Saturday August 1, 2009 - Desilting Basin & Kelly's Lock Hike

4-5 miles, moderate circuitous hike

This is a moderate circuitous hike of 4 to 5 miles in the Muhlenberg Twp Park System. We will hike the old Schuylkill River de-silting basin in a wooded area on unmarked trails. Then divert off the trail to see Kelly’s Lock, returning to our starting point in the Laurel Run
Recreational Park. A restaurant stop is optional afterwards for lunch.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Laurel Run Recreational Parking area across from the ice skating lodge

Directions: Rt.12 (Warren St By-Pass) Exit at River Road then travel north on River Road for 1.6 miles to the park entrance on the right. Drive down the lane to the parking area

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

Saturday July 25, 2009 - Horseshoe Trail Maintenance

We need all the help we can get and any tools. There will be hills so wear hiking boots, bring plenty of water and snacks.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Rt.625 – New Holland Road – 1 mile south of the traffic light in Knauers

For further information and directions, contact: 610-589-5575 or 610-373-6730

Thursday July 23, 2009 - Second annual Larry Witman Miniature Golf Tournament

“Revolutionary” prizes will be awarded to lowest male and lowest female. Anyone with photos of Larry, please send them to Ron at: 334 Strausser Rd., Hamburg PA 19526 so he can enlarge them and frame them for the shrine.

Meeting place: 7:07 pm, Schell’s Miniature Golf, Bus Rt. 222 North, 5th St Hwy, Temple

For further information and directions, contact: 484-269-0852

Saturday July 18, 2009 - State Gamelands #80 Hike

7.5 miles, Challenging, rock Scrambling

Richard will lead a hike on the Appalachian Trail from 501 to Round Head, down Shower’s Steps returning on the Kessel Trail to Pilger Ruh Spring , through Applebee campsite and Old Wagon Trail to Rt. 501.

First meeting place: 10:00 am, Church Road off of Rt. 183 at Blue Marsh
Second meeting place: 10:30 am, Rt. 501 and AT

For further information and directions, contact: 610-926-3415

Saturday July 11, 2009 - Antietam Lake Loop

4 to 5 miles (depending on weather and group)

This hike has a little of everything: hills, rocks, pine forest, possible mud & stream crossing. Proper footwear and water required. Apair of clippers may come in handy.

Meeting place: 9:30 am at parking lot across from Antietam Lake at the bend in angora Road.

For further directions or information, contact: 610-375-3358

Sunday July 5, 2009 - Best Ride in Berks

Celebrate your independence by doing the Best Ride in Berks! Join Ron on a 12.5 mile bike ride on quiet county roads. One big hill near the beginning, two small hills later, the rest is level. We'll meet at the Virginville Grange along route 143 next to the hotel. Park in the lot behind the hall. Bring your bicycle, helmet, water bottle, and money for the Kutztown Folk Festival later.

Meeting place: 9:00 am at the Virginville Grange as listed above

For directions or further information, contact: 484-269-0852

Saturday July 4, 2009 - Adamstown & Stoudtburg Village Hike

Approximately 5 miles, mostly roads, few trails, flat, level hiking/ walking

Come and enjoy a hike through historical Adamstown and check out the old-fashioned European style village of Stoudtburg: a self-contained hamlet with shops on the ground floor and living quarters above.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, the parking lot at Routes 272 and 568

For directions or further information, contact: 717-484-4069

Shoey Shuttle Hike - Saturday June 27, 2009

5 miles

This will be a road hike through the countryside of Perry Township. Some ups and downs and one BIG HILL down with a great view. We will end at Zion UCC Church and see the leader's tombstone!

Meeting Place: 10:00 am at Kuzan's Hardware Store on Route 61 North, North of Shoemakersville

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

Hike on the "Bareside" - Hamburg Reservoir to Port Clinton - Saturday June 20, 2009

Moderate to Strenuous - 6+ Miles

On the summer solstice there is an AT tradition that naked hikers can appear on the trail. Will we see any? We did 2 years ago! Come out for the adventure and a possible free show. Starting with uphill to the ridge line, following the forested path to another ascent and onto "outstanding views"! We will then descend down to Port Clinton. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and of course...wear clothes! Food afterwards- suggestions taken.

Meeting place: 9:15 am at the Port Clinton Playground off of Route 61 North. We will shuttle to Hamburg Reservoir.

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

Beltzville Dam Hike and Paddle - Saturday June 13, 2009

5 miles

John tried this hike last September 27, but a hurricane washed out that day's plans! This is a relatively flat hike on the densely wooded north side of the Beltzville Dam near Lehighton. After the hike we can paddle or relax on the south side of the lake. Bring "viddles" (lunch) and your canoe or kayak if desired. Bad weather AGAIN is not good!

First Meeting Place: 9:30 am at Redner's Market on Route 61 in Leesport

Second Meeting Place: 10:30 am at the Beltzville Dam Visitor's Center on Pohopco Drive

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

Horseshoe Trail Maintenance - Saturday May 2, 2008

WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET! Bring any tools that you have available!
There will be hills, so wear hiking boots and bring plenty of water and snacks. We hope to go out to eat afterwards. Remember, our assistance in trail maintenance helps all hikers to continue enjoyment of the trail!

Meeting Place: 9:30 am at Route 625 on New Holland Road 1 mile south of the traffic light in Knauers.

For further directions or information on helping out, contact our trail maintenance leaders at 610-373-6730 or 610-589-5575.

Blue Falls- Ontelaunee Road & Trail Hike - Saturday April 25, 2009

Approximately 6 miles

Check out the Ontelaunee area with Norm.

Meeting Place: 9:30 am at the Schuylkill Valley High School parking lot

For further directions or information, contact: 610-921-0473

Neversink Mountain - Saturday April 18, 2009

6 to 7 miles with a few hills

Explore the Neversink Mountain starting at the east side; some hills so wear good hiking boots. Bring water and snacks. Of course, we will go for lunch!

Meeting place: 10:00 am , inside Forest Hills Cemetery on Klapperthal Road, off East Neversink Road.

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

Easter Sunday Sunrise Service Hike - Tribute to Paul Lehman - Sunday April 12,2009

4 miles

This was Paul's annual hike to the top of Mt. Penn to participate in the Easter Dawn Service sponsored by the Greater Reading Council of Churches. Moderate pace. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. (WARM clothes and sturdy shoes recommended) Optional Easter hat if preferred. Optional breakfast stop afterwards.

Note: Hike is in conjunction with Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club

Meeting Place: 5:30 am at the Former Police Academy Parking Lot in Reading's City Park

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

Mystery Easter Hike - Saturday April 11, 2009

EXACTLY 5 miles!

Kathy & Kay will lead a Mystery Easter Hike. Imagine Easter eggs, towers, views, farmlands, and animals. This is a walk of EXACTLY 5 miles over mostly roads with some hills.

Meeting Place: 9:00 am at Redner's Market on Route 61 North in Leesport

For further information and directions, contact: 610-603-9461 or 610-796-7602

North Coventry Township - Saturday April 4, 2009

6 miles

Les is leading a road hike in Chester County's northern most township, just south of Pottstown. This is a hilly area with old homes, stone walls, bridges, and lots of scenery. This loop hike will skirt the southern fringe of Laurel Locks Farm and pass through the notorious Free Love Valley of the 1830's, 1840's and 1850's.

First Meeting Place: 9:30 am at Boscov's East Parking Lot (at east end of lot) on Business Route 422 East in Exeter Township

Second Meeting Place: 9:50 am at the Wawa on Route 422 East in Douglasville. From this location it will be an approximate 3 mile drive to the start of the hike.

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