Christmas Surprise Hike - Saturday Dec 22, 2007

Take a Winter Wonderland walk through Wyomissing Park and environs. Distance and exact route to be determined by the group.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am at the Reading Museum parking lot, Museum Road in West Reading

Information will be available at the hike and leader will be determined at hike.

Oley Christmas Caroling - Sunday Dec 16, 2007

Dress warm and bring your Christmas spirit to this traditional celebration of song and light!

Meeting Place: 5:30 pm, King's Grocery parking lot, on Route 73 in Oley

for further information or directions, contact: 620-926-5251

Bethlehem, PA Christkindlmarket / Luminaria Night - Saturday Dec 15, 2007

Visit Bethlehem's Christkindlmarket, a holiday market of handmade crafts. This will be followed by dinner and a walking tour of Bethlehem's historic district on "Luminaria Night", when thousands of families decorate their walkways and properties with luminaria.

Meeting Place: 12:00 pm Business Route 222, 5th Street Highway in Temple, left of Walmart behind McDonald's

For further information or directions, contact: 610-488-9269

Christmas House Tour - Sunday Dec 9, 2007

Annual tour of decorated homes in Historic Centre Park, Reading. You could start on your own if you wish. (Tour takes place from 1:00 to 6:00 pm.) The cost has not been determined at the posting of this event but last year's cost was $12.00.

Meeting Place: 2:00 pm at the ticket sales tent in Centre Park in the 700 block of Centre Ave.

For information or directions, contact: 610-374-2394

Annual Christmas Party and Hike - Reservations Required- Saturday December 8, 2007

Have fun at the Pioneer Grange in Topton at the annual Christmas party! Hike will take place in Topton at 1:30pm. Fun for all...historical presentation by Ivan Bub at 3:30 pm before dinner and entertainment following dinner with singing and fun! Look forward to seeing Santa too!
Full details in flyer sent out in club mailing. Reservations by November 28th required with dinner payment of $13.00 for members and $15.00 for non-members.

Contact for information: 610-779-2599

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