Saturday February 2, 2019 - Sheerlund Forest Trail Hike

5 moderate miles

Leader hopes to have snow to make the hike bright! We will hike to Sheerlund Forest and back on trails, roads and sidewalks. There will be a few inclines that are not too bad. Lunch later of course!

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Brentwood trailhead parking lot, Rt. 10, Morgantown Road 
NOTE: Steady rain or snow cancels the hike

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

Saturday January 26, 2019 - Perkiomen Trail - Graterford Trailhead

6-8 moderate milesWe will hike from the Graterford Trailhead and do an “in and out” hike from that location. Celebrate co-leader Karen’s 60th birthday afterwards at a restaurant or diner in the Collegeville area! You can watch Karen order her “senior meal”! Should be minimal hills, mostly flat trail. Winter conditions and weather may alter this hike. Dress warm, bring a snack. Lunch will be our reward once we reach the end of our hike.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, Boscov’s East (east end of lot), Business Rt. 422 East, Exeter Twp; Hike will start from the Graterford Trailhead off Rt. 29 near Collegeville around 10:00 am

for more information and further directions, contact: 610-823-9023 or 610-909-5018

Saturday January 19, 2019 - Nolde Forest Winter Hike

approx. 5 difficult miles

Follow leader on this winter hike through the beautiful, manmade Nolde Forest. Expect some hills and maybe some snow.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Sawmill parking lot

Directions: Off of Rt. 625, 2 miles south of Rt. 724 GPS: 2910 New Holland Road, Shillington

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

Saturday January 12, 2019 - Winter Walk Along the Tully

4 easy miles

Once again join your hiking friends in a winter walk along the Tulpehocken from the Berks Leisure area, passing Grings Mill, on to the Red Bridge area. Sip a cup of hot chocolate before heading back. Extreme weather and/or adverse trail conditions will cancel this hike.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Berks Leisure parking lot

DIRECTIONS: Berkshire Blvd past Fox Theater, at stop sign turn right onto Tulpehocken Rd, then left into the parking lot, just past Country Meadows 
GPS: 1901 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing

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

Saturday January 5, 2019 - Lehartsville Loop

approx. 5 easy miles

Join 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.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, at the rear of the side parking lot of C.J. Hummel’s Restaurant, Rt. 143 in downtown Lenhartsville. 
GPS: 28 Willow Street 

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

Tuesday January 1, 2019 - Polar Bear Dip Hike without the Dip

4–5 moderate miles

Although this annual dip has been moved to another location, we will keep the tradition alive by leading the hike to the Myerstown Quarry, where we will probably see many others who did not know that the Polar Bear Dip is being held somewhere else. This will be a loop hike. We will return along country roads and go to Dutchway for the pork and sauerkraut buffet. Bundle in layers, it’s usually cold.

Meeting place: 10:45 am, Christ Lutheran Church, Stouchsburg

Directions: Go West on 422 past Womelsdorf, past the town of Stouchsburg on your left. The church sets back off 422W on the left, before the Blue Spruce Orchard on the right
GPS: 27 Longs Church Lane, Womelsdorf

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

Saturday December 29, 2018 - Yuengling & Pottsville Hike

3-4 easy miles

End the year and begin the New Year with a visit to America’s oldest brewery, only a short drive from Reading. The brewery tour will be followed by a walk around Pottsville, stopping for lunch at Grandmas in the middle of the hike. Dress for the weather.

1st Meeting place: 10:00 am, Redners Market, Rt. 61 North, Leesport
GPS: 5471 Pottsville Pike, Leesport

2nd Meeting place: 10:45 am, Yuengling Brewery, 420 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville 

NOTE: Extreme weather cancels

For more information or further directions, contact :  610-589-5575, Contact Cell day of hike – 610-507-5600

Saturday December 22, 2018 - Perkiomen Trail Hike

4 to 5 moderate miles


Our Leader will lead this hike from Central Perkiomen Valley Park at Plank Road & Rt. 29 to the Collegeville Diner. It’s a fairly level walk on a cinder and packed gravel multi-use trail that follows Perkiomen Creek.

