Thursday December 5, 2013 - Nolde Forest

HERB has planned and will lead a 5 – 6 mile hike at the Nolde Forest Environmental Center. Come out to see Nolde in late fall. We will shuttle hikers to the back of the park to start the hike. We should get some good views from the overlooks and enjoy the walk through the pine forest. We will also check out the mansion garden, hear a brief history of the area and see if we can find the “Lone Pine”. Lunch afterwards is optional.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ the parking lot on Church Road.

TELEPHONE: Herb at 610-286-6886 with any questions.

Thursday November 28, 2013 - Wyomissing Creek

KAY will lead us on a hike of ~5 miles in Wyomissing. We will be along the Wyomissing Creek and on trails, roads and fields of the area and also through the pine forest. However; if the weather is wet, dress appropriately; and we will stick to the main trails of the park. We should complete this hike in time for you to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Wyomissing Creek parking lot off Lancaster Av e. (Bus. Rte. 222) in Shillington and located behind WAWA near Rte.724.

TELEPHONE: Kay 610-796-7602 if you have any questions.

Thursday November 21, 2013 - French Creek

CLYDE will lead a five mile hike in French Creek State Park. We begin by meandering over the 18 hole ‘DISC GOLF” course (with Frisbees to throw!). Afterwards the group will explore the trails on Mount Pleasure, which is where the disc golf course is located. There is NO HUNTING where we are hiking because of the ongoing activity. Lunch is optional after the hike.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ West boat launch area in the park.

TELEPHONE: Clyde 610-913-0284 or 610-413-6281 day of hike, if questions.

Thursday November 14, 2013 - Leaser Lake

KAY & EDNA will lead a 4 – 5 mile hike at Leaser Lake in Lehigh County. We will trek the newly completed trail that circumnavigates the lake. The terrain is mostly through fields and woodland with a few short hills. Some areas may be muddy along creek banks. There are rewarding, nice views of the lake.

1st MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Redner’s Market parking lot off Rte. 61 in Leesport to carpool to our starting point.
2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Leaser Lake north parking lot off Ontelaunee Rd.

TELEPHONE: Kay 610-796-7602 or Edna 610-373-8625 with questions.

Thursday November 7, 2013 - Swatara State Park

DAVE will lead a ~ 6 mile hike in SWATARA STATE PARK. This hike will begin at the Swope’s Valley Road parking area. We will trek west on the improved rails to trail to the new four span Swatara Creek Bridge. Then, cross the bridge to Old State Road, turn left and travel east on the newly reworked road to Bordner Cabin. Agriggs Falls is seen from the cabin window. We continue our walk to Swope’s Valley Road, turn left heading back to our starting point and parking area.

1st MEET: 8:30 A.M. @ Blue Marsh Church Rd. parking lot off Rte. 183.

2nd MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Swope’s Valley Road rails to trail parking area.

DIRECTIONS: From Church Rd. lot travel north on Rte. 183 to jct. with Rte. 443, turn left to Pine Grove. Stay on Rte 443 through Pine Grove and past the I-81 interchange to Suedberg, then turn left on Swope’s Valley Road and park at rails to trail, in sight of Rte. 443.

TELEPHONE: Dave 570-739-2579 if you have questions.

Thursday October 31, 2013 - Reading Parks

BARBARA will lead the CITY PARKS HIKE of 5-6 miles. This will be a circuitous hike starting at City Park and walking to the memorial section. Then, continuing to Pendora Park and on to Mineral Springs Park. Here we will wend our way to Egelman’s Park Dam and follow a fire trail to the Pagoda. We will return to our starting point by roads and streets. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

NOTE: No costumes or masks are necessary, just your usual hiking clothing and your usual face is more than sufficient!

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ City Park Municipal parking lot across from the tennis courts. The park site is situated between 11th & 12th streets and between Washington & Penn Streets. If you can’t locate it, ask a cop!

TELEPHONE: Barbara 610-375-3358 with any questions.

Thursday October 24, 2013 - Coventry Woods

LES will lead a ~ 5 mile hike in COVENTRY WOODS. This is a circular hike around the perimeter of much of the original boundaries of this park. We begin on the new mile long Great Oak Trail, just opened this year. It connects to Furnace Trail where we follow several existing trails climbing to and crossing the ridge and descending to Rock Run at the base of the opposite side. We parallel Rock Run for a quarter of a mile and begin a slow ascent back to the ridge through woods and fields before turning east. When we reach the Chestnut Hill parking area we begin a one mile descent to our starting point. There are some steep climbs to the ridge initially.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Main lot at Coventry Woods.

DIRECTIONS 1: Take Rte. 724 east from Birdsboro. About three quarters of a mile past River Bridge Rd. (The road/bridge leading to Douglassville where a detour currently exists; you cannot cross from Rte. 422 to Rte. 724 at Douglassville at this time), turn right onto Unionville Rd. All Type Fence is located at the intersection of Rte. 724 & Unionville Rd. Follow Unionville Rd. 2.1 miles past Temple Church and Shenkel Church. Turn right at St. Peter’s Rd., then after about half a mile turn left into Coventry Woods at Fernbrook Lane. Parking is just over the crest of the hill.

DIRECTIONS 2: From Rte. 23 take St. Peter’s Rd. through St. Peter’s Village and continue for about 3 more miles on St. Peter’s Rd. until you see Fernbrook Lane on the left, then turn right into Coventry Woods.

TELEPHONE: Les 610-373-1703 with any questions.