsville 19543



Meeting place: 10:00 am, in the rear of the 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 on the day of the hike 

NOTE: Hike was CANCELLED due to extreme cold conditions on January 3, 2018.

Monday January 1, 2018 - Polar Bear Dip

Approx. 4 to 5 easy miles


Start the New Year by joining in on this yearly plunge. Beginning at the Christ Lutheran Church in Stouchburg, we will hike on country roads to the “dip” which starts at noon. Bring your swim suit and dry clothes if you are brave/crazy enough to go for it! We will follow another tradition upon our return and go for pork ‘n sauerkraut. Dress for the weather. Donations accepted at the dip to benefit charity.


Meeting place: 10:15 am, at the Christ Lutheran Church, 422 West in Stouchsburg 

Directions: 422 West past Stouchburg, turn left to church parking lot near the grove. GPS is 27 Longs Church Lane, Womelsdorf.

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

Saturday December 30, 2017 - Douglass and West Pottsgrove Townships

6 moderate miles 

We will hike through the neighborhoods of Douglass and West Pottsgrove Townships and have an opportunity to observe the various styles of residential architecture. The terrain in quite hilly, so expect a lot of ups and downs along with a nice view of the tri-county region from the top of a hill. Lunch later is an option.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, eastern end of parking lot at Dollar General in Stowe 
GPS: 1620 West High Street, Pottstown

NOTE: Inclement weather cancels hike

For more information or further directions, contact: 484-467-8976

Saturday December 23, 2017 - French Creek State Park

Approx. 4 moderate miles

Our hike leader will lead a hike following the Boone and Horseshoe Trails to Hopewell Village and then continue through the village to Rt. 345 where we will turn around and head back on the Horseshoe Trail. Christmas treats will be served at the end of the hike and lunch later is an option. Rain, steady snowfall or icy conditions will cancel this hike.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, West Boat Launch by Hopewell Lake (near 843 Park Rd Elverson)

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-286-8913 

Saturday December 16, 2017 - Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt

We will start with a short walking tour of Bethlehem’s historic district and then visit Bethlehem’s holiday market of handmade crafts (open 11am to 8pm), followed by a casual dinner at a select restaurant. We’ll enjoy live holiday demonstrations and food. There are free trolley stops as well. 

Entrance fee: Adults 13+ = $9; Senior 65+ = $8 and children 6 to 12 = $5.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, at the parking lot off of Bus Rt. 222, 5th Street Hwy in Temple, to the left of Walmart, behind McDonalds (5372 Allentown Pike)

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

Saturday December 9, 2017 - Muhlenberg and Laureldale Hike

4 to 5 easy miles

Join leader on this easy winter hike, short and sweet, on the rail-trail and various streets. Lunch later is optional, of course!

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Muhlenberg rail-trail trailhead parking lot off of Mt. Laurel Road in Temple

Directions: Travel north on Kutztown Road (4900 block) and turn right on Mt. Laurel Road. Go one block to the trailhead parking lot on the right side. 

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-929-9694 or 610-406-1366 on day of hike. 

Saturday December 2, 2017 - Annual BCHC Christmas Party!

See club flyer for details!

Saturday November 25, 2017 - Mt Pisgah Plane and Jim Thorpe Hike

4 + difficult miles

It’s time again for our occasional insanity hike! For the adventurous, or just plain foolish, we will climb the 2,322 foot, 29 degree 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 U.S.A. We will see a spectacular view at the top, the original “Wagon Road” and continue down Packer Hill into town for lunch at Antonio’s Restaurant. After lunch we will hike up Broadway and onto the former, now abandoned “Bus Road,” returning to the parking area. Rain does not cancel this hike, but snow or ice will.

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

Directions: From Rt. 209 in downtown Jim Thorpe, turn west onto Broadway, then make the first right onto Hill Road, next to the Mauch Chunk Opera House (14 W. Broadway) and proceed to parking area at top of hill. 

