Return to Longwood Gardens - Christmas Visit- Saturday December 1, 2007

See beautiful Longwood Gardens in all its Christmas greenery and enjoy the music from the famous organ! Hikers may traverse the outdoor and indoor grounds as well as the many interesting walkways. Enjoy lunch in the restaurant, cafeteria or pack your own. We will depart for home between 6 or 7 pm, dependent on group decision.

Note: Please notify Karen S. by Nov . 29 if you plan to attend. Details on ticket costs are available from Karen. At least 15 people need to go in order to get the group rate.

Meeting Place: 7:30 am, Boscov's East (east end of parking lot) on Business Route 422 East in Exeter Township.

For directions, to register to attend, or for more information, contact: Karen at 610-779-2599

Nolde Forest - Saturday November 24, 2007

6 miles, weather permitting

This will be a nice, cold hike, so dress accordingly. Bring water and wear sturdy boots.

Meeting Place: 10:00am, Sawmill parking lot located on Route 625



For further information or directions contact: 610-777-4223

Bowmansville Area - Saturday November 17, 2007

5 miles+, depending on the weather

Hike with Doug over some of the back roads and farmlands of the Bowmansville area. There will be a few small hills.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am, St John's Worship Center parking lot, Route 625, South of Bowmansville

For directions and further information, contact: 610-775-7453

Valley Forge - Saturday November 10, 2007

5 miles

This will be a relatively level and easy hike to see the various positions of the Colonial State Brigades. We will also see the remnants of the trenches on their outer line of defenses, with a stop at the Washington Memorial Chapel. The final stop will be the Chapel Cabin Shop specializing in their famous cakes, candies as well as lunch, pastry, and ice cream.

1st Meeting Place: 9:00am, Boscov's East (east end of lot) on Business Route 422 East in Exeter Township

2nd Meeting Place: 10:00am, Valley Forge Visitor's Center

For directions and further information, contact: 215-592-3037

Hamburg Reservoir, Pulpit Rock Hike - November 3, 2007

5 miles, moderate

We will be doing a reverse loop past Hamburg Reservoir and on up to Pulpit Rock. Coming down we will follow the road, instead of the A.T., and a short section of the original A.T. still existing prior to its current relocation. We will pass the Windsor furnace shelter along the way. There are a few short, very rocky sections. Wear Sturdy boots. If the group wishes, the hike could be lengthened to about 6 1/2 miles.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am, Hamburg Reservoir parking area, end of Reservoir Rd. (off old route 22)

For directions or further information contact: 610-921-3252

Kutztown Area Country Roads - Saturday October 27, 2007

5.5 miles

This is a circular hike on several rural, macadam and gravel roads, passing by farms and wooded areas. The hike includes some hills. Optional lunch stop at the Kutztown Tavern.

Meeting place: 8:30 am, Kutztown Shopping Center on Constitution Blvd. near the CVS

Directions: 222 North, Krumsville exit route 737, at end of exit ramp left onto Constitution Blvd.
Go straight at traffic light to the Kutztown Shopping Center on the right.

For directions or further information, contact: 610-562-0207

Tohickon Valley Trail - Saturday October 20, 2007

7.3 mile loop trail with a 200 foot elevation

This hike tours the north canyon wall of Tohickon Creek, passing through Tohickon Valley Park and the high rocks area of Ralph Stover State Park in Bucks County. The degree of difficulty is moderate with high rock cliff and viewpoints, wildlife sightings, forest wildflowers, and fall foliage. There are 4 great overlooks - Doan's Cedar, Balcony, and Argillite. Come prepared with hiking boots, lunch, water, and a camera to capture the great views. We will stop for our "traditional" food fuel for those who wish to join us.

Meeting place: 8:30 am , Boscov's East (east end of parking lot) Business route 422 East, Exeter Township

For directions and further information, contact: 610-796-7302

Kelly's Run - Saturday October 13, 2007

9+ miles, strenuous and hilly

Visit this very scenic area with 4 stream crossings. (or 3 with a girder bridge!) Bring walking sticks, lunch and water. Kathy also led this hike last winter and the group was rewarded with a bald eagle sighting at the pinnacle.
Note: 1 1/2 hours drive to trail head located in Lancaster and York Counties

Meeting Place: 8:30 am at Ollie's parking lot (closed Giant and A. C. Moore), intersection of business Routes 222 and 724 at Lancaster Ave. in Shillington

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

Heritage Rail Trail County Park - Saturday September 29, 2007

8 miles, easy flat trail

Established in 1992 and covering 176 acres, the Heritage Rail Trail County Park is 21 miles long and runs from the Mason Dixon Line to York. We will be walking the 8 mile section from Brillhart Station to Hanover Junction Station. This is a beautiful trail to see, especially in the fall, as we walk through Howard Tunnel...view a picnic grove with giant metal sculptures of bikes... stop at the historic Hanover Junction Station...and...ending with a restaurant stop at "Serenity Station" located on this trail.