1st Meeting place: 8:30 am, Boscov’s East parking lot, Business. Rt 422 East, Exeter Twp. 
GPS: 4500 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading (east end of lot)

2nd Meeting place: 9:15 am, Collegeville Diner, 290 East Main Street, Collegeville, Pa. to shuttle to the Plank Road starting point (there are parking and restrooms available). 

Carpool if possible, although this is a shuttle hike and we will need to make sure we have enough cars, so please call if you intend to meet us somewhere else. 

Lunch will be at a hiking favorite – the Collegeville Diner! 

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

Saturday December 15, 2018 - Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) Hike - French Creek & Hopewell

4-5 moderate miles

Enjoy a hike in the nearby French Creek State Park / Hopewell Furnace area. We will walk through the three former Civilian Conservation Corp camps located in this forest. The hike will be on the Horseshoe Trail and other park trails. Hikers will end up back at the cars. There will be some moderate hills and of course some Pennsylvania rocks! Lunch after is an option.

Meeting place: 10:00 am

Directions: 422 east to 345 south to Birdsboro. Continue on 345 to Park entrance and bear right on Park Road to parking lot west of Park office. 

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

Saturday December 8, 2018 - ANNUAL CHRISTMAS "BEACH" PARTY

See club flyer for hike details of the day. Be ready to have a "beachy" Christmas!

Saturday December 1, 2018 - Evansburg State Park Montgomery County

5-6 moderate miles

Follow hike leader as he leads the way and expect muddy trails! Lunch in the Collegeville area is an option after the hike.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, Boscov’s East parking lot, Bsns. Rt 422 East, Exeter Twp. 
GPS: 4500 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading (east end of lot)

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

Saturday November 24, 2018 - Hereford Township Hike

6 moderate miles

This hike will be in Berks County’s eastern-most township, a scenic rural location at the headwaters of the Perkiomen Creek. The hike will be on little used roads, possibly 50% being dirt or gravel. It briefly enters Lehigh County. There are numerous historic homes and farmsteads. A little is flat.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Hereford Twp Park at 11 Township Road, Macungie 

Directions:
(1) Rte 222 north of Reading, take Park Rd through Blandon, Mertztown, Longswamp, past Bear Creek Mtn Resort to Seisholtzville. (Street name changes along the way.) Beware: detours may be in place. From Seisholtzville (St. Peters Rd to left), continue about 1/2 mile to Township Rd. Turn left and park in lot. If you pass the Hereford Twp. building (a large white barn) to the left, you went past Township Road.
(2) Take Rt. 100 north of Bally to Rt. 29, turn left (Turkey Hill on corner). Travel 3-4 miles, past the Hereford Twp building (a large white barn) on the right. Township Road is just past this at the crest of the hill.

NOTE: Snow, ice or heavy rain cancels this hike

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

Saturday November 17, 2018 - Daniel Boone Homestead park

Approx. 5 moderate miles

Follow leader as we explore the Daniel Boone Homestead. The hike is moderate with a few ups and downs, but nothing too strenuous. Wear bug spray! Lunch will be at the Exeter Family Restaurant afterward.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, at the large parking lot on the left as you enter the park 
GPS: 400 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro

NOTE: Steady or heavy rain cancels

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-203-9803

Saturday November 10, 2018 - Morlatton Village & Amity Gardens

4-5 easy to moderate miles

We will take a look at the Morlatton Village – old Swedish settlement dating back to the early 1700s, then we will cross into Amity Gardens to hike through the streets of more modern neighborhoods. Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Lunch after the hike is an option.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Morlatton Village Trailhead of the Schuylkill River Trail

GPS: 480 Old Philadelphia Pike, Douglassville, PA

Directions: from Reading, follow 422 east to Douglassville, turn right onto River Bridge Road, then a right onto Old Philadelphia Pike, then drive 150 yards to the trailhead parking on the left


NOTE: Inclement weather cancels the hike 

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

Saturday November 3, 2018 - Adamstown Stoudtsburg Village Hike

5 to 6 easy miles

A leisurely hike around Adamstown and then we will follow a trail over to Stoudtsburg Village. There will be a market open with interesting things to see in this Bavarian style village. Restrooms available.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, at parking area off Rt. 222 south, at Adamstown/272 exit. Lot is on the left of Rt. 272 before Stoltzfus Trailers/Campers; spring water is to the right. 

