Saturday October 25, 2014 - Buzzard's Trail in French Creek State Park

 Approx. 8 moderate to strenuous miles

Hike this little known trail in French Creek State park, which is hilly and rocky. This is part of the “burned-out” area. We will see if we can find the “old battered trash can”. Lunch later at the Italian place in Birdsboro.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Shed Road parking lot 

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

Saturday October 18, 2014 - Jim Thorpe Downtown History Hike

2-4 easy miles

Follow the leader as you enjoy the fall in the beauty of downtown Jim Thorpe. You will also learn about the history of the town as well, as we stop by the Visitors Center, take a tour of the Asa Packer mansion and the legendary jail with the mysterious handprint, the local museum, and the Episcopal church of St Mark and St. John.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, parking lot to the left of Walmart, behind McDonald’s, Bus Rt. 222, 5th Street Hwy Temple

For further information and directions, contact: 610-488-6911. Day of hike Cell:610-301-8876

Saturday October 11, 2014 - Hibernia Hike

5-6 moderate miles

Visit historic Hibernia Park amid the beauty of fall. We will walk around the lake and along the banks of the Brandywine Creek to view the falling leaves and the last of the fall wildflowers. Lunch after is an option.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Dollar Store parking lot across from the Windmill Restaurant off of Rt. 10 in Morgantown

For further information and directions, contact: 610-286-6886

Saturday October 4, 2014 - Hamburg Reservoir/ Port Clinton

6+ miles, moderate to strenuous

This hike along the Appalachian Trail is rated moderate to strenuous due to climbs, rocks
and steep descents. Starting with uphill to ridge-line following a forested path to 2nd short ascent with an outstanding view of Hamburg/Cabela’s complex and hopefully vibrant fall
colors. We will stop for lunch on the trail before descending down the switchback to Port Clinton.
Meeting place: 9:00 am, Port Clinton Playground – 1st left off of Rt. 61 when entering Port Clinton

For further information and directions, contact:  610-775-2677 or 610-301-7271 (cell)

Saturday September 27, 2014 - Muhlenberg Township Hike

Approx. 5-6 miles

Follow the leader starting at the Laurel Run Recreational Park, hiking on various terrains. We will be on woodland trails, grass fields, macadam paths, and some roads. Expect a few hills as well. Wear good hiking boots or shoes, carry water and dress for the weather. Lunch stop after the hike is an option.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, parking area at Laurel Run Recreational Park, across from the park lodge

Directions: Take Rt. 12 to exit at River Road and travel north on River Road for approx. 1 mile to the park entrance on the right side, just before the stop sign at Leiscz’s Bridge Road

For further information and directions, contact: 610-929-9694

Saturday September 20, 2014 - Appalachian Trail / Side Trails

Approx. 6 to 7 miles

Come on out for a moderate early fall hike on the Blue Mountains near Shartlesville. The leaves may be starting to color. This is a circle hike with some possible good views of the valley below. There will be some ups and downs and some rocks. Lunch after the hike is an option.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, parking lot on Church Road off of Rt. 183 near Bernville to carpool

For further information and directions, contact: 610-286-6886

Saturday September 13, 2014 - Monocacy Hill Hike

MONOCACY HILL HIKE – approx. 4-5 Strenuous, Difficult Terrain
Enjoy the early fall in this lovely preserve. I think we will climb the hill this time to enjoy the view. Then we will loop around on some of the other trails. Meet at the Geiger Road parking lot.

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

For further information and directions, contact: 610-369-1123

Saturday September 6, 2014 - Schuylkill River Rail Trail

Approx. 5 easy miles

We will hike the Schuylkill River Trail from Pottstown to Douglasville. Dress appropriately for the weather as there are sunny as well as shady spots along the trail. We will shuttle cars to Douglasville, then drive to the start of the hike at the Pottstown Visitor Center, located at Riverfront Park in Pottstown.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Boscov’s East parking lot, Business Rt. 422 East, Exeter Twp. 

For further information and directions, contact: 610-796-7602

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