Thursday January 8, 2015 - Shillington Vicinity

“YOU” will lead a hike not to exceed 6 miles, somewhere in the vicinity. “YOU” will be chosen by the attending group’s unanimous decision. Then, the chosen leader will determine the trails in the area to be hiked and the approximate miles. Dress appropriately, wear sturdy shoes or boots and carry water.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Ollie’s on Lancaster Pike in Shillington (GPS: 2251 Lancaster Pike,Shillington, PA).

TELEPHONE: Kay 610-796-7602 with questions.

Thursday December 18, 2014 - Blue Marsh

Kathy and Kay will lead a shuttle hike at Blue Marsh. This trek will begin near mile marker 24 and continue to mile marker 19 on the main hiking trail. The quest will begin at Mt Pleasant Road and continue to route 183 near the 19 mile marker for a total of 5.5 miles. Please call ahead if weather is bad. TERRAIN: A few small hills mostly thru fields and wooded areas. Some areas may be muddy along creek banks. Call if weather is questionable.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. on the left side of route 183 half between Sheidy Boat Ramp and North Heidelberg Road and shuttle to Mt Pleasant Road. This should be an easy shuttle. For people who have the map of Blue Marsh, the parking area is near mile marker 19.

DIRECTIONS: Coming from Reading: go past Old Church Road on the left and continue about one mile past Sheidy Boat Ramp also on the left. Pull in very large parking area on left. Look for good spot to pull in, where it’s not bumpy and muddy. Also be careful of route 183 traffic when turning in. If you get to North Heidelberg Road, turn around you went too far. Coming from Bernville: go past North Heidelberg Road and look for very large parking area on right. Pull in without hitting muddy or rutty spots on lot.

TELEPHONE: Kathy at 610-603-9461 or Kay at 610-796-7602 if any questions.

Thursday December 11, 2014 - Union Canal

GROVER will lead a 6 mile hike on the Union Canal Towpath. This is a moderate, scenic walk along the Tulpehocken Creek. We will shuttle to the Stilling Basin parking area and hike to Gring’s Mill parking area.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Gring’s Mill parking area for a shuttle to our start point.

TELEPHONE: GROVER at 860-861-5681 cell with any questions.

Thursday December 4, 2014 - Hibernia Park

HERB will lead a moderate 5-6 mile walk at Hibernia County Park. We will walk on trails around the lake and along the Brandywine River. We will see parts of the park most of us have not seen before. The views of the lake should be good with the leaves down. If the weather is inclement, check with Herb. Lunch after the hike is an option.

MEET: 9:30 AM @ the parking lot across from the Windmill Restaurant, by the Dollar Store off of Route 10 in Morgantown.

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

Thursday November 27, 2014 - Shillington

KAY will lead a Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner Hike! This ~ 5 Mile Hike to Angelica Park via the Angelica Creek Trail will start from Rite-Aid in Shillington. We will walk to the trail entrance, about a mile; and continue to Angelica Creek Park. From here we will return through streets of Reading and Shillington, passing Tom Masano Mini Park Animal Band, to our starting point. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! YUM-YUM!

MEET: 10:00 A.M. at Rite-Aid on Lancaster Ave. in Shillington Shopping Centre (GPS address is 500 East Lancaster Ave., Shillington, Pa.). NOTE: Please park on the Governor Mifflin Blvd. side of the building, where Casino patrons park.

TELEPHONE: Kay 610-796-7602 with questions.

Thursday November 20, 2014 - Neversink

LES will lead a hike of 6 miles on the NEVERSINK Mountain Preserve. The hike begins at the Forest Hills Cemetery and takes the slow incline of the Neversink South trail much of the way to Reading. With leaves off the trees we'll have great views of the Schuylkill, Reading, and the hills in the distance. We'll climb the West Woodland trail then come down on the north side of the mountain. We will walk on a trail below the Witches Hat, circle behind it, then return via the Cove trail.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ the pond in Forest Hills Memorial Park.

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with questions.