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

Saturday November 18, 2017 - Nolde Forest Hike

6 difficult miles

Get some exercise in before that big dinner on Thanksgiving day! Mark will be leading us on various trails in this man-made forest.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, at the Sawmill parking lot, Rt. 625 
GPS: 2910 New Holland Road

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

Saturday November 11, 2017 - Veterans' Day Walk with the Veterans

6 easy miles

We will hike “walk” 6 miles with the veterans. Join them and many others for this walk from Wernersville to Womelsdorf. We will start the day with a military service at the Wernersville Fire Company. We will then walk along Rt. 422 with police escort and stop at the Robesonia Memorial for a brief service. We will also stop in Robesonia at the fire company for snacks and restroom break, then continue to Womelsdorf for a final service. A bus and other cars will be available along the route if you can no longer walk. After the walk, a free lunch is available at Johnny and Hons Tavern and possibly at the Womelsdorf VFW. A bus will be at the end to take us back to our cars. If you choose to have your car at the end, go earlier (about 8:30 am) to the Womelsdorf VFW and take the bus to the beginning.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, for start of the service at the Wernersville Fire Co., 1 block off of Rt. 422, on Stitzer Avenue

Directions: Go west on 422 to Wernersville. At Penn Werner Hotel, turn right onto Stitzer Ave and park at fire co. (restroom inside back door).

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

Saturday November 4, 2017 - Warwick County Park / Mt Pleasant Rd.

5-6 moderate miles

This is a circle walk in the county park. We will walk on woodland trails with a short part on back roads in this historic iron-producing area. The trails pass several charcoal pits, and cross French Creek. The wildflower meadows should be in fall bloom. Lunch after the hike is an option.

Meeting place: 10:00 am at the Clock Tower parking lot in Morgantown off Route 10 (behind Burger King, 2850 Main Street). Those who plan to drive directly to the park, please contact the hike leader ahead of time.

For more information or further directions, contact: 484-252-9493 

Saturday October 28, 2017 - Monacacy Hill Hike

4 to 6 moderate to challenging miles

Enjoy the fall in this lovely preserve. We will climb the hill this time to enjoy the view. We will then loop around on various trails to enjoy the scenery.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Monocacy Hill parking lot on Geiger Road 
GPS: Monocacy Hill Recreation Area, Birdsboro

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

Saturday October 21, 2017 - Robesonia Furnace and Watershed Hike

4 to 6 moderate miles 

Follow leader and check out this area that is rich in history. Robesonia Furnace is where two ironmasters, George Ege and Henry Robeson created two very different chapters in Robesonia Furnace’s history. In 1794 Ege built a charcoal furnace, which became the heart of his iron plantation. In 1845 Robeson acquired the plantation and replaced the furnace with a hot blast anthracite furnace capable of making fifty tons of iron a week, much more than the earlier charcoal furnace. Due to limited parking at the trail head, we will shuttle from the middle school. Optional lunch later, possibly at Osgoods.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Conrad Weiser Middle School, Rt. 422
GPS: 347 Penn Avenue, Robesonia

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-589-5575 or Cell: 610-507-5600 

Saturday October 14, 2017 - Merrill Creek Reservoir

6 moderate miles

Something different! Located in central Warren County, New Jersey, Merrill Creek Reservoir is a 650 acre artificial lake that is surrounded by 290 acres of protected woodland and fields. Optional lunch later at Quaker Steak.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Merrill Creek Reservoir Visitor Center Parking Lot 

Directions:

• Take I-78E to NJ Exit 3. Turn left and go 1.1 miles to 3rd traffic light then make a right onto Uniontown Road. 
• Go 1.5 miles and turn right onto Rt. 57 (just after tunnel). 
• Go 3 miles and turn left onto Montana Rd. across from Hunters Tavern. 
• Go 2 mile and turn left onto Richline Road (at top of hill). 
• Go .2 miles and turn left on Merrill Creek Rd. Go another .2 mile and turn right towards the Visitor Center parking lot. 
• Do not go to the boat launch area. 
• GPS: 34 Merrill Creek Road, Washington, NJ 07882

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-427-1022 

Saturday October 7, 2017 - French Creek State Park

Approx. 6 moderate miles

Follow the leader as she leads this early autumn hike on the green blazed, Lenni Lenape trail. This trail is rocky and hilly, although some say it is the easiest trail in French Creek State Park. Use of tick spray is recommended for this hike. Rain cancels the hike.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, at the Shed Road parking lot.