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

Saturday October 27, 2018 - The Locks and Bridges of Leesport

5 easy to moderate miles

A new history hike in and around Leesport. We will see canal locks 36, 37 and 38, the new river bridge now under construction, the lock tenders house, and other local sights. The hike is on both trails and area roads, with only one significant hill.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Leesport Pool parking lot, 24 Washington Street

Directions: From Reading, take 61 north, make a left onto Cross Keys
Road, then right onto Grange Road (follow the Wall St. detour signs) which becomes Main Street in West Leesport. Where the road bends to the left at the railroad tracks, go straight staying on Main Street. Cross the railroad tracks and Washington Street will be the second street on your right (last street before the river). Turn right onto Washington Street and look for the pool about one-tenth of a mile on your right, just before the library.

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

Saturday October 20, 2018 - Leaser Lake Hike

Approx. 5 moderate miles

We will be enjoying the change of scenery on this familiar hike – from summer tones of green to the orange, red and yellow of autumn! We will follow the wooded trails and meander through meadows that encircle the lake, with spectacular views of the Blue Mountain. Hiking poles and boots are recommended. Optional lunch later at C.J. Hummels in Lenhartsville.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, side, rear parking lot at C.J. Hummels, Rte. 143, Lenhartsville
GPS: 28 Willow Street, Lenhartsville

NOTE: Extreme weather cancels

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

Saturday October 13, 2018 - Lancaster County Road Hike

5 to 6 moderate miles

Follow our leader as he leads the way hiking on country roads and hills, in Lancaster County. Maybe frost will be on the pumpkin! Lunch later of course.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Kenhorst Plaza Shopping Center, opposite Dairy Queen. GPS: 550 Kenhorst Plaza, Shillington.

NOTE: We may carpool to St. John’s Lutheran Church on Rt. 625 south of Bowmansville (599 Reading Road, East Earl). Heavy Rain Cancels!

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

Saturday October 6, 2018 - Monocacy Hike

Approx. 4 to 5 moderate to difficult miles

We will take a hike in the deep woods, then climb the hill and check out the fall colors at the lookout.

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

GPS: 40.277635°, -75.760443° (Monocacy Hill Recreation Area, Birdsboro) 

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

Saturday September 29, 2018 - Hamburg Reservoir to Port Clinton

6+ mod to strenuous miles
This is a re-scheduled AT hike along the mountain ridge. Some climbs, lots of rocks and a switchback descent offering outstanding views. Stop for a bite to eat on the trail. Boots and poles recommended.

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

Meeting place: 9:15 am, Port Clinton playground

Directions: Rt. 61 North past Hamburg, 1st left off of Rt. 61 in Port Clinton to the playground parking lot (over the bridge and RR tracks)

NOTE: Extreme weather cancels

Saturday September 22, 2018 - French Creek Six Penny Hike

4 to 5 moderate miles

Let’s take a circle hike in the deep woods of French Creek. We will make several easy stream crossings and walk through the old Six Penny swimming and picnic area. Lunch after is optional.

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

Directions: Go south on 345 from Birdsboro to east entrance of park. Bear right on Park Road. Turn right on Scott’s Run Road and go to parking lot at the entrance to Scott’s Run Lake.


Meeting place: 10:00 am at Scott’s Run Lake parking lot

Saturday September 15, 2018 - French Creek State Park Green Trail

6 mod to difficult miles

We will take the Lenni Lenape Trail for our hike today. This trail is rocky and we will need to watch out for the tree roots. There may be some muddy areas as well, along with some hills. We will take a snack and restroom break at Scott’s Run Lake. We will pass the pavilion and nature area on the return back to the parking area. Lunch later at Exeter Restaurant.

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

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Hopewell Furnace Visitors Center

Directions: Go south on 345 from Birdsboro. Continue past east entrance of park and turn right at Hopewell Road.

GPS: 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson 19520

Saturday September 8, 2018 - French Creek State Park

5 - 6 moderate miles

We will hike on several trails, view two lakes and see/use some new boardwalks over the marshy area by Hopewell Lake on this loop hike.

