Saturday June 11 -Baptism Creek Area at French Creek State Park

approx. 5-6 miles

Today’s hike will be a joint hike with the Elverson Walking Club in the Baptism Creek area of French Creek State Park. This will be a woodland walk with some moderate hills and rocky trails. We will explore this natural area and visit the old pavilion, as well as stopping to visit the old Bethesda Meeting House and Cemetery. Also checking out the old millrace, dam site and look for lingering wildflowers. Lunch stop will follow, of course!

Meeting place:10:00 am, Hopewell Furnace Visitor’s Center parking lot, off Rte. 345

For further information, contact: 610-286-6886

Saturday June 4, 2011 -WHIP-POOR-WILL NIGHT HIKE (ALSO NATIONAL TRAILS DAY)

approx. 5 miles

Leader will be leading a 5 mile night hike with the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center to Translater Road to hear the Whip-Poor- Wills. Hiking boots are a must. Not recommended for children. Bring Flashlights!

1st MEET: 6:00 pm, Virginville Grange Hall, rear lot (Rt. 143-next to hotel)

2nd MEET: 7:00 pm, Osprey House (Rt. 873 to Paint Mill Rd to end)

For further information, contact: 484-269-0852; or 484-515-8001

Saturday June 4, 2011 -TRAIN RIDE TO PHILADELPHIA AND PENN’S LANDING TOUR

5 + miles approx.

We’ll try this again and hope for cooler weather this year! Enjoy a train ride from the Norristown Elm Street Station into the “City of Brotherly Love,” followed by an enjoyable walking tour of Penn’s Landing and Head House Square. Our walk will take us from the Market East Train Station to Penn’s Landing to check out the various activities the seaport has to offer, such as Independence Seaport Museum, USS Olympia, a submarine, River Ferry Links to New Jersey and others. (Be aware some may have admission fees.) Eateries are along Penn’s Landing and the nearby Head House Square area. Dress comfortably with very comfortable shoes for walking on pavements. Bring sunscreen since we’ll be by the water.

NOTE: This trip is Rain or Shine, so bring rain gear if weather forecast is drops!

COST: $9.50 round trip off-peak Saturday fare for SEPTA train ride (price subject to change), if obtained day of trip. Contact leader for discount information on advance ticket sales

MEET: 7:00 am, Boscov’s East (east end of lot). Driving directions to the train station, maps of

Philadelphia and the train schedule will be provided; last train leaves Market East at 6:30 pm

For information, contact: 610-779-2599

Saturday May 28, 2011-VINEMONT AREA HIKE

approx 5-6 miles

Follow the leader as he leads a hike in the Vinemont area. Hike will be on trails with some hills.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Redner’s Market in Sinking Spring, Rt. 422 West

For further information and directions, contact: 610-777-4147

EVENING Hike Saturday April 30, 2011 - Walpurgisnacht Walk

Easy 3 mile

We’ll go up, up, up to Witchcraft Hill. Hear the story of “Walpurgisnacht” and how it relates to Witchcraft Hill. Hear this story written by Charles Adams III and when it’s too late to turn around…you are going to hear the rest of the story. Easy climb; walk on roads. Bring snacks and

desserts to share.

Meeting place: 6pm at Liar’s Lair for doggie roast from 6 to 7; leaving at 7:07 pm to Witchcraft Hill

Directions to Liar's Lair: Rt. 143 between Lenhartsville and Virginville; turn on Strausser Road for one mile to Rte 334 - turn right at white barn

For further directions & information, contact: Ron Kieffer – 484-269-0852; Mercedes Jurkiewicz – 484-515-8001

Saturday April 30, 2011 - Horseshoe Trail Nature Walk

approx. 5 to 7 miles

Our expert will lead this nature walk in the Furnace Hills area of the Horseshoe Trail. There should be lots of wild flowers to identify along the way. Lunch later of course!

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Pumping Station Road parking lot off of Rte. 322 east of Ephrata

Note: disregard previously posted driving directions, for further directions contact below or check club emails for update

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

Saturday April 23, 2011 - Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove

approx. 4 – 6 miles

The leaders will travers a very moderate hike along the lake, with woodland paths and some roads. Sweet Arrow Lake is a 60 acre lake built as a water supply for the Union Canal. The hike will end with crossing a footbridge onto a boardwalk along the side of a deep gorge. Optional lunch stop at the Red Lion Café on Rte. 443 in Deturksville.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, Church Road parking lot off Rte. 183 near Bernville

For further information or directions, contact: 610-929-9694 or cell 610-406-1366 day of hike

Sunday April 17, 2011 - Parks & Arts of Allentown (Part VII)

We will walk one hour in the park, enjoy the blooming spring trees; then a short drive to the FREE parking deck at 6th and Linden Streets. Attend the 3 pm Concert of the Allentown Symphony (mention 20% hiker’s discount.) After concert, a short walk to the Brewworks where you will receive a 10% food discount with your concert ticket.