Directions: 422 East then south on 345 thru Birdsboro to Shed Road. 

For more information or further directions: 610-603-9461 

Saturday September 30, 2017 - Bloody Springs Commemoration Hike & Lunch

4 to 5 moderate miles

We will hike along country roads and observe the monument commemorating the Bloody Springs Massacre. 

Afterwards we will have lunch at the leader's house. Please bring a covered dish and lawn chairs; meat, drinks, and paper goods will be provided. RSVP by 9/23 to leader (610-301-8876). Hike will be held rain or shine.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Rte 183 N. turn right on Bloody Sp Rd (about 0.5 mi after I-78) 

GPS: 758 Bloody Spring Road, Bethel 19507

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-301-8876 

Saturday September 23, 2017 - Appalachian Trail / Side Trails

6 to 7 moderate miles
Come on out for a moderate early fall hike on the Blue Mountains near Shartlesville. The leaves may be starting to color. This is a circle hike with some possible good views of the valley below. There will be some ups and downs and some rocks. Lunch after the hike is an option.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, parking lot on Old Church Road. off Rt. 183 near Burnsville 

Directions: North on Rte 183. Left on Old Church Road (5.5 miles from 222). Parking lot is one-tenth mile from 183 on left.

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-286-6886 or Cell 484-252-9493 

Note: There is a 9/23/17 Deadline for RSVP for 9/30/17 Bloody Springs Hike with covered dish lunch. See contact information for RSVP on that hike description.

Saturday September 16, 2017 - Valley Forge Hike

4 to 6 moderate miles

Join us as we walk on the Schuylkill River Trail starting in Valley Forge. This will be a shuttle hike.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, Boscov’s East, Bsns Rt. 422 East, Exeter (east end of lot) 

GPS: 4500 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading 19606

For more information or further directions, contact:  610-698-0504 

Saturday September 9, 2017 - French Creek State Park

Approx.6 moderate miles

Enjoy seeing Hopewell Lake, as we hike the Boone Trail (blue blazes) almost all the way around the lake, into the woods near the campground and past some of the organized and Boy Scout campgrounds (bathroom break here). We will then hike up a big hill into more woods and return to the cars.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, west boat launch of Hopewell Lake, near the restrooms 

GPS: 1450 Park Road, Elverson 19520

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

Saturday September 2, 2017 - Middle Creek Hike

6 to 7 moderate miles

We will be following the tour road, so the first few miles will be in the sun. The second half will be on shaded, unpaved road.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area Visitors Center 

Directions: from Rt. 272 South in Adamstown, take 897N for 14 miles into the village of Kleinfeltersville, take the first left after the stop sign onto Hopeland Road then drive 2 miles to the Middle Creek Visitors Center

GPS: 100 Museum Road, Newmanstown 17073 / 40.270574, -76.247842 

for more information or further directions: 717-949-2056 

Saturday August 26, 2017 - Green Lane Reservoir

4 to 5 moderate miles

This time we will explore the other side of Green Lane, which is an older area of the park. Expect fairly easy hiking, with some hills.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Weis Market in Oley, Rt. 73 and Friedensburg Road 

GPS ADDRESS: 61 Kings Plaza, Oley 19547

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

Saturday August 19, 2017 - Mt Gretna Outdoor Art Show

8+ moderate to difficult miles 

Something different! For anyone who wants to check out this very popular art and craft show, we can hike there via the historic Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail and beat the heavy traffic. We will be meeting at the “Root Beer Barrel” trailhead off of Rt. 419, near the Cornwall Post Office. From there we will hike 4 flat easy miles to the art show, where you are free to explore the art and craft show in beautiful Mt Gretna. 
Art show hours are 9 am-6 pm; admission is $12 per person, 11 & younger free. 

You can hike the 4 miles back to your car whenever you please. The hike is rated moderate to difficult, given the time of year and the extra miles you will be walking at the art show, in addition to the 8 miles to and from the parking lot. 
NOTE: Bring flashlight to walk back to your car if you will be staying in Mt. Gretna past sunset.

Meeting place: 8:30 am, at Root Beer Barrel trailhead off of Rt. 419 near Cornwall P.O. 

