General Club Facts:

Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States
See Membership Information section on how to join our hiking club!Other subgroups within the BCHC are the "Thursday Wanderers."Most hikes are followed by a dinner stop. We call ourselves "The Eating Club with a Hiking Disorder"! Dues are $15.00 annually****Hiking and Trail Guidelines: ** Be courteous & stay behind the leader unless directed otherwise.** Offer $.15/mile to driver when carpooling. * *In the event of inclement weather, the hike may be canceled.** Please leave your pets at home.**If unable to keep a club commitment, please find a replacement. * Wear blaze orange during hunting season (Sept 1 to last day of Feb). * Appropriate footwear and attire should match the type of hike.** If you leave the hike early, notify the hike leader or ask someone to do that for you.** Bring water and food as the hike description and weather demand.* * Hiking involves risk. Come out prepared and know your capabilities. Each hiker is responsible for their own safety and well-being. Contact us at: Berks Community Hiking Club PO Box #3611 Reading, PA 19606

Friday, December 4, 2009

Saturday December 5, 2009 - New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

See member flyer for full details

The Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club is planning this bus trip on behalf of the 50th anniversary year of the Rentschler Arboretum. Reservations, cancellations and payments are to be made through Boscov’s travel. Linda Enders-Roxberry has extended this invitation to BCHC, the Master Gardeners and others.
PRIOR RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Saturday December 5, 2009 - Guidin Hill

5 miles

Les will be leading this 5 mile hike on the hills separating St Lawrence and Pennside. Climb, traverse and descend two ridges with some steep grades. Visit an old quarry whose many leftover stones on the trails frequently make walking difficult. Guldin Hill affords a scenic view of Exeter Township. Other locations provide partially obstructed views of Mt Penn, Pennside and Stony Creek.

Meeting place: 9:45 am, Boscov’s East (east end of lot), business Route 422 East, Exeter Twp

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

Friday, November 20, 2009

Saturday November 28, 2009 - Angelica Park to Sheerlund Forest

5 plus miles, rain or shine or snow

Hike through Angelica Park to Sheerlund Forest-Nolde area. We will hike a new trail in Angelica Park and also roads leading to Sheerlund Forest area. We will encounter one long incline (also known as THE HILL !!). Lunch later.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Angelica parking lot off Rt. 10, Morgantown Road

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

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Saturday November 21, 2009 - Hills and Valley of Nolde Forest

This will be a great but hilly hike through the hills and valleys of Nolde forest. Bring good shoes, water and snacks. Contact hike leader if weather is questionable.

MEET: 10:00 am, at the Church Road parking lot

For further information and directions, contact: 610-777-4223

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Saturday November 14, 2009 - Maiden Creek/ Lake Ontelaunee (The OTHER Side)

4 miles

This hike will be mostly on access roads, trails and flat grassy areas by the water, then circle back along farm fields and through the woods. It will include a few easy climbs. Wear Orange! May be damp in some areas if the ground is not frozen.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Moselem Springs Inn (Intersection of Routes 222 & 662)

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

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Saturday November 7, 2009 - Hamburg Reservoir To Port Clinton

6+ miles moderate to strenuous with climbs, rocks and steep descent to Port Clinton

Come out for an adventure starting with an uphill climb to ridgeline, following forested path to another ascent and onto outstanding views of Hamburg and beyond (no leaves). Bring water, snacks and wear sturdy boots. Food afterwards; suggestions taken.

Meeting place: 9:15 am, at Port Clinton Playground, Off of Route 61 North - first left upon entering Port Clinton, then straight back to parking area.

For further information or directions, contact: 610-775-2677

Monday, September 28, 2009

Saturday October 31, 2009 - HALLOWEENIE HIKE EVENT (Members Only)


Follow Hike leaders on a hike in French Creek State Park followed by a picnic/roast and Halloween games led by our famous "game lady" Kathy, which will be held at Yurts #1 & #2. An open-fire roast will be prepared by Rich and Karen. Halloween costumes optional.

Meeting place: 1:00 pm, French Creek overflow parking lot for campground (on right past contact booth)

NOTE: Everyone who wishes to attend is asked to bring a chair, flashlight, own drink (non-
alcoholic as this is a State Park) and food to share. (Side dishes, salads & deserts needed more than snacks). Any food or supplies may be dropped off at the Yurts before you hike, however cars must return to the campground overflow parking lot.

DIRECTIONS: Rt. 724 to Birdsboro, turn right at light in Birdsboro, then next left. Make a right
onto Rt. 345. Continue on Rt. 345 until you see State Park sign at Park Road and turn right. Go until you see campground sign and turn right to the contact booth. Park in the overflow parking lot for campground, on right past contact booth.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Saturday October 24, 2009 - Lancaster County

approximately 6 miles

Hike on country roads in beautiful Lancaster County starting at St John’s Worship Center on Rt. 625. This is a loop hike with some hills on back roads with scenic views of the farmlands in the fall. Lunch later of course.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Kenhorst Shopping Center, at the intersection of Routes 625 and 724, in front of the Dollar Store.