Thursday November 13, 2014 - Mont Clare

SUZANNE will begin a hike at LOCK 60 along the Schuylkill River in Mont Clare. We will take the high trail down and hopefully have some views of the river and surroundings. We can visit the animals at the Montgomery County Centre and return along the river. Hiking Boots and water are a necessity for this 5 mile hike. Heavy rain would cancel this event. Lunch in Phoenixville will be an option afterwards.

1st MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Boscov’s east, far parking lot.
2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ LOCK 60 in Mont Clare.
DIRECTIONS: To Lock 60, turn off Rte. 29 bridge onto Towpath Road, a one lane road between the river and canal.

TELEPHONE: Suzanne 610-488-9269 with any questions.

Thursday November 6, 2014 - Schuylkill County

ANN will lead a 5 mile all road hike in Schuylkill County. The hike will start at St. Marks Browns Lutheran Church located on a Road affording beautiful views from this mountain ridge. This is an easy hike and no shuttle is required. Inclement weather would cancel this event, so check with leader, if doubtful.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Church Rd. parking lot of Blue Marsh off Rte. 183 to Carpool to starting point which has limited parking. We will pick up our leader enroute at Way-Har Dairy on Rte. 183.

TELEPHONE: Ann 610-488-6378 with questions.

Thursday October 30, 2014 - Texter Mountain Robesonia

MARK will lead a moderate ~3 mile woodland hike near Robesonia. This will be on a new trail in the Texter Mountain Nature Preserve. Wear hiking shoes and carry water, as usual.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Wernersville State Hospital off Rte. 422W in the 1st parking lot on the left side for a shuttle to our starting point.

TELEPHONE: Mark 610-589-5575 with questions.

Thursday October 23, 2014 - Appalachian Trail Hamburg

HERB has planned a 5+ mile fall hike on the old and the new Appalachian Trail in the Hamburg area. The hike will stop at three ever flowing, sparkling springs. An old timer supposedly hid his “mountain dew” in a hollow tree near one of the springs, which we may be lucky enough to find! There will be some ups and downs and lots of rocks. Fall leaves will be in full colour by then!

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Redner's Leesport Market off Rte. 61 N.

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

Thursday October 16, 2014 - Audubon Sanctuary

SUZANNE will lead a hike on the Audubon Loop Trail and some other trails at the Audubon Sanctuary. The Loop trail is paved and a large part is not shaded, so dress accordingly. The hike will cover between 4-5 miles. After the hike those who wish can visit Audubon's museum house which contains original art work and taxidermy. The cost is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors [that is most of us]. Those visiting the museum may wish to bring a snack to eat before going in.

FIRST Meeting Place: Boscov's East Parking Lot @ 9:00 AM
SECOND Meeting Place: Parking Lot John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove @ 10:00 AM
Address: 1201 Pawling’s Road Audubon PA 19403

TELEPHONE: Suzanne 610-488-9269 with any questions.

Thursday October 9, 2014 - Lobachsville

LES will lead a road hike of roughly 5.5 miles in the Lobachsville area. We begin at Weidner Grove Park, created in 2013. Sites include historic stone mills and homes, including the Pott homestead, and several old, converted 1 room schools. We will cross Pine Creek several times and have some scenic views along the way.

MEET: 9:30 AM Weis Market, Route 73 and Friedensburg Rd for a 5 mile ride to Weidner Grove Park

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with questions.

Thursday October 2, 2014 - Appalachian Trail / Rausch Gap

GROVER (DICK) will lead a shuttle hike of 7 to 8 miles encompassing a section of the Appalachian Trail in the Rausch Gap and a Rail-to-Trail section leading to Gold Mine Rd. The first three miles will be a strenuous uphill climb and then moderate after that. Carry a lunch to enjoy while resting at Rausch Creek.

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

TELEPHONE: Dick 860-861-5681 with questions.

Thursday September 25, 2014 - Leesport / Schuylkill River Trail

RICHARD will lead a hike on part of the Schuylkill River Trail. This hike will be including a short section in Ontelaunee Township that was just completed this year. We will hike around the village of Leesport, as well.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Redner’s Market parking lot off Rte. 61N in Leesport.

TELEPHONE: Rich 610-488-9269 if you have any questions.

