Saturday May 30, 2020 - Norristown Farm Park

Approx. 5 miles

One of the most unique parks in the PA State Park System, Norristown Farm Park is a working farm in continuous use since Colonial times. We will see some of the 15 historic buildings, the earliest dated 1764, along with woods and fields, plus miles of trails with links to the Schuylkill River and Perkiomen trails. Lunch later at the Collegeville Diner. Check with the hike leaders if the weather looks iffy.

1st Meeting place: 9:00 am, Boscov’s East, Bus. Rt. 422 East, Exeter to carpool

2nd Meeting place and GPS: 10:00 am, Norristown Farm Park, 2500 Upper Farm Rd, Norristown. After entering park, follow Upper Farm Rd, pass Visitors Ctr, continue a short distance to lot #3 where rest rooms will be available. 

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-763-8376 or 610-796-7602

Saturday May 23, 2020 - Appalachian Trail (South of PA Route 501)

6 to 8 mod miles

This will be an in and out hike starting at the parking lot off of Rt. 501. We will hike south on the AT and visit the Kimmel and Fisher Lookouts. We can go as far as we want, remembering we have to cover the same mileage to return to our cars. Let’s start our summer hiking by challenging our abilities on the AT. Bring water and snacks, wear appropriate hiking footwear and clothes – be prepared to have fun! Lunch afterwards is always optional.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, parking lot off Rt. 501. Heavy rain will cancel this hike. 

Directions: Head North on 183, west on I-78 to Bethel exit. Proceed North on Rt. 501 about 5mi to parking lot on right side near mountain top.

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

Saturday May 16, 2020 - Evansburg State Park

5 to 6 moderate miles

Located in southcentral Montgomery County between Norristown and Collegeville, Evansburg State Park offers significant green space and has a variety of habitats including forests, meadows, old fields and farmland. Waterproof mud boots are recommended. Lunch later in Collegeville.

1st Meeting place: 9:00 am, Boscov’s East (east end of lot), Bus Rt. 422 East, Exeter Twp. 

2nd Meeting place: 9:48 am, Pavilion parking lot in Evansburg Park

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

Saturday May 9, 2020 - Kaercher Creek and Hamburg Hike

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 afterwards at CJ Hummel’s in Lenhartsville.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Kaercher Creek Boat Launch Area

Directions: Rt. 61 North to Hamburg, bear right onto 4th Street, at 3rd traffic light turn right onto State Street (old Rt. 22), proceed about 1 mile then turn right on driveway to former park, across from the Hamburg Center. Look for the red and white sign of the Hamburg Soccer Association.

GPS: 3501 Old Rt. 22, Hamburg

For more information and further directions, contact:  610-921-3252 (610-451-5380 day of hike)

Saturday May 2, 2020 - Robesonia Furnace Woods

4+ moderate to difficult miles

Hike with leader through the historic Robesonia Furnace Woods where in 1845 Henry Robeson transformed iron production by constructing an anthracite-coal furnace. This production continued until 1927 when Bethlehem Steel Corp bought Robesonia Furnace with the purpose of demolishing its competitor for iron ore. The hike will be on all types of terrain; poles are recommended.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Conrad Weiser Middle School, shuttle to trail head 1 mile away 

GPS: 347 Penn Avenue, Robesonia

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-507-5600