See your friends and enjoy a day of hiking, fun, and food at the annual Berks Community Hiking Club picnic.
Reservations needed by July 19. See the club flyer for details on events and hike.![]()
BCHC is a hiking club that is located in Berks County, PA. The club was first organized in the Fall of 1921. This is the official club site. Anyone is welcome to attend our hikes. We list weekly hikes that range from short easy strolls to strenuous hikes. The type of hike depends on the leaders that volunteer to fill our quarterly schedules. This site lists some of the recent scheduled weekly Saturday hikes. Click on Web Version at bottom of mobile view to see membership information.
General Club Facts:
- Berks Community Hiking Club
- 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
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Saturday July 26, 2014 - Birdsboro Watershed
7 miles
This hike traverses both sides of the scenic Hay Creek, and travels up hills on each side of the creek past both reservoirs in the Birdsboro watershed. Expect hills to reach each reservoir. Bring enough water for the conditions.
Meeting place: 9:00 am, parking area on Hay Creek Road (former Route 82), north of Geigertown, .8
miles north of where Mullen Hollow Rd ends at Hay Creek Road
DIRECTIONS: From the traffic light in Gibraltar at the Turkey Hill, travel east on Route 724 for 1.2 miles. Take the first right turn at the sign for Hillcrest Hall Bingo, cross the railroad tracks, turn left on Old River Road, then almost immediately make a right onto Rock Hollow Road. Drive 2.8 miles on Rock Hollow road, cross Cocalico Road, then drive another 1.1 miles to the first stop sign at Hay Creek road. Turn left and drive .7 miles to the parking area.
This hike traverses both sides of the scenic Hay Creek, and travels up hills on each side of the creek past both reservoirs in the Birdsboro watershed. Expect hills to reach each reservoir. Bring enough water for the conditions.
Meeting place: 9:00 am, parking area on Hay Creek Road (former Route 82), north of Geigertown, .8
miles north of where Mullen Hollow Rd ends at Hay Creek Road
DIRECTIONS: From the traffic light in Gibraltar at the Turkey Hill, travel east on Route 724 for 1.2 miles. Take the first right turn at the sign for Hillcrest Hall Bingo, cross the railroad tracks, turn left on Old River Road, then almost immediately make a right onto Rock Hollow Road. Drive 2.8 miles on Rock Hollow road, cross Cocalico Road, then drive another 1.1 miles to the first stop sign at Hay Creek road. Turn left and drive .7 miles to the parking area.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Saturday July 19, 2014 - Ladew Topiary Gardens, Maryland
Harvey Ladew created 15 thematic garden rooms on 22 acres with over 100 topiaries,
including a re-creation of a fox hunt. At your leisure, enjoy a self-guided walk in the gardens
with the option of a docent tour of a circa 1747 farmhouse. A lunch menu is available at the
café. Tickets can be purchased at the gardens at the following prices:
House, Gardens and Nature Walk – Adults $13; Senior 62+ $11; Gardens and Nature Walk – Adults $10; Senior 62+ $8
Visit website: www.ladewgardens.com for more information
NOTE: RAIN CANCELS
House, Gardens and Nature Walk – Adults $13; Senior 62+ $11; Gardens and Nature Walk – Adults $10; Senior 62+ $8
Visit website: www.ladewgardens.com for more information
NOTE: RAIN CANCELS
For further information and directions, contact: 610-775-2677 or Cell – 610-301-7271
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Saturday July 12, 2014 - Stonehenge Gardens / The Lehigh & New England Rail Trail Tamaqua
3+ miles
We will begin with a visit to Stonehedge Gardens, a free non-profit public garden near Tamaqua Pa, where we can wander through the gardens, gift-shop, and gallery. Then we will hike the rail-trail for about 3 miles into Tamaqua for lunch at the Tamaqua Diner. We will then retrace our steps back to the cars. It may be hot, so bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and money for lunch. More information about the gardens and trail can be found on the internet.
Meeting place: 10:00 am, Redner’s, Rte. 61 in Leesport – We will carpool with as few cars as possible due to the distance and limited parking. Directions to Stonehedge will be provided.
We will begin with a visit to Stonehedge Gardens, a free non-profit public garden near Tamaqua Pa, where we can wander through the gardens, gift-shop, and gallery. Then we will hike the rail-trail for about 3 miles into Tamaqua for lunch at the Tamaqua Diner. We will then retrace our steps back to the cars. It may be hot, so bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and money for lunch. More information about the gardens and trail can be found on the internet.
Meeting place: 10:00 am, Redner’s, Rte. 61 in Leesport – We will carpool with as few cars as possible due to the distance and limited parking. Directions to Stonehedge will be provided.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Saturday July 5, 2014 - Tucquan Glen
Approx. 4 miles, moderate to difficult
Enjoy a cool hike along a beautiful stream in a rocky gorge and back, possibly on a different trail. Optional lunch later.
Meeting place: 9:00 am, Ollie’s parking lot, intersection of Business Rts. 222 and 724, Lancaster Avenue in Shillington – Shuttle to area off of River Road near Holtwood Dam
Enjoy a cool hike along a beautiful stream in a rocky gorge and back, possibly on a different trail. Optional lunch later.
