The BERKS COUNTY WANDERERS are part of the Berks County Comunity Hiking Club. Their walks and hikes are held primarily on Thursday mornings. Further information about either hiking group is available from Al Napolentano at 610-929-9694 or avnapo@msn.com. Pets are not allowed on these hikes. To see photos from preveous hikes go to: http://wandererspics.blogspot.com

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Thursday Sep 29, 2016 - Swatara Creek

DAVID will lead us on another Schuylkill County hike along the Swatara Creek starting at the Trout Run Trailhead. We will be on mostly paved walking paths viewing Rte. 72 and meadows. Then, walk on to old rte. 443 which borders Swatara Creek and continue to the Waterville Bridge, crossing it and onto Old State Rd. We will view several locks of the Union Canal. Return over the Bridge and follow a different route back to our starting point. This is a moderate hike of questionable miles. Lunch at Midway
Diner after the hike is an option on the way home.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Blue Marsh Church Rd. parking lot off Rte. 183.

DIRECTIONS: Go North on Rte. 183 to West on I78 to Rte.72 exit go North on 72 when passing under Rte 81 look for sign on right side of road shortly after which reads Trout Run Parking Area.

TELEPHONE: Leader Dave cell# 570-640-0550 with questions.

Thursday Sep 22, 2016 - Roaring Creek

LES will lead a hike of close to 9.5 miles at Roaring Creek. This is a watershed north of Centralia along Route 42. Three reservoirs adjoin an 8 mile trail that runs from Route 42 to Route 54. We hiked this trail last fall, coming out the same way we went in. This year we take a side trail and circle the middle 1+ mile long reservoir. This year's route adds a scenic walk through high spruce trees along the reservoir. Only a few modest hills on this hike.

For those desiring to see this beautiful location but preferring a shorter hike, several alternatives exist. A round trip hike to the near end of the scenic middle reservoir is less than 4.5 miles. A round trip hike to the far end of the middle reservoir is about 7 miles. Picnic tables are found along the main trail and at the reservoir where rests can be taken.

Inclement weather will cause this hike to be deferred, and a hike at Blue Marsh will be substituted.
MEET: 8:30 AM @ Church Road parking lot off Route 183. From here there will be a drive of about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach the starting point.

TELEPHONE: Leader Les 610-323-1703 with questions

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Thursday Sep 15, 2016 - French Creek

Hike Cancelled on Lebanon Rail Trail.

ELLEN will lead a hike in French Creek State Park on the Turtle Trail. This 3.5 to 4 mile hike involves some hills and rocks. Recommend good hiking boots and poles, carry water.

1st MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Parking lot across from Turkey Hill off Rte.724 in Gibraltar.
2nd MEET: 9:45 A.M. @ Fire Tower parking lot of French Creek State Park.

TELEPHONE: Leader Ellen 610-301-7271 with any questions.

Thursday Sep 8, 2016 - Sweet Arrow Lake

GERRY & WILLIE will lead a hike of ~5 miles in Schuylkill County at the Sweet Arrow Lake Park. This is a lovely park with various trails along the lake and around the park. We can opt for lunch afterwards at the Red Lion Cafe in Deturksville.

1st MEET: 9:15 A.M. @ Blue Marsh Church Rd. parking lot off Rte. 183 to carpool.
2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Sweet Arrow Lake Park parking lot.

TELEPHONE: Leaders Gerry or Willie 610-678-5245 with questions.

Thursday Sep 1, 2016 - Schuylkill Canal Park, Phoenixville

LISA (Al's niece) will lead a 5-6 mile canal and ravines hike in the Schuylkill Canal Park and the Schuylkill River Trail starting at Lock #60. I will meet you near the Lock which is right by the parking. We will cross the canal and begin our hike by walking up-creek along a small tributary to the Schuylkill on a wooded path called "Neil Thorpe" trail. We will cross the creek on a path that winds gently up to a ridge, and follow the ridge back out to overlook the river. We will continue along the ridge until the trail gently winds down to another creek. The path crosses that creek and follows it out to the river. We will then walk on a very level path along the riverbank to return to Lock 60. That part of the hike usually takes me about an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. I have no idea how long it is. In the other direction from Lock 60 is a 2.5 mile level trail along the canal with the river visible much of the time. The last half mile there is the option of taking another wooded path along the river instead of following the canal up and back. Everyone can walk as much or as little of the canal path as one chooses. No guide will be required to get you back to the car.

1st MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Boscov's Exeter Twp. In northeast corner of the parking lot.

2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ the parking lot at Lock 60 on the Schuylkill River Canal. There are only two turns from 422 East to get there: right onto Route 29 South then, in about 2.1 miles, right onto Tow Path Road The parking lot is in Canal Park about 0.8 mile at the end of that road. IN MORE DETAIL: Take 422 East to Route 29. The exit will be marked Phoenixville and Collegeville. (This is the second exit marked Phoenixville; ignore the much earlier one to Route 724.) At the end of the exit ramp, go right onto Route 29 South, towards Phoenixville. You will proceed about 2.1 miles (through two lights almost immediately after the ramp, the traffic light at Egypt Road (about 1.8 miles) and the traffic light at Walnut Street. After passing the traffic light at Walnut Street (Produce Junction on your left), you will ascend slightly as Route 29 begins to bridge the Schuylkill River. BEFORE YOU CROSS THE BRIDGE, at the beginning of the ascent, on your right is sharp turn marked by a rectangular sign that reads prominently "To Lock 60". (It also says "Schuylkill River Trail", and "Canal Park"). This is Tow Path Road, and you should make a right there. Proceed about 0.8 mile to the parking spaces at the end of that drive.

TELEPHONE: Leader Lisa cell# 484-345-8512 (leave message-will return call) if questions.

Thursday Aug 25, 2016 - Horseshoe Trail Cleanup

MARK will be taking us through a Horseshoe Trail Clean-up due to being rained out on June 16th, as originally scheduled. This occurs on the section of the trail that our club periodically maintains. This section spans from Knauers to Adamstown; however, we may not cover all of it at this time. Bring the usual tools, work gloves, water and good humor. Let’s give back to the community some trail maintenance. Lunch is optional afterwards.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Kenhorst Shopping Plaza, Rtes. 724 & 625, in lot front of Dairy Queen.

TELEPHONE: Leader Mark 610-373-6730 or cell 484-824-2740 with questions.

Thursday Aug 18, 2016 - Long's Park, Lancaster

KATHY & KAY want us to join them as they take a stroll thru Long's Park, in Lancaster, for a four mile hike. The hike will be on roads or grassy areas. Expect live animals, scenic band shell, playgrounds, ice cream, beautiful lake, and a stroll thru a tunnel under Route 30. If one cares to, they may gather more miles by walking or shopping at Park City Mall, which connects the Park via the tunnel. Lunch option will be Oregon Dairy Restaurant.

1st MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Ollie's parking lot at intersection of Route 222 and Route 724 in Shillington. Please try to be prompt.

2nd MEET: 10:00 AM @ parking lot 14, at Park City Mall in Lancaster.
DIRECTIONS TO 2nd MEET: Take Harrisburg Pike exit off route 30 and follow around the mall and look for Sears parking signs. Look carefully, number 14 is across from Sears Auto Center.

TELEPHONE: Leaders Kathy 610-603-9461 or Kay 610-796-7602 with questions.