Directions: 222 South, 76 West Turnpike, Exit #266 Lebanon-Lancaster, Left onto 72 North for .44 miles, 2nd Right turn onto Rt. 419N (Main Street) for 1.25 miles, then Right onto 419N (Schaeffer Road), follow Rt. 419 about .07 miles to the trailhead at Rt. 419 and Boyd Street

GPS: Cornwall U.S. Post Office, 7 Boyd Street, Cornwall 17016 

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

Saturday August 12, 2017 - Neversink Mountain

5+ hilly miles

The extent and area covered in this hike will depend on the weather – could be hot and muggy, but
expect to hike at least 5 miles. Neversink is always interesting and enjoyable. Wear comfortable
shoes, bring water, a hat and plan to experience a great hike! Heavy rain will cancel.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, at the pond at the back of Forest Hills Cemetery 

GPS: 390 W. Neversink Road, Reading 19606

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-750-4097 

Saturday August 5, 2017 - Leaser Lake Hike

Approx. 5 moderate miles

This will be a hike around the perimeter of Leaser Lake just over the northern Berks Line in Lehigh County. We will walk through terrain varying from open fields to deep woods to marshy areas. This area is especially suited to spotting many different bird and wild flower species. The new bridge over the dam spillway is installed, so no more having to find a way around that obstacle! Lunch at C.J. Hummels afterwards.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, parking area down Pleasure Ct.

Directions: I 78 East to Exit 35, Left turn onto Rt. 143N in Lenhartsville, drive about 8 miles, make a left hand turn onto Pleasure Court, just before the large stone church in Jacksonville (about a mile past Wanamaker’s General Store) 

GPS: Pleasure Court, Kempton 19529

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

Saturday July 29, 2017 - Annual Club Picnic!!!!

See your friends and enjoy a day of hiking, fun and food. Reservations needed. See the attached club member flyer. 

Saturday July 22. 2017 - Sand Spring and Tom Lowe Trails

5+ challenging miles

Be a hiking hero and conquer this beautiful loop trail in hometown Berks County. Expect ascents, descents, stream crossings and ROCKS. There are lots of twists and turns, but the trails are well-blazed. Sturdy footwear, poles, water, a snack and insect repellant are recommended. It may be possible to dunk your tootsies in a cool stream before lunch.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, parking lot at the end of Forge Dam Road, Shartlesville 

Directions: from exit 8 [Shartlesville] of I-78 drive north on Mountain Road for .3 miles to Forge Dam Road on the left. Take this road 1.5 miles, past the intersection with Northkill Road, to the parking area

GPS: 2 Forge Dam Road, Hamburg 19526

For more information or further directions, contact: 717-376-5289

Saturday July 15, 2017 - Horseshoe Trail hike

6 easy miles

We will get to smell the chocolate of Hershey! This will be a shuttle hike with vehicles being moved to the end before we start. Foot surface is a mix of trail and road surface (mostly road) with easy walking. The start is the parking lot on 489 Drescher Road, just off Lawn Road in South Londonderry Township and the end is the parking lot on 198 Washington Ave. (A-fields) in East Hershey. The first meeting point will be at Redners Sinking Spring on Rt. 422. Car-pooling is possible from here. The second meeting is at the hike starting point, Drescher Road. It’s possible to meet at the 3rd meeting point with a call ahead to the hike leader. The end is the parking lot on 198 Washington Avenue.

1st Meeting place: 8:00 am, Redners Market in Sinking Spring, Rt. 422 West, 4870 Penn Avenue, at the west side of the parking lot

2nd Meeting place: 9:15 am, 489 Drescher Road, Palmyra, 17078-9799

3rd Meeting place: 9:30 am, 198 Washington Avenue, Hershey, 17033-1238

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

Saturday July 8, 2017 - Antietam Lake

6 moderate to difficult miles

The improvements to the Antietam Lake parking lots and trails have been completed. New historical signage has also been added. Let’s take a look at the completed work. The focus of this hike is behind the lake itself where a new parking lot has been added and the trail improved, but we will also take in the Nature Center and walk some of the hillside above. Expect some steep hills. Bring water.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Antietam Lake parking lot on Angora Road 