Thursday September 18, 2014 - Wernersville

GERRY & part-hiker WILLIE will lead a hike of 5 to 6 miles on roads and macadam paths in the hills of Wernersville. This 2 to 2 1/2 hour hike will take us around Hain’s Church Cemetery (Revolutionary soldiers are buried here), then on to the Jesuit Novitiate property with lovely views. We will continue to the Phoebe/Berks village walking their grounds and then returning to our starting point.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ (Hain’s) St. John U.C.C. Church parking lot in Wernersville.

DIRECTIONS: Traveling west on Route 422 to Wernersville turn right at 1st traffic light onto N. Church Road. Go about 1 mile uphill past the church, curve to right and turn right into parking lot under trees.

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

Thursday September 11, 2014 - Middle Creek

MICHAEL will lead a 5 mile hike in the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. Hike on Conservation, Spicebush and Deer Path Trails. There will be hills, rocks and roots to contend with but, after all, we are hikers. We will also be walking on Laurel Drive, Kleinfeltersville Road and Millstone Road. Bring water and personal snacks. Watch out for possible Eagle sightings.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area Visitors Center parking lot off Kleinfeltersville Road.

TELEPHONE: Mike at 717-949-2056 with any questions.

Thursday September 4, 2014 - Warwick Park

JOHN & HERB mapped out a 5-6 mile hike at Warwick Park. Enjoy a circle walk in the woods and through wildflower meadows. We will walk along French Creek and on the Horseshoe Trail. There are some rocks and some hills. We will also visit the new visitors centre and briefly learn about this old iron plantation.

1st MEET 9:00 A.M. on the front parking lot of the Clock Tower Plaza off Routes 10 and 23 in Morgantown.
2nd MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ the last parking lot in Warwick Park.

TELEPHONE: John 610-924-8814 or Herb 610-286-6886 questions.

Thursday August 28, 2014 - Shartlesville

ANN will lead a ~5 mile hike in the BLUE MOUNTAIN. This is a combination of roads and woodland trail going in and out, up the mountain. Wear hiking shoes and carry water. Insect repellant, sun block and wearing orange are optional.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ West end of the parking lot of the Blue Mt. Family Restaurant in Shartlesville.

TELEPHONE: Ann 610-488-6378 with questions.

Thursday August 21, 2014 - Bartram Trail / Landingville

RICHARD will lead a 5 mile hike on the Bartram Trail, which is a section of the Schuylkill River Trail, traversing to Landingville in Schuylkill County. We will circle the scenic marsh, home of 211 species of birds, while returning to our starting point.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Redner’s Leesport Market off Route 61 N.

TELEPHONE: Richard 610-670-1119 with questions.

Thursday August 14, 2014 - Nolde Forest

ANNELIES & RUDY will lead a 5 mile hike in the NOLDE FOREST on various trails. This scenic hike will be a moderate to difficult one, due to the hills. Wear good hiking shoes; carry water and a snack, if desired, and insect repellant, just in case.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Sawmill parking lot off route 625.

TELEPHONE: Annelies or Rudy 610-777-4223 with questions.

Thursday August 7, 2014 - Horseshoe Trail Maintenance

MARK will be taking us through a Horseshoe Trail Clean-up. This occurs on the section of the trail that our club periodically maintains. This Section spans from Knauers to Adamstown; however, we will only cover part of it at this time. Carry the usual tools, work gloves, water and lots of good humor. Trail maintenance is an opportunity to give back to the community and is greatly appreciated.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Kenhorst Shopping Plaza, Routes 724 & 625 in Kenhorst in the lot in front of the Dairy Queen.

TELEPHONE: Mark 610-373-6730 with any questions.

Thursday July 31, 2014 - Silver Mine Park

KAY would like you to come and join the group as they traverse trails along the beautiful Pequea Creek in Silver Mine Park, Lancaster County. The Park was once home to a trailer park and campground and contains a real silver mine. We will start the walk along a hike/bike trail and continue thru fields, woods, around the pond, and a geology walk thru the old mine area. The entire route for this hike will be approximately 5 miles.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. Ollie’s parking lot in Shillington at the junction of routes 222 & 724. (One way drive time = 40 minutes, distance = 34 miles).