Meeting place: 9:00 am, Ollie’s parking lot, intersection of Business Rts. 222 and 724, Lancaster Avenue in Shillington – Shuttle to area off of River Road near Holtwood Dam
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Saturday June 28, 2014 - Little Lehigh Park, Allentown
4-5 miles easy stroll on walkways
Enjoy a summer stroll along the scenic Little Lehigh. This will be a leisurely walk along the river on walkways. Some beautiful scenery to boot! We'll also have a nice snack afterwards and go to an Allentown eatery for lunch. Wear sturdy sneakers and bring water. Hiking boots are optional. We'll carpool to get to the park.
Meeting place: 9:00 am at the old Ollie's parking lot behind the Super Walmart and across from the Tractor Supply off Route 222 North.
Enjoy a summer stroll along the scenic Little Lehigh. This will be a leisurely walk along the river on walkways. Some beautiful scenery to boot! We'll also have a nice snack afterwards and go to an Allentown eatery for lunch. Wear sturdy sneakers and bring water. Hiking boots are optional. We'll carpool to get to the park.
Meeting place: 9:00 am at the old Ollie's parking lot behind the Super Walmart and across from the Tractor Supply off Route 222 North.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Saturday June 21, 2014 - Neversink Gravity Trail
Approx. 41⁄2 miles
Hike the 4 1/1 mile Gravity Trail, recently opened care of the Berks Conservancy. This trail begins at Neversink Mountain on South18th Street at the water tower, ending at the parking lot for Antietam Lake Trails just off Angora Road at Hill Road. Our group will meet at Antietam Lake parking area and shuttle the group to Neversink. There will be historic signs along the route explaining about the Gravity Railroad.
Meeting place: 9:00 am, Angora Road and Hill Road parking area of Antietam Lake; please call leader if weather is questionable...Orange suggested as is a lunch stop after the hike at Klingers on Carsonia Avenue
Hike the 4 1/1 mile Gravity Trail, recently opened care of the Berks Conservancy. This trail begins at Neversink Mountain on South18th Street at the water tower, ending at the parking lot for Antietam Lake Trails just off Angora Road at Hill Road. Our group will meet at Antietam Lake parking area and shuttle the group to Neversink. There will be historic signs along the route explaining about the Gravity Railroad.
Meeting place: 9:00 am, Angora Road and Hill Road parking area of Antietam Lake; please call leader if weather is questionable...Orange suggested as is a lunch stop after the hike at Klingers on Carsonia Avenue
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Saturday June 14, 2014 - Vinemont Gamelands
6 miles
Hike trails and roads in the area of Vinemont. Some hills and rocky wooded areas. Eats afterward for all, of course!
Meeting place: 9:30 am at Redners parking lot in Sinking Spring, Rte 422 West. Carpool to hiking area due to limited parking.
For further directions and information, contact: 610-777-4147 / Cell 610-750-4097![]()
Hike trails and roads in the area of Vinemont. Some hills and rocky wooded areas. Eats afterward for all, of course!
Meeting place: 9:30 am at Redners parking lot in Sinking Spring, Rte 422 West. Carpool to hiking area due to limited parking.
For further directions and information, contact: 610-777-4147 / Cell 610-750-4097
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Saturday June 7, 2014 - Horse Shoe Trail Hike into Lancaster County
Approx. 5.5 miles moderate
Enjoy the continuing stroll thru the woods of upper Lancaster County. Some hilly sections as well as road work. The trail is starting to get more country like and we will get to see the local farms in full working order. End of hike will be at Mountain Rd. Please bring and wear proper trail gear, water, and personal snacks.
Meeting place: 9:00 am at Dutch Cousin Campground, 446 Hill Road Denver PA 17517. Limited parking and shuttling of vehicles needed to end of hike.
Enjoy the continuing stroll thru the woods of upper Lancaster County. Some hilly sections as well as road work. The trail is starting to get more country like and we will get to see the local farms in full working order. End of hike will be at Mountain Rd. Please bring and wear proper trail gear, water, and personal snacks.
Meeting place: 9:00 am at Dutch Cousin Campground, 446 Hill Road Denver PA 17517. Limited parking and shuttling of vehicles needed to end of hike.
For further information and directions, contact: 610-909-5018 work cell, 610-223-6952 personal cell or e-mail cj1sp@allstate.com
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Saturday May 31, 2014 - Neversink Mountain
Approx. 6 miles
Mountain Laurel may be in bloom. We will walk through many sections of Neversink covered with Mountain Laurel. While this should be a scenic hike, there will be a number of steep hill climbs. This is a fairly difficult hike, and will be more so if humid. You will need water.
Mountain Laurel may be in bloom. We will walk through many sections of Neversink covered with Mountain Laurel. While this should be a scenic hike, there will be a number of steep hill climbs. This is a fairly difficult hike, and will be more so if humid. You will need water.
