4-5 difficult miles
Leader will take group for a hike up the Neversink glen when mountain laurel is likely to be in full bloom. We will try to hit sections of the mountain with much mountain laurel. Some steep hills.
1st MEET & TIME: 9:45 am Boscov’s East in the far front corner of the parking lot
2nd MEET & TIME: 10:00 am at the Klapperthal Trailhead. Tight, limited parking here.
HIKE LEADER: contact 610-850-1855 for information & questions
Come join us for some fun rounds of miniature golf. Lowest score gets a free ice cream! We can enjoy ice cream or burgers at Schell’s afterwards
MEET & TIME: 6:30 PM, Schell’s Miniature Golf, 4625 North Fifth Street Highway, Temple 19560
GPS: [40.40435, -75.92753]
EVENT LEADERS: contact 610-223-6952 or 610-823-9023 for information & questions
Approx. 5 miles moderate
Leader will take the group on a approximate 5-mile hike at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. This hike will visit three overlooks with several hills to climb to get there.
MEET& TIME: 10:00 AM, at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Visitors Center
DIRECTIONS: From 272 south, take Rte 897 north for 14 miles to Kleinfeltersville, then take the first left after the stop sign onto Hopeland Road, then travel 2 miles to the Visitors Center.
GPS: 100 Museum Road, Stevens 17578
HIKE LEADER: contact 717-949-2056 for more information & questions
4 miles
Hike leader will take us on the OREN HOLL MEMORIAL LOOP. This is an approx. 4 mile very hilly hike. Hills are quite moderate but, there are a lot. Very pleasant walk through the woods. Be aware this is a mountain biking trail. WEAR ORANGE TO BE SAFE. Heavy rain will cancel.
MEET & TIME: 9:30 AM at Holl’s Trailhead off Highland Road.
DIRECTIONS: From State Hill Road turn Left onto Brownsville Road. Turn RIGHT onto Highland Road at Spitlers Collision. (Approx. 1.7 miles) The road is not maintained and very rutty. The Trailhead in on the RIGHT.
HIKE LEADER: Contact Cell: 484-557-7854 with questions or further directions
NOTE: HIKE TODAY CANCELED DUE TO RAINY CONDITIONS ALL DAY
Approx. 5 miles
Hike the Tom Lowe trail. This will take you to the ridge of the Blue Mountains so there is a hill to climb.
MEET & TIME: 9:30 AM – State Game Lands 110, Shartlesville Parking Area
DIRECTIONS: From Old Route 22 in Shartlesville, take Forge Dam Rd. toward the I78 interchange, continue past I78 on Forge Dam Rd and stay left on Forge Dam Rd at the 'Y' where Mountain Rd goes to the right. Continue for 1.5 Miles to the parking area. Wear Orange
GPS: State Game Lands 110 Shartlesville Parking Area [40.537925, -76.12385]
HIKE LEADER: contact 610-944-5775 (W) or 484-880-8140 (C) for questions & further directions
Additional Note from leader: Wet areas, wear waterproof/resistant boots & bring poles in case needed.
4.5 miles
1st LEAD HIKER will trek a moderate approximate 4.5 mile hike at Wildwood Park in Harrisburg, PA. The 3 mile loop has slight hills with blacktop and pathway mix surfaces. There are also broadwalks through the marsh/wetlands (1.25 miles). The park is surrounded by industry and major highways. This will not be a quiet walk in the woods but it's a very interesting place. We will see Art in the Wild while hiking. The works of art are composed of mostly natural materials to blend with Wildwood’s natural setting. The Olewine Nature Center will be the start/end of the hike. There are interesting exhibits and a wildlife observation deck. Optional lunch at the Front Street Diner
2nd Lead Hiker will lead a shortened version of this hike to be determined on the hike. Mapquest has the traveling time as an hour from Reading and 30 minutes from Fredericksburg.