TELEPHONE: Kay 610-796-7602 with any questions.

Thursday July 24, 2014 - Crow's Nest

Herb has a 5+ mile hike planned in the Crow's Nest area. We will walk under the coolness of the woodland trails, along the creek and through some open areas and then circle back using the Horseshoe Trail. This is a moderate, circle hike with some ups and downs! We may need to shuttle cars to a small parking lot as needed.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ the east end of the Hopewell Furnace parking lot off Rte. 345.

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

Thursday July 17, 2014 - Swatara Creek

LES will lead a hike of about 6 miles along Swatara Creek. Enjoy a flat shaded walk along both sides of the Swatara Creek near Pine Grove. A relatively new bridge provides the means to cross the creek at something like the mid - point and limit the distance. This should be nothing like the hike that made '5 mile Kathy' famous.

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

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with any questions.

Thursday July 10, 2014 - Maiden Creek

AL will lead a 5 mile hike in Ontelaunee Township along the Maiden Creek. After viewing the spillway of Lake Ontelaunee into the Maiden Creek we will walk on the Freedom Trail through the Blue Falls Picnic Grove. Then cross over the Wiley’s Bridge which still remains, due to controversy. Many advocates want the bridge to remain for hikers and bikers. We will continue to follow the trail along Maiden Creek to Berkley Water Works and return. Wear good hiking shoes; carry water, sunscreen and insect repellant.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Redner’s Market parking lot off Route 61 N. in Leesport to carpool for a short hop to the Dam Breast parking lot with limited parking.

TELEPHONE: Al 610-929-9694 with questions.

Thursday July 3, 2014 - Trail Magic

ELLEN and HERB are planning another “Trail-Magic” event. This will be on the AT north of Reading. It is a combination food/drink give-away for thru-hikers and a picnic and a 5-6 mile hike for the BCHC group. The event will be held rain or shine.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Redner's Market parking lot off Rte. 61N in Leesport to carpool.

TELEPHONE: Ellen 610-775-2677 to plan food and drinks. We need baked goods, fresh fruit and cold drinks. Call Herb 610-286-6886 with general questions.

Thursday June 26, 2014 - High Point of Berks County

DIANE will lead a 5 – 5 ½ mile hike to get “HIGH” by taking us to the Highpoint of Berks County. No, this is not the Pinnacle; this is the true highpoint of Berks. Hike will be in and out on woodland trails with some rocks. Wear good hiking boots; carry water, sunscreen and insect repellant.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ State Game land parking lot, off Route 183, just south of the Appalachian Trail Crossing.

TELEPHONE: Diane 610-488-0231 with any questions.

Thursday June 19, 2014 - Wyomissing Creek

KAY will lead a 5-6 mile hike on “REAL” Wyomissing Creek Trail. We will hike to where it meets the Schuylkill River Trail and will return thru Reading Museum grounds to see what’s blooming at “Birch Islands” and “Sunflower Garden.” Then, we’ll trek upstream thru the beautiful Wyomissing Parks. Please take notice of the new meeting place.

MEET 10:00 AM. @ Old Mill Road parking lot.
Directions from Shillington: take Museum Road for about a mile to first traffic light (it will be Old Mill Road) and turn left. Continue to parking on left. Directions from Reading: take Museum Road and after passing Kenhorst Boulevard, turn right at next traffic light (it will be Old Mill Road). Continue to parking on left.

TELEPHONE: Kay 610-796-7602 with any questions.

Thursday June 12, 2014 - Blue Mountain

KATHY will lead a 5 mile loop hike on the Blue Mountain. This hike will begin at the Port Clinton Fire Tower following trails down the Mountainside and eventually back up the hill, to return to our starting point at the fire tower. Wear good hiking boots, carry water and insect spray.
MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Port Clinton Fire Tower parking area.
TELEPHONE: Kathy 610-603-9461 with any questions.

Thursday June 5, 2014 - Antietam Lake & Orchard

LES will lead a hike of 6+ miles in the Antietam Lake Park. This hike will explore the fruit orchard recently acquired and incorporated by the County of Berks park system. We will see how prior trails which had circumvented the private property now enter the orchard property. See the buildings, ponds and fruit trees on the site and hike neighboring portions of the park.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Angora Road parking lot, next to Antietam Lake.