GPS: 300 Angora Road, Reading PA 19606

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

Saturday July 1, 2017 - French Creek State Park

4-5 easy to moderate miles

Cool down this summer with a short hike that circles through the western part of the park on a variety of easy and uphill trails. Hiking boots & poles recommended. Optional lunch to follow. Heavy rain cancels.
1st Meeting place: 9:00 am, at the Gibraltar Rd parking lot off of the Thun Trail at the intersection of Rt. 724 and Gibraltar Rd
GPS: 3326 Main Street, Birdsboro 19508 (adjacent to Cedar Hill Flowers) 

2nd Meeting place: 9:20 am, Fire Tower Road parking lot

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

Saturday June 24, 2017 - Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve

4 moderate miles

Enjoy a cool 4 mile hike along a beautiful stream in a rocky gorge, near Kelly’s Run at the Susquehanna River. Lunch later is always an option.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, Ollie’s parking lot, Intersection of business Rts. 222 and 724, Lancaster Avenue, Shillington, we will shuttle to an area off River Road, just above Hollywood

GPS ADDRESS: 2251 Lancaster Pike, Shillington

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

Saturday June 17, 2017 - Orwigsburg Schuylkill County Hike

5 to 6 easy miles

We will hike over the ridge and see the summer “green view.” We will then loop through the town with some history, and end by doing a loop through a wooded area.

1st Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redners Market, Rt. 61 North, Leesport

GPS ADDRESS: 5471 Pottsville Pike, Leesport

2nd Meeting place: 10:00 am, Orwigsburg Veterans Community Memorial Hall 

GPS ADDRESS: 300 Grove Street, Orwigsburg

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

Saturday June 10 - Coventry Woods

5.5 hilly miles

This hike in North Coventry Township’s scenic park takes us around its western perimeter, over the ridge, and along the Rock Run Creek. This is a hilly, wooded park affording mostly shaded walking with a variety of scenery.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, main lot at Coventry Woods

DIRECTIONS 1: Take Rt. 724 east from Birdsboro. About three quarters of a mile past River Bridge Rd turn right onto Unionville Road. All Type Fence is located at this intersection. Follow Unionville Road 2.1 miles past Temple Church and Shenkel Church. Turn right onto St. Peters 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. Peters 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.

GPS ADDRESS: 1960 St. Peters Road, Pottstown, PA

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

Saturday June 3, 2017 - Columbia-Marietta Rail Trail

5 easy miles

This will be an in-out hike along the historic Marietta Rail Trail. We hope to see lots of historic places along the way.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Ollies Parking Lot, Intersection of Business Rts 222 and 724, Lancaster Avenue in Shillington. We will then travel to Columbia and park at the Visitor Center

GPS: 2251 Lancaster Pike, Shillington

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

Saturday May 27, 2017 - Clarence Shock Memorial Park, Mt. Gretna

6-7 miles.

Weather permitting we will hike in and around Governor Dick Forest. There will be hills and stones to contend with. Bring water and personal snacks. There are several places in the area to stop for lunch after hike.

Meeting: 10:00 am, Environmental Center parking area 

GPS ADDRESS: 3283 Pinch Road, Lebanon, PA 

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

Saturday May 20, 2017 - Bertram Trail Schuylkill County

5 moderate miles

Check out this hike in the Landingville area where we will see a marsh, a dam and birds. Option to go out to eat afterwards.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redners Market, Rt. 61 North, Leesport 

GPS: 5471 Pottsville Pike, Leesport

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

Saturday May 13, 2017 - Fitzwater Station Restaurant to Perkiomen Trail

6 miles 

Hike leader will take this mostly flat hike beginning at the restaurant to the Perkiomen Trail. We will hike alongside the Schuylkill River on a wooded trail, then onto the paved Schuylkill River Trail to the Perkiomen Trail. There is an optional small hill to a bridge for an overlook of the trail. Optional lunch will be at the Fitzwater Station Restaurant.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, at the parking lot up from the Turkey Hill gas station near the intersection of Gibralter Road and Rt. 724, to carpool to the starting point. 
GPS ADDRESS: 3321 Main Street, Birdsboro

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

Saturday May 6, 2017 - Vinemont Hike

Approx. 5 moderate miles

This will be a shuttle hike; mostly roads with some hills and scenic views. Lunch later of course!