For further information and directions, contact: 610-323-1703
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Saturday May 24 - Schuylkill Canal Towpath Hike
4-5 miles
This hike begins in the village of Port Clinton and follows the old towpath along the Schuylkill River. It is mostly woodland trail walking with some hills and road walking. There is also a cemetery [be careful to walk between graves, not over them] with some very old tombstones that we can explore on our descent back to the village. We hope to see remnants of an old canal lock, if possible. We will be adjacent to gamelands, so wearing orange may be a good idea. Wear good boots and carry water as well.
1st Meeting place: 9:30 am at Redners Market on Rte 61 N in Leesport.
2nd Meeting place: 10:00 am at parking area just beyond the railroad property on the left side of Broad Street in Port Clinton, in view of playground. Large sign on right indicates where to park.
For further information and directions, contact: 610-929-9694![]()
This hike begins in the village of Port Clinton and follows the old towpath along the Schuylkill River. It is mostly woodland trail walking with some hills and road walking. There is also a cemetery [be careful to walk between graves, not over them] with some very old tombstones that we can explore on our descent back to the village. We hope to see remnants of an old canal lock, if possible. We will be adjacent to gamelands, so wearing orange may be a good idea. Wear good boots and carry water as well.
1st Meeting place: 9:30 am at Redners Market on Rte 61 N in Leesport.
2nd Meeting place: 10:00 am at parking area just beyond the railroad property on the left side of Broad Street in Port Clinton, in view of playground. Large sign on right indicates where to park.
For further information and directions, contact: 610-929-9694
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Saturday May 17, 2014 - Newmanstown/ Fort Zellers Circle Hike
6 miles
Hike on roads and town parks. We will see a cannon, tank, pond with various ducks and historic Fort Zellers. Hopefully, we will have a beautiful spring day.
Meeting place: 10:00 am at Newmanstown playground. Rte 422 west to Rte 419 at Womelsdorf. Turn left and go south on 419 about 2 miles to Newmanstown. At only light in town, turn right and go one block. Church is on left, parking lot for playground is on right.
Hike on roads and town parks. We will see a cannon, tank, pond with various ducks and historic Fort Zellers. Hopefully, we will have a beautiful spring day.
Meeting place: 10:00 am at Newmanstown playground. Rte 422 west to Rte 419 at Womelsdorf. Turn left and go south on 419 about 2 miles to Newmanstown. At only light in town, turn right and go one block. Church is on left, parking lot for playground is on right.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Saturday May 10, 2014 - Bartrum Trail
6 miles, easy hike
This trail is an old railroad bed, flat and straight. The hike will be followed by lunch at Cracker Barrel on Industrial Drive. Our apologies to Gerry, but we were unable to include his entire description, colorful as it was.
Meeting place: 10:00 am at Bartram Trailhead Parking Lot at end of Kernsville Dam Road. North on Rte 61 to Hamburg. Turn right at stop sign for Industrial Drive (McDonald’s, Burger King, Cabela’s). Just before railroad tracks, turn left on Kernsville Dam Road.
For further information and directions, contact: 610-777-0667![]()
This trail is an old railroad bed, flat and straight. The hike will be followed by lunch at Cracker Barrel on Industrial Drive. Our apologies to Gerry, but we were unable to include his entire description, colorful as it was.
Meeting place: 10:00 am at Bartram Trailhead Parking Lot at end of Kernsville Dam Road. North on Rte 61 to Hamburg. Turn right at stop sign for Industrial Drive (McDonald’s, Burger King, Cabela’s). Just before railroad tracks, turn left on Kernsville Dam Road.
For further information and directions, contact: 610-777-0667
Monday, April 7, 2014
Saturday May 3, 2014 - Horse Shoe Trail - Gamelands
6 miles
Hike on the Horse-shoe Trail in the vicinity of the Gamelands. Some hills. This is a loop hike that is rated as moderate.
Hike on the Horse-shoe Trail in the vicinity of the Gamelands. Some hills. This is a loop hike that is rated as moderate.
For further information and directions, contact: 610-589-5575
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Saturday April 26, 2014 - Blue Marsh Spring Hike
5-6 miles
Check out Blue Marsh from a different angle as Barbara leads the way, following trails skirting the lake.
Meeting place: 10:00 am at State Hill Boat Ramp
For further information and directions, contact: 610-375-3358
Check out Blue Marsh from a different angle as Barbara leads the way, following trails skirting the lake.
Meeting place: 10:00 am at State Hill Boat Ramp
For further information and directions, contact: 610-375-3358
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Saturday April 19, 2014 - French Creek State Park Gamelands
Approx. 5 miles
Come out and enjoy the beautiful gamelands with our leaders.
Meeting place: 10:00 am at Gameland parking lot. Take Rte 345 from Birdsboro to French Creek park office. Continue straight past park office to Harmonyville Road and turn left, then short distance and bear right on stone driveway into parking area.
For further information and directions, contact: 610-582-5220 or 610-926-5251![]()
Come out and enjoy the beautiful gamelands with our leaders.
Meeting place: 10:00 am at Gameland parking lot. Take Rte 345 from Birdsboro to French Creek park office. Continue straight past park office to Harmonyville Road and turn left, then short distance and bear right on stone driveway into parking area.
For further information and directions, contact: 610-582-5220 or 610-926-5251
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