1st MEET & TIME: 9:30 AM at the Fredericksburg Redners. 2975 US-22, Fredericksburg, PA 17026 DIRECTIONS: Rt 183 North to Interstate 78 West, exit Fredericksburg to Route 22. Redners is a mile or 2 on the right (next to Esthers)
2nd MEET & TIME at Visitor Center: 10 AM 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110
DIRECTIONS: Interstate 78 to Interstate 81, Rt 22 East, R on Wildwood Park Dr which turns into Industrial Road, 1.2 miles Right on Wildwood Way
HIKE LEADER: contact 610 603-6876 for information & questions
Approx. 4-5 miles
Leader will start on the St. Lawrence Trail Park at 26th and Fairview hopefully passing blooming Mountain Laurel proceeding to the McIlvain Pavilion, commonly known as the “Witch’s Hat” and to the Rock Quarry Overlook. We will go from there to the Upper Glenn Trail down to Jacks Loop and back up. We will take the East Ridge Trail to get back to where we parked. There will be two steep long hills with one being rocky. Bring poles and wear hiking boots. Pack some snacks to eat at the “Witches Hat” on top!
NOTE: Heavy or annoying steady light rain cancels since we will hike over rocks in part of the hike.
MEET & TIME: 9:30AM at 26th and Fairview – park on residential street parking.
DIRECTIONS: From Reading travel east on Perkiomen Ave into Mount Penn and turn right onto 26th Street. Find an available parking spot.
From Exeter travel west on Perkiomen Avenue and go past intersection at McDonald’s in Mount Penn. Turn left onto 26th Street right after you pass the Car Wash.
GPS: 26th Street and Fairview Avenue, Mount Penn 19606
HIKE LEADER: contact 610-505-9397 for questions & further directions
5 1⁄2 miles
First Leader will lead a hike of about 5.5 miles in the Roaring Creek Valley watershed. Three lakes adjoin an 8 mile trail that runs from Route 42 to Route 54. We begin from Route 42, then veer off onto a side trail that takes us to one end of the mile long middle lake. We return via the main trail. The main trail is a relatively flat walk on a wide trail at the base of two mountains, somewhat similar to Gold Mine Rd. The veer off will be on a wooded trail with ups and downs.
Second Leader will lead a shortened 4 mile version of this hike taking the main trail in and out. Bring lunch. We will eat someplace along the trail Inclement weather will cause this hike to be deferred, and a hike at Blue Marsh will be substituted.
1st MEET & TIME: 8:30 AM at Church Road off Route 183. From here there will be a drive of about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach the starting point.
2nd MEET & TIME: 10 AM Route 42 trailhead.
DIRECTIONS: Take Route 61 north through Pottsville, Frackville, and Ashland. When reaching the bottom of the hill in Centralia, continue straight onto Route 42. Pass through Aristes and pass the Weiser State Forest Office. Toward the bottom of a long steep drive to the valley floor, the trailhead is to the left a block or two before the bottom of the mountain.
GPS: 40.837126, -76.355437
HIKE LEADERS: 1st Leader 610-850-1855 or 2nd Leader 484-877-3340 for more information or questions
Approx. 4 to 5 miles
We will hike the Union Canal Trail. We can go as far as we want and then turn around.
MEET & TIME: 9:30 AM at the Gring’s Mill parking lot.
DIRECTIONS: From Route 183 north, use the right lane to merge onto US-222 S via the ramp to Lancaster. Take Broadcasting Rd exit. Turn left onto Broadcasting Rd. Turn right onto Tulpehocken Rd the parking lot will be on your left.From Route 222 take the Papermill Rd exit. Turn right onto Berkshire Rd, at the T turn left onto Tulpehocken Rd. Parking lot is on the right.
Heavy rain would cancel the hike. We can do lunch at Ganly’s if anyone is interested?
