Saturday January 18, 2024 - Peters Creek / Lake Ontelaunee

4-5 miles

We will hike along Peters Creek past the Grandmother Sycamore, Peter’s Creek Spring, and the Peters Family Graveyard. At Evansville Rd. we will loop back on the other side of the creek, across Maidencreek Rd. following a gravel track to Lake Ontelaunee looping back on a grassy track following the lake shoreline part of the way back. 4+ easy miles with one short hill.

Meeting place: 9:45 AM at the parking area on Maidencreek Rd.

GPS and Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UT9whRThvM3Q1vub6 

[40.45987,-75.90063]                                                                                           

GPS address is approximate: 1301-1309 Maidencreek Rd, Fleetwood

For more information ore further directions, contact:  412-445-7319

Saturday January 11, 2025 - Antietam Lake Hike

4-5 moderate miles                                                                                                                                        

This hike begins at the Antietam Lake parking area at 10:00 am. We will hike to the Mudcatcher’s Trailhead and do an out and back. We will continue to the Angora Fruit Farm and wind our way back to the parking lot. We should see a few ruins along the way. The group may decide on a lunch option. 

Extreme weather conditions cancel. Wear orange because it is hunting season

Meeting place: 10:00 am at the large Antietam Lake Park parking area on the horseshoe bend in sight of the lake                      

GPS: 230 Angora Rd. [N 40 21.387 W 075 52.422]

For more information or further directions, contact: 973-879-7080 or 610-468-7236

Saturday January 4, 2024 - Monocacy Hill Recreation Area

5 Moderately difficult miles ( with alternative)

Join our group as we hike once again through some of the well-marked trails of Monocacy Hill’s 428 acres. We will go down to the creek with the charming waterfall and up to the peak with beautiful views of the valley. We may also go by landmarks like the never-used railroad trestle and the homestead site of Sallie Shirey. Hiking boots/poles are recommended as the climb is a bit rocky. Wear orange because it is hunting season. For those who don’t wish to climb to the peak, an alternative path that meets up on the other side is a possibility.                                                                                                                                  Lunch at Vincenzo’s afterward, 1333 Old Swede Rd, Douglassville, 610-689-8000, https://www.vincenzosristorante.org

Meeting place: 9:30 a.m. in Geiger Rd parking lot. Parking in lot is limited – if parking on the road, park on the side next to the recreation area, NOT across the street at residents’ houses.

Directions: From 422 coming from Reading use the jug handle to turn left onto Limekiln Rd. Turn right onto Monocacy Hill Rd, right again onto Geiger Rd and right into the parking lot.

GPS: 42 Geiger Rd, Douglassville PA 19518 [40.280955, -75.754068]

For more information or further directions, contact: 610-468-5039

Wednesday January 1, 2025 - Oren Hall Memorial Loop

Approx. 4 miles very hilly

Hills are quite moderate but, there are a lot. Very pleasant walk through the woods. Be aware this is a mountain biking trail. WEAR ORANGE TO BE SAFE. Heavy snow or rain will cancel. Light snow could be nice.

Meeting place: 9:30 AM at Holl’s Trailhead off Highland Road.

Directions: From State Hill Road turn left onto Brownsville Road. Turn right onto Highland Road at Spitlers Collision (approx. 1.7 miles). The road is not maintained and very rutty. The Trailhead in on the right.

For more information and further directions, contact::484-557-7854

Saturday December 28, 2024 - Swatara State Park

Approx. 6 miles

This hike will traverse both sides of the scenic Swatara Creek utilizing the Swatara Rail Trail and the Bear Hole Trail. It is mostly flat on well maintained surfaces.

1st Meeting place: 9 AM Old Church Rd parking at Blue Marsh

2nd Meeting place: 10 AM Sand Siding Trailhead, Route 443, Pine Grove

Directions: Take Route 443 west from Pine Grove. Continue past Route 81. Proceed another 3 -4 miles. Look for the Twin Grove Campsite on the right. Immediately past the campsite look for a dirt road to the left and travel down this road to the parking area. Snow/bad roads cancel. 

GPS: 40.506622, -76.510338

For more information and further directions, contact: 610-850-1855

Saturday December 21, 2024 - Blue Marsh Hike

4 or 6 miles, your choice.

Hike from Old Church Road off Route 183. Wear orange. Lunch is optional afterwards. It will be anb easy in-and-out hike. Heavy snow or rain will cancel.

Meeting place: 9:30 am from Old Church Road parking lot off of Route 183. Parking lot is on the left.

Directions: Take Route 183 North. Pass the Blue Marsh Restaurant. In about 2.5 miles -Turn Left onto Old Church Road. Parking lot is on the left

GPS: Blue Marsh Road Old Church Trailhead.

For more information and further directions, contact: 484-557-7854 

NOTE: Club Organizational Meeting after hike to check for readiness of first quarter in 2025.