Thursday April 22, 2010 - French Creek State Park

Herb Van Horn will lead a ~5 mile hike in French Creek State Park.
This is a moderate woodland hike on trails with some rocky sections and a few
uphill climbs in the Baptism Creek area. Once a favorite picnic area of the past,
now just a forest, except for the old concession stand where visitors could
purchase food. Since the hike will begin at the Hopewell Furnace we will explore
some of the historic sites and view the wild flowers in bloom. Lunch after the hike
for the hungry ones is optional.
Meeting Place: 10:00 A.M. @ Hopewell Furnace parking lot beside the Visitor’s Ctr.
Contact: 610-286-688

Thursday April 15, 2010 - Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area, Dauphin County

ELLEN KONECNY, KATHY HENGEN & KAY WILLIAMS
(‘The Three Hikerteers”) will lead a ~ 6 mile trek in one of PA’s newest state
parks: the BOYD BIG TREE CONSERVATION AREA, Dauphin County.
Trails are mostly easy walking on old coach and gravel roads, except one
moderately steep, rocky climb. The hike leads through a mountain forest rich
with second growth oaks, hickories and beeches – home to deep forest birds,
including woodpeckers, evidenced by the many holes found in trees. Be on the
lookout for amphibians on this early spring day when we visit the spring-fed
pond. After the hike, hungry hikers can opt to partake in lunch at Esther’s
Restaurant in Fredericksburg.
Note: Distance to trailhead from our meeting place is approx. 60 miles.
If you want to drive direct, Big Boyd is located on Fishing Creek Valley Rd.,
Harrisburg. Using a GPS the coordinate would be the intersection of Fishing
Creek Valley Rd. & Frog Hollow Rd. Approach from the west off route
322/22 the entrance will be on the right immediately past Frog Hollow Rd.
From the east, the entrance will be on your left just before Frog Hollow Rd.
Meeting Place: 9:00 A.M. @ Boyer’s IGA Market in Womelsdorf at jct. of routes 419 &
422. (Park away and in rear of the market, off Route 419 side).
Contact: Ellen 610-775-2677, Kathy 610-603-9461, Kay 610-796-7602

Thursday April 8, 2010 - Upper Bern Township

Ann Reinhart will lead a ~5 mile hike in Upper Bern Township, Berks Cty.
Begin hiking from the Blue Mt. Family Restaurant in Shartlesville and hike along
the Northkill Creek to Green Acres Golf Course, then do an “about face” to return
to our starting point. Lunch is optional afterwards at the restaurant.
1st Meeting Place: 9:15 A.M. @ Redner’s Market in Leesport off Rte. 61N to carpool.
2nd Meeting Place: 10:00 A.M. @ Blue Mt. family Restaurant in Shartlesville (West end
of the lot).
Contact: 610-488-6378

Thursday April 1, 2010 - Maiden Creek

Al Napoletano will lead a hike of ~7 miles along the Maiden Creek in
Ontelaunee Township. The hike is woodland walking and also road walking.
This is an easy, scenic and relaxing outdoor venture. See the over flow of
Ontelaunee Lake, the Blue Falls and the Berkleigh Water Works (filtering
plant for Reading’s water supply). Lunch afterwards is optional.
Meeting Place: 10:00 A.M. @ the dam breast parking lot off Route 73.
Directions: Take Route 61 north to jct. 73, turn right, go to dam breast
parking lot on right side of road just before the bridge over the spillway.
Telephone: 610-929-9694