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with any questions.

Thursday May 29, 2014 - Lancaster Junction Trail

Kay & Kathy will lead a 5 mile hike on the brand new Lancaster Junction Trail. This trail was formerly part of the Reading to Columbia rail line. It will be an easy, leg stretching, in and out walk alongside Chickies Creek.

1st MEET: 9:15 A.M. @ Ollie’s parking lot at intersection of Route 222 and Route724 in Shillington.
2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Lancaster Junction Trail.
DIRECTIONS: Route 30 west to Route 283 West. Travel Route 283 for about 7 miles and take Salunga exit. Turn right onto Spooky Nook Road for 1/10th mile and take another right onto Champ Road. Follow this road for 􁪽 mile. Trail begins on left where this road ends. GPS address use: 99 Champ Road, Manheim, PA.

PHONE: Kay 610-796-7602 or Kathy 610-603-9461

Thursday May 22, 2014 - Lake Ontelaunee

BRENDA & AL will co-lead a ~7 mile hike on the West side of LAKE ONTELAUNEE on woodland lanes and along the shore on fisherman’s trails with very scenic views of the lake from this side; especially, the view from the now defunct bridge closed to traffic. There will be some hills to negotiate, but nothing the wanderers can’t handle. Good hiking shoes, water, insect repellant and sun screen may be in order. Heavy rain would cancel this event.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Redner’s Market parking lot off Route 61 N in Leesport to carpool to our starting point at Kindt’s Corner.

TELEPHONE: Brenda 610-488-7176 or Al 610-929-9694 with questions.

Thursday May 15, 2014 - Horseshoe Trail Cleanup

MARK will be taking us through a Horseshoe Trail Clean-up. 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. Carry the usual tools, work gloves, water and good humor. Let’s give back to the community some trail maintenance.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Kenhorst Shopping Plaza, Rtes. 724 & 625, in Kenhorst in the lot in front of Dairy Queen.

TELEPHONE: Mark 610-373-6730 with any questions.

Thursday May 8, 2014 - Laurels of Brandywine

GROVER (“DICK”) will lead a 5 – 6 mile hike in the Laurels of the Brandywine Conservancy, which is located in Chester County. By permission he will be using various trails through rolling hills and woodland. Dress for the weather and wear good boots; however, heavy rain cancels this event.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Clock Tower parking lot Rte. 10 & 23 at end of Rte. I176 park behind Burger King to carpool approx. 20 miles to starting point.

TELEPHONE: “DICK” 860-861-5681 CELL with any questions.

Thursday May 1, 2014 - Coventry Woods & Woody's Woods

LES will lead a Coventry Woods and Woody's Woods hike of 6.5 miles. This hike begins in North Coventry Township’s Coventry Woods. Leaving Coventry Woods, we enter South Coventry Township’s Woody's Woods. Woody's Woods is a smaller park that is just being developed and contains the highest point in Chester County. We will hike about 3 miles here covering most of the available trails. On our return to Coventry Woods we will take an alternate route back to our starting point. There will be a small amount of road walking. While we will miss Coventry Woods worst hills, the Woody's Woods hill will more than compensate for this loss.

1st MEET: 9:30 AM 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., and then after about half a mile turn left into Coventry Woods (Fernbrook Lane is to the right). Parking is just over the crest of the hill.
DIRECTIONS 2: From Route 23, take St Peter's Rd through St Peter's Village and continue for about 4 more miles on St Peter's Rd. When you see Fernbrook Lane to the left, make a right turn into Coventry Woods.

STARTING LOCATION: 9:50AM Coventry Woods Chestnut Hill parking - we will drive/carpool from our first meeting location about 1 mile to our starting point, or you can meet us here

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with questions.

Thursday April 24, 2014 - Shartlesville Roads

ANN will lead a 5 – 6 mile hike in northern Berks County. This will be mostly road walking in the foothills of the Blue Mountain. Dress accordingly for the weather and wear good shoes. You may want to wear orange to alert motorists. Meet leader at 2nd meet point.