GPS: 2083 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, 19610 [40.3615668, -75.9717171]
HIKE LEADER: contact 610-587-9260 for information or questions
4 miles
Our Leader will hike the Landingville Marsh Trail, a flat loop trail alongside the Schuylkill River that includes part of the John Bartram Trail and the foundation for the oldest transportation tunnel in the country. We will then use a little traveled road to the village of Landingville and return via the John Bartram trail. Hike will be around 4 miles; however, we can take the Marsh Trail to add some distance. There were facilities in the village in the past; I don’t know if they’re currently open.
1st MEET & TIME: 9:30 Hamburg Walmart at the South East section, off of Route 61 north of Hamburg. Turn left at traffic light at the Wawa after Interstate 78.
2nd MEET & TIME: Trailhead at 10:00
DIRECTIONS (TO TRAILHEAD): North on 61, West on 895 towards Auburn. Right on Hickory Dr (at the Dollar General), bear left at first Y, left left unto Tunnel Road (3rd left), Trail head on the right.
HIKE LEADER: contact: 610 603-6876 for further directions & questions
4 to 5 easy to moderate miles
A history hike around Leesport and vicinity. We will see canal locks 36, 37, and 38, the "new" bridge replacing the original Althouse covered bridge (1820's and 1850's), the lock tender's house which should be open to the public, and the remains of the Leesport Furnace. The hike is on both trails and roads. Rain cancels this hike. Hikers' choice for lunch afterwards.
MEET & TIME: 9:30 AM at the parking lot behind Schuylkill Valley Library
DIRECTIONS: From Reading take route 61 north to Leesport, make a left onto Wall Street (Turkey Hill is on the southwest corner). Cross the river and make an immediate left at end of bridge onto S. Schuylkill Ave. At the "T", turn left onto Main Street then make an immediate right onto Washington Street (soon changes name to Washington Road). Look for the library about 1/10 of a mile on your right.
GPS: 1310 Washington Road
HIKE LEADERS: Contact 610-921-3252 or 610-451-5380 on the morning of the hike for questions or information
3 to 4 miles
Leader #1 will lead a fairly easy hike from Hopewell Lake Boat Launch to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and return.
Leader #2 will lead a longer version of this hike with the aim of starting with and ending with those doing the shorter hike.
MEET & TIME: 10:00 A.M. at Hopewell Lake Boat Launch, 1200 Park Road, Elverson PA
DIRECTIONS: From Route 724/Main St. in Birdsboro, turn right onto Route 345/S Chestnut St., travel 4.3 miles and turn right onto Park Road. Drive another 1.6 miles and look for the boat launch road and turn left.
HIKE LEADERS: Contact LEADER #1 484-877-3340 or LEADER #2 610-850-1855 for more information or further directions
NOTE:
It has been pointed out that Route 724 is closed for months beginning this week while a bridge is being reconstructed. This possibly affects those of you headed to Hopewell tomorrow from Shillington and Route 422 from Reading if you exit at Route 176.
The work around could simply be to use the road past the former Naomi Hotel and the Beidler House. Otherwise, taking the Route 422 bypass till it ends, then turning at West 47th St (just before Exeter Restaurant) to reach Route 724 is probably the alternative.
The group can compare notes after we get to the hike.
5+ miles
Enjoy a train ride from the Norristown Transit Center into the “City of Brotherly Love” with an enjoyable walking tour of Historic Areas of Philadelphia and an optional side walk to parts of the Italian Market in South Philly. Dress in comfortable clothes and very comfortable shoes for walking on pavements. This trip is rain or shine, so bring rain gear if the weather forecast is drops! There may be things you may want to purchase in the Italian Market & bring something portable to carry them in. (collapsible bags that fit in your purse work great) We’ll eat lunch somewhere in Center City, possibly EMei on Arch Street.