Note: Symphony Hall, 23 N. 6th Street, Box Office 610-432-6715

Meeting place: 12:00 pm, parking lot behind barn at 32nd & Parkway Blvd (betw. Cedar Crest & Ott St.)

For further information or directions, contact: 484-515-8001 or 484-269-0852

Saturday April 16, 2011 - Birdsboro Watershed

approx. 7.5 to 8 miles

We will explore the northeastern side of the Birdsboro watershed. There will be hills to climb. Some terrain will be rocky and uneven, though generally on good trails. We will also circle the scenic Birdsboro reservoir. Some fine views if the leaves have not come out.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, parking area at the end of Furnace Street in Birdsboro

Directions to hike: Take the former Route 82 (Furnace Street) south through Birdsboro, and continue till the road “wash-out” at the Hay Creek. Park in the parking area there.

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

Saturday April 9, 2011 - French Creek State Park

approx. 7 miles

Meet our leader at the west boat launch at Hopewell Lake. Hike includes sections of the Horseshoe Trail and other park trails. Expect lots of rocks and some hills. Opt. lunch at Exeter Restaurant.

Meeting place: 9:30 am, Hopewell Lake at French Creek State Park, West Boat Launch

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

Saturday April 2, 2011 - Wyomissing Creek Hike

approx. 5 easy miles

Our illustrious leaders will lead a hike along the Wyomissing Creek. The hike is on several “rediscovered’ park trails and will be an easy walk with few hills. Lunch later for those interested.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Ollie’s parking lot, intersection Lancaster Ave & Rt. 724, Shillington

For further directions or information, contact: 610-373-8625 or 610-796-7602

Saturday March 26, 2011 - Let's try it again -Delaware Water Gap

8.5 miles

Appalachian Trail hike along top of ridge with some “ups”; some rocks but great views (no leaves) winding down a steep and rocky decent to gap. Recommend sturdy hiking boots, water and we will stop on the trail for lunch. This is Ellen’s 3rd attempt to lead this hike without being rained out!

Meeting place: 8:00 am, left of Walmart, behind McDonald’s, Bus Rt. 222, 5th St Hwy, Temple

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

UPDATE 3/26/11: Due to cold and icy/snowy weather conditons, in past week this hike was postponed again! Hikers traversed the Bartrum Trail Part II (Port Clinton to Auburn) for an enjoyable day. Delaware Hike will take place at a later date!

Saturday March 19, 2011 - Bartrum Trail to Port Clinton

7 ½ miles

Follow Richard and check out the Bartrum Trail all the way to Port Clinton. Return will be on the A.T. to old Rt. 122, followed by the “Boy Scout Trail”, then back to the park along the old canal bed.

Meeting place: 10:00 am, Hamburg Park and Swimming Pool lot on Island Street

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

Saturday March 12, 2011 - Mount Gretna / Lebanon Valley Rail Trail

5 to 7 miles

Randy will lead a hike in the Mt. Gretna area. Hike on the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail and other area trails. Carry water and snacks, we’ll lunch later at The Hide-Away Restaurant for those wishing to dine.

Traveling directions: From the south, take turnpike to Rt. 322 to Rt. 72 and go north to Rt.117. At the end of the ramp go left for 2+ miles to parking on the left. From the East take Rt. 419 to Cornwall area to Rt. 117

1st Meeting place: 9:15 am, Shurfine parking lot, 422 West in Sinking Spring

2nd Meeting place: 10:00 am, Mt. Gretna Theatre parking lot in Mt. Gretna

For further information or directions, contact: 610-273-9160 or “ranvon1@yahoo.com”

Saturday March 5, 2011 - Middle Creek Wildlife Area

3-5 miles (depending on conditions)

Will it be another “meander in the mud” or will there be some snow around? Maybe some snow

geese too as they are on their annual migration.

Meeting place: 1:00 pm, Middle Creek Visitors Center

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

Saturday February 26, 2011 - Lower Perkiomen Park / Phoenixville

approx. 8 miles

We will hike from Oaks to downtown Phoenixville using a spur of the Schuylkill River Trail and some roads. This is mostly a flat hike along the Perkiomen creek and the old Schuylkill canal. Winter conditions and weather may alter this hike. Dress warm, bring a snack. Lunch will be our reward once we reach Phoenixville.

Meeting place: 9:00 am, Boscov’s East (east end of lot), Business Rt. 422 East, Exeter Twp; Hike will start from Lower Perkiomen Park around 10:00 am

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