NOTE: This will be a SHUTTLE HIKE AND ALL DAY EVENT as this is a 1.5 hour drive each way.

Meeting Place: 8:30 am at Ollie's parking lot (at the closed Giant and A.C. Moore) at the intersection of Business Routes 222 and 724 on Lancaster Ave. in Shillington.

For directions and further information, contact: 610-779-9725, 610-286-8917, or 610-376-1430

French Creek, Hopewell Village & Doggie Roast - Saturday September 22, 2007

4 to 5 miles

Beautiful easy hike, views of the lake and a tour of historic Hopewell Village. After the hike you are invited to a doggie roast at the campgrounds. Hot dogs, rolls, and condiments will be provided. Please bring a beverage, chair, and something to share.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am, French Creek Boat Ramp parking lot

Directions: Take either Route 724 East or Route 422 East, right turn onto Route in Birdsboro, turn left at light onto Main St., Make right onto Route 345. Continue on Route 345, bear right at the French Creek East Entrance (Park Road). The boat ramp parking lot will be on your left.

For further information or directions, contact: 610-926-5251 or 610-582-5220

Horseshoe Trail - Saturday September 15, 2007

7 to 8 miles

Woodland shuttle hike on the Horseshoe Trail from French Creek State Park to Warwick County Park. Orange is required as we will be passing through PA State Gamelands.

Meeting Place: 9:00 am, Warwick County Park, lower parking area, located off Route 23 on County Park Road, 9 miles east of Morgantown.

For further directions or information, contact: 610-286-8917 or 610-587-8656

French Creek/ Hopewell Lake - Saturday September 1, 2007

6+ Miles

Travel on a variety of trails in the area. Views of the lake, dam breast, Bethesda Baptist Church and cemetery will be seen on the hike. Mostly wooded trails (some with rocks) and some road walking. Water, sturdy shoes, and a snack (if needed to keep your energy) are recommended.

1st Meeting Place: 9:00am Boscov's East (east end of the parking lot) on Route 422 East Exeter Twp.

2nd Meeting Place: 9:30am Hopewell Lake parking lot

For further information or directions, contact: 610-375-3358

Pennside Ice Cream Hike - Sunday Evening August 26, 2007

2 to 4 Miles (easy)

Enjoy a late Summer leisurely walk around the Pennside area. We will visit the new location of Fegeley's restaurant (not open at this time) and check out the trail behind the Antietam Valley Park and Recreation Center. All level streets except for a short, level trail section. Return for ice cream at Coney Tony's Pennside Drive In.

Meeting Place: 5:00pm at Coney Tony's Pennside Drive In, 900 block of Carsonia Avenue, Pennside.

For further information or directions, contact: 610-779-9725 or 610-779-2599

Caption for photo: Sue looks like she wants to do an Ice Cream hike! She's skipping for joy!

Trail Maintenance on Horseshoe Trail - Sunday August 26, 2007

Time and Meeting Place: 9:00am at Kenhorst Plaza "Dollar Store" on route 625

Bring weedwhackers and gardening/pruning tools that will be helpful to clear the trail. It's important that our club keeps this trail maintained. The Rudy and Annelies feel that this can be accomplished in an hour or two if enough people show up!

Additional questions or information, call 610-777-4223

Warwick County Park, Water Walk! - Saturday August 25, 2007

5 Miles (Be prepared to get wet!)

A 5 mile hike around the perimeter of this Chester County park located in Knauertown just South of Route 23. Will cross two streams and will require hikers to be prepared to WADE across them. The first crossing is usually a shallow crossing, but the second- fording French Creek, will be deeper. Be sure to bring your water shoes, hiking stick, a snack and a drink.

Meeting Place: 9:30 am at Warwick County Park's main parking area off Route 23 on County Park Road, 9 miles east of Morgantown.

For further directions or information, contact: 610-913-0284

Native American/ Indian History Hike in Exeter TWP - Saturday August 18. 2007

4.75 to 5 miles

Hike through the area where one of the largest Schuylkill River/ Lenape Indian villages in Berks County once existed. See some of their artifacts and sites where they were found. We will visit the site of an Indian Shad (Weir) or (Dam). Wear sturdy shoes. Bring water and snack. Mostly easy walking with shade or sun. RAIN CANCELS.

Meeting Place: 9:00am Boscov's East (parking lot at east end) on Route 422 East, Exeter Twp.

For further directions or information contact 610-779-4204