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

Saturday October 17, 2009 - Delaware Water Gap


8.5 miles

This is a marvelous hike on the Appalachian Trail. Hike along top of ridge with some “ups” and great views – profile of Chief Tammany across the Delaware – then winding down a steep descent to Gap. Payoff – fall foliage and vistas. Recommend sturdy boots, water and we will stop on the trail for lunch.

Meeting place: 8:00 am, parking lot behind McDonald’s and left of Wal-Mart, Business Route 222, 5th Street Highway in Temple

For further directions or inofrmation, contact: 610-775-2677

Saturday October 10, 2009 - Mt Gretna/ Dinosaur Rocks



approximately 6 miles

Hike is in state game lands starting on Pinch Road and walking across ridge to "Dynosore" Rocks.
Moderate hills, off-road hiking in woodlands except for one long unshaded section.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Boyer’s IGA, Rts. 422 and 419, Womelsdorf

For further information or directions, contact: 610-589-5575

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Saturday October 3, 2009 - Bartram Trail

8 miles, level except for a very short incline to reach the trail

Come and enjoy the flat terrain of the Bartram Rail to Trail. It’s 4 miles out along the river and
back. Lunch at 3 C’s restaurant on Route 61 afterwards.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, at Port Clinton Playground, off of Route. 61 North – first left upon entering Port Clinton, then straight back to the parking lot.

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

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Saturday September 26,2009 - Cunningham Falls State Park

7.5 miles

Our hike will include several vistas, a large waterfall and a large geological rock formation. The terrain varies but is mostly hilly. If you follow the leader you can never go wrong. All Berks Community Hiking Club disclaimers, warnings and threats will apply!!

Meeting place: 8:30 am, at Ollie’s parking lot (closed Giant and A.C. Moore), at the intersection of Business Routes. 222 and 724, on Lancaster Ave in Shillington
Note: Drive time is approx 2 hours; 120 miles away; park is located near Rt. 15 just past Mount Saint Mary’s College

For further information and directions, contact: 610-678-5921

Friday, August 28, 2009

Saturday September 19, 2009 - Heritage Rail Trail County Park

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 Brillheart Station to Hanover Junction Station. This is a beautiful trail to see as we walk through Howard Tunnel, view a picnic grove with giant metal sculptures of bikes, visit the historic Hanover Junction Station, ending with a restaurant stop at “Serenity Station” located on this trail.

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

For further information and directions, contact: 610-898-9988

Saturday September 12, 2009 - Warwick County Park

5 to 7.5 miles, depending on the heat and height of the French
Creek!

We will take the Horseshoe Trail east all the way thru Warwick Park, then walk about a
mile along roads to reach another entry point into the park and continue on to French Creek. We will then cross the creek if it is low enough, loop through the main park, take the Charcoal Trail and return via the Horseshoe Trail. Otherwise, we will re-enter the park via the Horseshoe Trail and return via the Charcoal Trail.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Warwick County Park, at County Park Road off Rt. 23 in Knauertown

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

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Saturday September 5, 2009 - Ride The Train To Lover's Lane

5 to 6 miles

Board the WK&S train at Kempton Station at 1:00 pm then ride to the end of the line at
Wanamaker Station. Now the hike begins back to the Kempton Station via Lover’s Lane, other roads, with a visit to the historic village of Trexler. It is Grandparents Day – bring your Grandpa or Grandma, or your Grandchildren (show them what a good hiker Grandpa/Ma is!). Tickets for the train are $4.00 each. Park in the uphill parking lot. Optional dinner after the hike at C.J. Hummel’s.

Meeting place:12:30 pm, at WK& S Railroad Station, Kempton, directions: from I-78, take Exit 35 Lenhartsville, to Route 143 North

For further information and directions, contact: 610-921-3252 or email: ecg8@juno.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Sunday August 30, 2009 - Pennside Ice Cream Hike

Approx 2-4 miles (easy)

Enjoy a late summer walk around the Pennside area. We will re-visit the re-located Fegley’s
restaurant. We will also walk the trail behind the Antietam Valley Park & Recreation Center.
All level streets except for a short, level trail section. Return for ice cream and burgers at
Coney Tony’s Pennside Drive In. (Update: The former Fegley's restaurant is no longer located in the area and has been relocated to Boyertown.)

Meeting place: 5:00 pm, Coney Tony’s Pennside Drive In, 900 block of Carsonia Ave., Pennside
Note: Please park on the grassy area to the right of the Drive-In

For further information and directions, contact: 610-898-9988 or 610-779-2599