Saturday August 30, 2014 - Landingville Loop Trail

Approx. 5 miles

Richard will lead the way on the Bartram trail section of the Schuylkill River Trail to Landingville. We will circle the marsh, then return to our starting point.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redner’s Market, Rte. 61, Leesport 

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

Saturday August 23, 2014 - Heritage Rail Trail County Park

Approx. 8 flat, easy miles

This is a lovely scenic rail/trail that 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 bicycles, and visit historic Hanover Junction. A steam locomotive now runs a regular route beside the trail according to “Rails to Trails” magazine. If anyone is interested, bring your bike for a short ride on the trail afterwards. Pack a lunch to enjoy during the hike because that terrific deli on the trail is now closed.

MEET: 8:30 am, Ollie’s parking lot, intersection of Business Rts. 222 and 724, Lancaster Avenue in Shillington

For further information and directions, contact: 610-823-9023

Saturday August 16, 2014 - Monocacy Hill Hike

Approx. 3-5 strenuous miles, difficult terrain

Some may remember Fran’s previous “Ice Hike” way back on 2/24/07...this time no snow shoes or crampons will be required, as we check out the various trails locked away in this marvelous wooded setting on a mountain overlooking 422 East. You will be surprised by the amazing vista all the way to Reading, once on top. Don’t slow down because at the end we will all head down the road for pizza.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Monocacy Hill Road parking lot on Geiger Road

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

Saturday August 9, 2014 - Pottsville Murals and Historical Hike

Approx. 6 hilly miles

We will hike around this city of “seven hills” and coal history. We will be learning history, walking on sidewalks and some roads. Yes – it is Hilly! NO – We are NOT going to the Brewery! At the end of this approximate 6 mile hike, and for those who choose, we will go to eat at Grammie’s Diner; or those who choose to leave may return to their cars.

1st meeting place: 9:00 am, Redners Rte 61, Leesport

2nd meeting place: 9:45 am, Market Street, Pottsville 

For further information and directions, contact: 610-678-5245

Saturday August 2, 2014 - Berks Community Hiking Club Picnic

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.

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.

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

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

Meeting place: 8:45 am, Ollie’s parking lot, intersection of Business Rts. 222 and 724, Lancaster Avenue in Shillington; 1 1⁄2 hour drive to Ladew 

For further information and directions, contact: 610-775-2677 or Cell – 610-301-7271

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.

For further information or directions, contact: 610-488-9269; Cell 717-376-5289

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

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

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.

For further directions or information, contact: 610-779-2599 or 610-823-9023 on day of hike

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

For further directions or information, contact: 610-913-0284 or DOH 610-413-6281

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

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.

For further information and directions, contact: 610-909-5018 work cell, 610-223-6952 personal cell or e-mail cj1sp@allstate.com

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.

Meeting place: 9:30 at the pond at Forest Hills Memorial Park 

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

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

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.

For further information and directions, contact: 610-678-5245