Directions: Go south on 345 from Birdsboro to east entrance of park. Bear right on Park Road to Hopewell Lake west boat ramp parking lot and go behind the restroom facilities, near the playground area

NOTE: A downpour at 9:15 may cancel the hike.

For more information or further directions, contact: 484-797-4234 or 610-698-4293


Meeting place: 9:30 am, French Creek State Park

Saturday September 01, 2018 - Pulpit Rock Loop Hike

6 moderate to strenuous miles

We began the summer with this hike and will end it by doing the same hike in reverse. This is a classic that bears repeating! Be prepared for hills, rocks, a great overlook, and good companionship. You know the drill – hiking shoes, hat, water, a snack and lunch afterwards.

For more directions or further instructions, contact: Rt. 61N, exit onto South 4th Street in Hamburg, after 1 mile make a right onto State Street, after 2.2 miles make a right onto Reservoir Rd. 

NOTE: Heavy rain and/or thunderstorm will cancel this hike

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


Meeting place: 9:00 am, Hamburg Reservoir Parking area at end of Reservoir Road, off old Rt. 22 about 2 miles east of Hamburg

Saturday August 25, 2018 - Neversink Mountain

6 moderate to difficult miles

Follow the leader as he shows the way on the trails of Neversink. There will be some steep ups and downs and maybe some bugs, so bug spray may be a good idea. Plan on lunch afterwards.

For more information or further directions, contact: from Reading on West Neversink Road, make a right onto Klapperthal Road before the entrance to Forest Hills Cemetery

NOTE: Do not park at Forest Hills Cemetery

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


Meeting place: 9:30 am, Klapperthal Road parking area

Saturday August 18, 2018 - Mt Gretna Outdoor Art Show

6 + 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 Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail and beat the heavy traffic. Instead of meeting at the “Root Beer Barrel” trailhead as we did last year, we can shorten the walk to and from by meeting at the Alden Way trailhead. From there we will hike about two 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 9am to 6pm; admission is $12 per person, 11 and younger free. You can hike the 2 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 4 miles to and from the Alden Way trailhead. 

NOTE: bring a flashlight to walk back to your car if you will be staying in Mt. Gretna past sunset.

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

Meeting place: 8:30 am, at the Alden Way trailhead

Directions: 222 South, Rt. 76 West Turnpike, Exit #266 Lebanon-Lancaster, Left onto 72 North/Lebanon Road for 2 miles, exit right for Rt. 117 North, then make a left turn onto Rt. 117 North and immediate right turn onto the Alden Way trailhead

GPS: 1141 Alden Way, Lebanon, PA

Saturday August 11, 2018 - Bernville Area Hike

5 easy miles

We will hike about 5 miles around the town, across the dam breast, around the park and through the town on streets and alleys. Only minor hills and you can wear sneakers. If time allows we can explore the cemetery or drive to the Arboretum and hike the trail there.

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

1st Meeting place: 9:00 am, Church Road parking lot at Blue Marsh off Rt. 183

2nd Meeting place: 9:15 am, Frieden’s Church lot corner of Main & Washington in Bernville 

Saturday August 4, 2018 - Middle Creek

5 to 6 moderate miles

This will be a scenic hike along some nice wooded trails. There will be hills and stones to contend with. Bring water and snacks. There are several places in the area for lunch later.

For more information and further directions, contact: 484-949-2056


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

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

Saturday July 28, 2018 - Schuylkill River Trail / Historic Douglassville

5 to 6 miles

A fairly flat hike in the Douglassville area. The hike begins with a walk around the four buildings owned by the Berks Historic Preservation Trust. Continuing, we will road walk along Old Philly Pike, the original route from Pottstown to Oley and Reading, viewing a number of scenic older homes. We return via the Schuylkill River Trail, completing the morning with a walk through historic St. Gabriel’s Churchyard where noted colonial settlers William Bird, George Douglass, Andrew Robeson, and Marcus Huling are buried.
Note: Inclement weather cancels this hike!

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


Meeting place: 10:00 am, Morlatton trailhead across from the White Horse Tavern 

Directions: From Rt. 422 East, as you exit Douglassville, take the right turn lane at the traffic light onto River Bridge Road. Cross the railroad bridge, then take the first right turn onto Old Philadelphia Pike. After approx. one block, the parking lot will be on your left.