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redners Market, Sinking Spring, Rt. 422 West, west side of parking lot

GPS: 4870 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring

Note: Heavy rain cancels

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-750-4097 

Saturday April 29, 2017 - Eastern Exeter Township & Daniel Boone Homestead

5 flat miles

We will use county roads of eastern Exeter Township to hike from the Exeter Meeting House to Daniel Boone Homestead, then hike the grounds of the homestead. We will have an opportunity to view the 18th century stone meeting house built by Quakers, as well as fields and farm structures of eastern Exeter Township. This will be a one-way, shuttle hike. Lunch is optional after the hike.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Daniel Boone Homestead Visitor Center parking lot 

Directions: From Reading, take Rt. 422 East about 10 miles, turn left onto Daniel Boone Road, after about a mile take the jug-handle left onto Daniel Boone Road and follow the signs to the visitor center

GPS Address: 400 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro

NOTE: Inclement weather cancels this hike

For more information or further directions, contact: 484-467-8976 

Saturday April 22, 2017 - Baptism Creek Natural area

5 to 6 moderate miles

Enjoy a spring hike in this natural area noted for its variety of spring wildflowers. Picnickers and weekend hikers have come to this secluded place to relax since early times. This will be a shuttle hike with some hiking on back roads. There will be some rocks and hills. Lunch later is an option.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Hopewell Furnace Office parking lot, off of Rte. 345 GPS ADDRESS: 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson

For more information or further directions, contact: 484-252-9493 

Saturday April 15, 2017 - Mystery Easter Hike is Back!

Exactly 5 moderate miles

Imagine Easter Eggs, towers, views, farmlands and animals. For those who braved the hike several years ago, hope to see you again. For newcomers, come out and find out why it’s a mystery? The trek will be exactly 5 miles over mostly roads with some hills.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Redners Market, Rt. 61 North, Leesport to carpool to staring locale which is approximately 10 minutes away

GPS ADDRESS: 5471 Pottsville Pike, Leesport, PA.

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

Saturday April 8, 2017 - Laureldale Boro / Muhlenberg Township

Approx. 5 to 6 easy miles 

This hike will have various terrain with some hills. We will be on roads, sidewalks, trails and a rail-trail.
We will enjoy a walk around Bernhardt’s Dam Park (a reservoir for the city of Reading). Wear good hiking shoes, carry water and wear something orange to alert motorists. Lunch optional afterwards.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Dominic Manzella Recreational Park

Directions: From Business Rt. 222 (N. Fifth St Hwy) in Muhlenberg Twp., turn onto Elizabeth Ave. (at Hess station). Driveway and parking lot are on left, just above Manor Care Health Services facility.

GPS ADDRESS: 2125 Elizabeth Avenue, Laureldale 19605

NOTE: Hike is in memory of Norm Williams, who originally planned to lead it. 

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-929-9694 or 610-406-1366 the day of the hike 

Saturday April 1, 2017 - Kaercher Creek Dam and Vicinity

Approx. 5 moderate miles

We will walk some of the old trails in the now closed Kaercher Creek County Park. Some remnants of the graded but never finished Allentown and Auburn railroad from 1875, as well as a nice blend of woods, town roads, cemetery and fields will be visited. Lunch afterwards at CJ Hummel’s in Lenhartsville.

Meeting place: 9:30 am at the Kaercher Creek boat launch area

Directions: Take Rt. 61 N. to Hamburg. Bear right onto 4th Street. At third traffic light, turn right onto State Street (old Rt. 22). Proceed about one mile and turn right on driveway into the former park, across from the Hamburg Center. Look for the white and red sign for the Hamburg Soccer Assn.

GPS ADDRESS: 3501 Old Rt. 22, Hamburg

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

Saturday March 25, 2017 - Isabella Furnace / St Mary's

 4-5 ez to moderate miles

This winter hike is along back country roads where the township is restoring miles of stone walls in this historic area. We will pass the old 50 room Langoma Mansion, see the remains of the Isabella Iron Furnace, walk along a branch of the Brandywine River and view stone houses and mills. There are no rocks or hills! Lunch after is an option. [Ed. No rocks, no hills—can this really be true???]