COSTS: $11.00 each way on SEPTA Regional Rail from Norristown Saturday fare for SEPTA train ride; pay for ride on train (price subject to change) if obtained day of trip. You can use contactless payment with a credit card. If you have a SEPTA Key Card, it is 8.00 each way. You need a SEPTA Senior Card for free fare on SEPTA. Parking in Regional Rail Outside Parking Lot at Station should be free on Saturday unless SEPTA changes their policy. High rise parking lot charges fee.
MEET & TIME: 7:00 AM, Boscov’s East Parking lot (east end of lot), Bus. Rt. 422 East, Exeter Twp, where we will car-pool to the Norristown Transit Center to take the train. We will meet around 4:30 -5 pm to take the train back to Norristown unless another time is decided by the group on the day of the trip.
DIRECTIONS: Driving directions to the train station, maps of Philadelphia and the schedule of train departures and arrivals will be provided on the day of the trip at Boscov's meeting spot.
GPS: Boscov’s East 4500 Perkiomen Ave, Reading [40.30877, -75.86749] Norristown Transit Center Parking Lot [40.11254, -75.34446]
LEADER: Contact 610-823-9023 for questions & further directions
6 miles in-out
Leader will hike a 6mile in-out from Church Rd to Mt Pleasant.The trail has several open fields and several hills. It will take us to a bridge on Route 183
MEET& TIME: 9:30 AM. at Church Rd trailhead
DIRECTIONS: Take Route 183 North. Pass the Blue Marsh Restaurant. In about 2.5 miles -Turn Left onto Old Church Road. The parking lot is on the left.
HIKE LEADER: Contact 484-557-7854 for questions & information
4-mile town hike, easy
Join leader for a free tour of the Yuengling Brewery followed by a hike in Pottsville. We will pass by the famous Yuengling Mansion. The brewery also has a nice gift shop for those doing memento shopping. We will also go to the tasting room to sample some of the beers! (may be a small cost) This hike is always a relaxing change of scenery. Dress appropriately for the weather – layered. We will have lunch afterwards traveling back to Berks, possibly at Carmello’s Italian Delight in Orwigsburg .
1st MEET & TIME: 10:00 AM - Redner’s Warehouse Market Leesport, Rt. 61N. Leesport (Recommended Meet up)
Leesport Redner’s GPS: [40.44374, -75.95128] (5471 Pottsville Pike, Leesport)
2nd MEET & TIME: 10:45 AM - Pottsville’s Yuengling Brewery - 5TH & Mahantongo Sts., Pottsville Meet near gift shop entrance so we go in together for the tour.
Yuengling GPS: [40.68309, -76.19780] (GPS address of Yuengling Gift Shop at 420 Mahantongo St.)
DIRECTIONS: RECOMMEND TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS FROM REDNER’s TO YUENGLING’S: From Redner’s Warehouse Market Leesport, Follow 61 North for 26.6 miles
In Pottsville from 61 North: Take a Left onto E. Union St., then take a Right on S. Centre St., make a Left on Mahantongo St., make a Right onto 5th St., go past brewery’s gift shop building and make a Right into the free brewery tour parking lot that is on 5th St. just past W. Norwegian St.
HIKE LEADER: Contact 610-223-6952 for questions & further directions
6+ difficult miles
Leader will take hikers on a 6+ mile hike from the Hamburg Reservoir parking lot, up the blue trail, west on the AT, then on the Upper Firebreak trail. When the Upper Firebreak trail returns to the Pinnacle Trail, the hike retraces the start of the hike. The first 2 miles are uphill as is a portion of the Upper Firebreak trail. Consider this a difficult hike.
MEET & TIME: 9:30 at the Hamburg reservoir
DIRECTIONS: From Route 61, take 4th St into Hamburg. At State St (Old US 22), turn right. When you reach the Edenburg area, look for St Paul's Lutheran Church on the right. Half a block past the church, turn left onto Reservoir Rd and take it across Mountain Rd to the end.
GPS: 400 Reservoir Rd, Hamburg
HIKE LEADER: Contact 610-850-1855 for more information or further directions