GPS: 480 Old Philadelphia Pike, Douglassville, using Google. (Mapquest takes you a half mile towards Pottstown.)

Saturday July 21, 2018 - BCHC Club Picnic

Annual club picnic with hike. Christmas in July! See club flyer for details.

Saturday July 14, 2018 - Nolde Forest Hike

4 to 5 moderate miles
Follow the “directionally challenged” hike leader on a Nolde hike. She will be bringing a map! Light rain does not cancel, only a heavy downpour, hurricane or tornado!

For more information or further directions, contact: 484-256-7619


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

GPS: 2910 New Holland Road, Mohnton

Saturday July 7, 2018 - Leaser Lake

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.

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, PA 19529

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


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

Saturday June 30, 2018 - French Creek State Park

Approx. 5 moderate miles

Hike on the south side of Hopewell Lake on the Blue-Boone Trail, then over Colin’s Way with the new steps, continuing over to Hopewell through the park and back via the Horseshoe Trail, to the parking lot.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, West boat launch at Hopewell Lake by the restrooms 

DIRECTIONS: Go east on 422 to Baumstown/Birdsboro. Turn right on 345 to French Creek. Turn right on Park Road to boat launch area on your left.

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

Saturday June 23, 2018 - Wyomissing / West Reading Mural Hike

5 to 5.5 easy miles

We will hike streets and sidewalks around Wyomissing/West Reading, through parks and view the many murals in West Reading.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, park on the lot across from Kuhn Funeral Home and the McDonalds along Penn Avenue

GPS: 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611

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

Saturday June 16, 2018 - Merrill Creek Reservoir

6 moderate miles

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. It really doesn’t take long to get there! 
NOTE: A few hikers ventured out into a misty morning for this hike previously, which turned sunny almost immediately. All agreed it was well worth the trip!

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Merrill Creek Reservoir Visitor Center parking lot 

DIRECTIONS: take I-78 East to New Jersey 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 the tunnel). Go 3 miles and turn left onto Montana Road across from Hunters Tavern. Go 2 miles and turn left onto Richline Road, at the top of the hill. Go .2 miles and turn left on Merrill Creek Road. Go another .2 miles 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 June 9, 2018 - French Creek Heritage Trail Hike

Approx. 5 moderate miles

Enjoy a delightful and historic hike through colonial history alongside the beautiful French Creek. We will see an old mill, a covered bridge and the gunpowder works for Washington’s army; among other sites!

1st Meeting place: 9:30 am at Clock Tower, 2846 Main Street, Morgantown 19543 
2nd Meeting place: 10:00 am at 1161 Hares Hill Road, Phoenixville 19460 

Directions from 1st Meet: Drive 19 miles on Rt. 23 East. At stop sign, turn right onto Hares Hill Road to the parking lot immediately on the left after crossing the bridge over French Creek.

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

Saturday June 2, 2018 - Birdsboro Watershed

6 moderate to strenuous, hilly miles

Hike along the length of the western and northern portion of the Birdsboro watershed from the former White Bear Inn to Rustic Park at the lower end of Birdsboro (no creek crossings!) The return overlaps some of the initial route but adds a pass past the reservoir on the north side of Hay Creek.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, parking area on Hay Creek Road (former Rt. 82) north of Geigertown, .8 mile north of where Mullen Hollow Rd ends at Hay Creek Rd. DIRECTIONS: from the traffic light in Gibraltar at the Turkey Hill (3321 Main St., Birdsboro) travel east on Rt. 724. Take the first right (about 1.2 miles), cross the railroad tracks, turn left on Old River Road, then almost immediately, right turn 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 mile to the parking area. 

GPS: 2 Elk Trail Lane, Birdsboro, then stay on Hay Creek Road another .1 mile 

For further information or directions, contact: Phone - 610-323-1703, Cell – 610-850-1855

Saturday May 26, 2018 - Pulpit Rock Loop Hike

6 moderate to strenuous miles

Come out to hike on this holiday weekend that begins the summer season and participate in the classic BCHC hike to Pulpit Rock. There will be hills, rocks, and beautiful scenery! Wear your hiking boots and a hat; bring water and a snack to munch as you take in the view at the top. Plan on lunch afterwards. NOTE: A downpour will cancel!