Meeting place: 10:00 am at the Livingood Park
Directions: in Elverson turn South on Rt. 82 and go 1⁄2 mile to parking on right GPS ADDRESS: 101 S. Chestnut Street, Elverson 19520

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-286-6886 or Cell 484-252-9493 

Saturday March 18, 2017 - Horseshoe Trail Hike

6 easy miles

We will get to smell the chocolate of Hershey! This will be a shuttle hike with vehicles being moved to the end before we start. Foot surface is a mix of trail and road surface (mostly road) with easy walking. The start is the parking lot on 489 Drescher Road just off Lawn Rd in South Londonberry township and the end is the parking lot on 198 Washington Ave (A-fields) in East Hershey. First meeting point will be at Redners Sinking Spring on Rt. 422. Car-pooling is possible from here. 2nd meeting point is at the hike starting point, Drescher Road at 9:15 a.m. It’s possible to meet at the 3rd meeting point with a call ahead to the hike leader. The end is the parking lot on 198 Washington Avenue.

1st Meeting place: 8:00 am, Redner’s, 4870 Penn Ave. (Rt. 422 W) Sinking Spring, west side of lot
2nd Meeting place: 9:15 am, 489 Drescher Rd, Palmyra 17078-9799
3rd Meeting place: 9:30 am, 198 Washington Avenue, Hershey 17033-1238

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

Saturday March 11, 2017 - Neversink Hike

6 moderate to strenuous miles

Expect steep hills along with great views and scenery as we look for signs of spring. Snow or heavy rain cancels.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, at the rear of Forest Hills Cemetery
GPS ADDRESS: 390 West Neversink Road, Reading 19606 

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-750-4097 

Saturday March 4, 2016 - Middle Creek Hike Part II

4 to 6 moderate miles


We will be hiking different trails from the week before. We should see a lot of snow geese and tundra swans. Dress appropriately for the weather.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Middle Creek Visitors Center 

Directions: See the previous week 

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

Saturday February 25, 2017 - Middle Creek Hike Part I

6 to 7 moderate miles


This will be a scenic hike along some nice wooded trails looking for any snow geese or swans. There will be hills and stones to contend with. Bring water and snacks. There are several places in the area for lunch later.
Meeting place: 10:00 am, Middle Creek Wildlife Management Visitors Center 
Directions: Rt. 272 South in Adamstown, take 897 North for 14 miles into the village of Kleinfeltersville, take first left after stop sign onto Hopeland Road then drive 2 miles to Middle Creek Visitors Center

GPS ADDRESS: 100 Museum Road, Newmanstown...40.270574, -76.247842 

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

Saturday February 18, 2017 - Shillington Park Hike

5 moderate miles

Follow our leader on the trails and roads surrounding Shillington Park. Expect some hills and wear hiking boots for the winter weather. Snow or heavy rain cancels.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Shillington Park at the parking lot next to the Shillington Pool 
Directions: Off of Rt. 724 next to the Mifflin Center nursing home

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-750-4097 

Saturday February 11, 2017 - Birdsboro Watershed

6 hilly miles

We will explore a section of the Birdsboro Watershed in which trees were harvested a year ago. While tree removal is not normally a good thing, some never seen before great views are now possible. We will take in the sights while hiking some infrequently used trails. Snowy/icy roads cancel this hike. Also, the parking area does not get plowed. If snow has accumulated to prevent parking, the hike will be cancelled.

Meeting: 10:00 am, at the parking area on Hay Creek Road, former Rt. 82, north of Geigertown, .8 miles north of where Mullen Hollow Rd ends at Hay Creek Rd DIRECTIONS: From the traffic light in Gibraltar at the Turkey Hill, travel east on Rt. 724 for 1.2 miles. Take the first right turn at the sign for Hillcrest Hall Bingo, cross 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, cross Cocalico Rd, then drive another 1.1 miles to the first stop sign at Hay Creek Rd. Turn left and drive .7 miles to the parking area. GPS ADDRESS: approximately 2050 Hay Creek Road, Birdsboro 


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