Meeting place: 9:00 am, Hamburg Reservoir parking lot
DIRECTIONS: Take Rt. 61 N. to Hamburg, bear right onto 4th Street. At third traffic light, turn right onto State Street (old Rt. 22). Look for the left past the Hamburg Center onto Reservoir Road

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

Saturday May 19, 2018 - Evansburg State Park in Montgomery County

5 to 6 moderate miles

Follow our leader as he leads the way and expect very muddy trails! Lunch in the Collegeville area is an option.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, Boscov’s east parking lot, Bus Rt. 422 East in Mt. Penn/Exeter 

GPS: 4500 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading 19606

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

Saturday May 12, 2018 - Green Lane Park

5 moderate miles

We will hike the northern shore of the reservoir and maybe find some Virginia Blue Bells blooming.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Weis Market in Oley, Rt. 73 to carpool about 15 miles to the park as parking space is limited.

GPS: 61 King’s Plaza, Oley 19540

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

Saturday May 5, 2018 - Baptism Creek Natural Area

4 to 5 easy round-trip miles

As we hike, we will stand in awe of the many wildflowers found in this quiet, spring-filled natural area so close to us! We will hike on woodland trails with some back road stretches. There will be several moderate hills and some rocks. Lunch after is an option.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Hopewell Furnace visitors center parking lot off of Rt. 345 GPS: 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson 19520

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

Saturday April 28, 2018 - Douglass and West Pottsgrove Townships

6 moderate miles

We will hike through the neighborhoods of Douglass and West Pottsgrove Townships and observe the various styles of residential architecture. The terrain is quite hilly, so expect a lot of ups and downs along with a great view of the tri-county region. NOTE: Inclement weather cancels this hike.

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

For more information or instructions:  484-467-897 

Saturday April 21, 2018 - Blue Marsh Lake Hike in the Spring

7+ moderate miles

Hiking the northern tip of Blue Marsh Lake, we will hike up and down on forested trails and through meadows returning on a flat trail paralleling Rt. 183. A shuttle will be available for those who wish to complete only 1⁄2 of the hike. Hiking boots and poles are recommended. Heavy snow/ice (are you kidding!!!) or continuous rain will cancel. Lunch afterwards is optional.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, North Church Road off Rt. 183

Directions: Take Rt. 183 north and just south of Bernville, make a left onto North Church Road to the parking lot immediately on the left

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

Saturday April 14, 2018 - Kaercher Creek Dam and Vicinity

Approx. 5 moderate miles

We will hike some of the old trails in the now closed Kaercher Creek County Park. We will see 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. Lunch later at C.J. Hummel’s in Lenhartsville.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Kaercher Creek Boat Launch area
Directions and further instructions: 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 1 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 Association.
GPS: 3501 Old Rt. 22, Hamburg

For more information and further instructions contact:LEADERS: 610-921-3252 or 610-451-5380 on the day of the hike 

Saturday April 7, 2018 - Middle Creek Hike

Approx. 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 the shaded unpaved road.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Middle Creek Visitors Center

Directions or additional instructions: From 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 the Middle Creek Visitors Center
GPS: 100 Museum Road, Newmanstown, PA. ...40.270574, -76.247842 

For further information or instructions, contact: 717-949-2056 

Saturday March 31, 2018 - Hamburg Reservoir to Port Clinton

6 mod-to-strenuous miles 

Once again with climbs, rocks and a switchback descent, we will venture out on the A.T. hiking on the ridge that offers outstanding views of the valley below where we stop for a snack. Rain, snow, ice cancels. Optional lunch to follow. Hiking boots and poles are recommended.

Meeting place: 9:15 am, Port Clinton playground

Directions: Rt. 61 North past Hamburg, 1st left off of Rt. 61 in Port Clinton to the playground parking lot (over the bridge and RR tracks)

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

Saturday March 24, 2018 - Hershey Hike

West we go thru Chocolate Town, past the Golf course and up the hill to the Hershey Cemetery, passing the Pa. State Police Academy. This is a part road hike and field and woods but it will most likely be windy for late winter day. Hike starts at 10:00 AM

1ST Meeting place: 8:30 am, Redner’s Market, 4870 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring
2nd Meeting place: 9:30 am, Parking lot at the A fields off Washington St in Palmdale. This is the start point. We will shuttle vehicles to the end point at Sandbeach Rd and Swatara Rd parking lot just south of intersection

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-909-5018 

Saturday March 17, 2018 - Mill Creek Trail French Creek State Park

6 mod-to-diff miles 

We will be lead the way as we hike the white-blazed with red strip trail in the park. We will stop at Miller’s Point on the way back. There are many rocks, as you may know. There is a short cut you may want to take along with 2 easy stream crossings, plus 1 on a very short bridge, followed by a long hill on the way back. Lunch will be at the Exeter Diner.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Shed Road parking lot off of Rt. 345 (south of Birdsboro) 

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

Saturday March 10, 2018 - Scott's Run Hike

4 to 5 moderate miles

See French Creek State Park in the snow. This hike will be in the deep woods and pine forest on the Horseshoe Trail and other park trails. Hiking to the highest point in the park—the fire tower—we will then circle back past a “maple sugar bush.” If sap is flowing, we will stop for a brief visit to watch how the maple sap is collected and made into syrup. Expect some rocks and hills. Optional lunch later.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Scott’s Run Parking lot off of Scott’s Run Road in French Creek State Park

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

Saturday March 3, 2018 - Middle Creek Hike

5 to 6 moderate miles

This will be a scenic hike along some nice wooded trails looking for any snow geese or swans that may have arrived early. There will be some 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 Area Visitors Center

Directions: from Rt. 272 South in Adamstown, take Rt. 897 North for 14 miles into the village of Kleinfeltersville, take first left after the stop sign onto Hopeland Road then drive 2 miles to the visitors center
GPS: 100 Museum Road, Newmanstown, PA 17073...40.270574, -76.247842 

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

Saturday February 24, 2018 - Winter Walk Along the Tulpehocken

4 easy miles

Walk along the Tully on a cold, crisp winter day, hopefully leaving boot prints in the snow. Starting at the Berks Leisure area, we will follow the path past Gring’s Mill to the Red Bridge area. Extreme weather cancels. Optional lunch follows.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Berks Leisure parking lot

Directions: From Berkshire Blvd past Fox Theater on right to Tulpehocken Road, make left past Country Meadows into Leisure parking lot.

GPS: 1901 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610

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

Saturday February 17, 2018 - Exeter Scenic River Trail & Allegheny Aqueduct Historical Park

5 to 6 moderate miles
We will hike the Exeter Scenic River Trail while taking in plenty of good views of the Schuylkill River in its wintery glory. Later, we will cross the river and hike through the Allegheny Aqueduct Historical Park and observe the Beidler House, the ruins of the Beidler Mill and the restored Allegheny Aqueduct. Lunch after the hike is an option.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, at the Gibraltar parking area of the Thun Trail GPS: 670 Proudfoot Drive, Birdsboro, PA 19508

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

Saturday February 10, 2018 - Shillington Park hike

4 to 5 easy miles

Come out and enjoy a local hike on wooded trails and suburban roads in Shillington Park and surrounding neighborhoods. The hike will be mostly easy miles with a few hills. Optional lunch follows. Extreme weather cancels.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Shillington Park, behind the WAWA at the corner of Museum Road and Rt. 724 (Philadelphia Avenue) in Shillington

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

Saturday February 3, 2018 - Skinner's Loop Trail Blue Marsh

4 to 5 moderate miles

Depending on the weather and winter conditions, Suzanne will begin this hike at the Old Church Road parking lot and use the Blue Marsh Lake multi-use trail to access Skinners Loop. Dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for changes, if winter isn’t cooperating. Snow or rain on the day of the hike will cancel.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Old Church Road parking lot, off Rt. 183, near Bernville 

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 and further directions, contact: 717-376-5289 

Saturday January 27, 2018 - Nolde Forest Hike

4 to 5 moderate miles

Shake off those winter blues and holiday splurges. Follow “directionally challenged” Fran on a Nolde hike. She will be bringing a map! Snow does not cancel, only a Blizzard!!

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

GPS: 2910 New Holland Road, Mohnton

For more information and further directions, contact: 484-256-7619