1st MEET: 9:15 A.M. @ Redner’s Leesport Market parking lot off Rte. 61 N. This is to carpool if desired or go directly to 2nd meet and leader will be there.
2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ the west end of parking lot of Blue Mt. Family Restaurant.

TELEPHONE: Ann 610-488-6378 with any questions.

Thursday April 17, 2014 - French Creek

HERB has planned a 5 to 6 mile wildflower walk at Baptism Creek Natural Area near Hopewell Furnace. Come out to see this well known nature lover’s paradise in the beauty of early spring. All the snow fed springs will be running. This is a moderate hike walked at a moderate pace with some ups and downs!

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Shed Road Parking Lot off Rte. 345 near Hopewell Furnace Visitor Center.

TELEPHONE: Herb 610-286-6886 with questions.

Thursday April 10, 2014 - Exeter River Trail

KAY will lead the Exeter Scenic River Trail of 5 miles. We will start at Gibraltar Road and possibly hike as far as the tunnel or Forest Hills Cemetery and back. Or we could hike thru Forest Hills and road walk back to the trail. We can decide whichever when we get there. Expect to see many wildflowers in bloom this time of year. Dress for wet conditions, if it rains before hike.

MEET: 10:00 AM in the parking lot along Gibraltar Road in Exeter Township.

DIRECTIONS: Coming from Shillington on route 724, turn left onto Gibraltar Road at traffic light by Turkey Hill. Lot will be on left after crossing the Schuylkill River. Coming from route 422, turn onto W 47th Street and continue as it becomes Gibraltar Road. Parking will be on right immediately after you drive under the railroad culvert.

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

Thursday April 3, 2014 - Robesonia

MARK will lead a hike at Robesonia on the Furnace Creek Trails. This hike of ~ 4 miles is on various terrains with hills and unusual, new trails. Wear sturdy boots or hiking shoes.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Conrad Weiser High Schools’ furthermost west parking lot off Route 422 west.

TELEPHONE: Mark 610-589-5575 with questions.

Thursday March 27, 2014 - Springton Manor

RANDY will lead the Springton Manor Farm hike around birthing time. Hopefully, we will see some newly born animals. We will hike 4 to 5 miles on trails or roads depending on the weather, snow and/or ice. Carry water, snacks if desired, poles and dress for the weather.

1st MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Dollar Store lot across from the Windmill Restaurant at Routes 23 and 10 in Morgantown.
2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Springton Manor lower parking lot.

TELEPHONE: Randy 610-273-9160 with questions.

Thursday March 20, 2014 - Lancaster County

HERB has planned a 5-6 mile walk in Lancaster County. This will be a road walk due to the uncertainty of the weather. We will meander on little traveled back country roads passing many Amish farmsteads and will also stop and visit the new September Cheese Farm shop. We will learn a bit of history of the Welsh Mts. and the roving bands of robbers who once lived there!

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Dollar Store lot across from the Windmill Restaurant at Routes 23 & 10 in Morgantown.

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

Thursday March 13, 2014 - Neversink

LES will lead a 5 to 6 mile hike on NEVERSINK MOUNTAIN. This hike begins at the Forest Hills Cemetery and proceeds to the top of the Cove Trail. We use a new trail to take us to a rocky outcropping with a view of the Schuylkill and beyond. Then, using another new trail to minimize a hill climb, we hike on to the Witches Hat Pavilion. From here, the hike heads to the east side of Neversink Mountain and a search for an old reservoir. There will be some bush whacking, but should not add difficulty at this time of the year. However, this is Neversink Mountain, so expect several steep hill climbs.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ the pond in Forest Hills Memorial Park.

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with questions.

Thursday March 6, 2014 - Middle Creek

MARK will lead a hike of 4 to 5 miles in the Middle Creek Wildlife Preserve. We will be meandering on various trails and possibly muddy ones, so wear good boots. We hope to see the snow geese and swans.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Middle Creek Wildlife Visitor’s Center parking lot.

TELEPHONE: Mark 610-589-5575 with questions.

Thursday February 27, 2014 - Laurel's of Brandywine

GROVER will lead a 5 – 6 mile hike in the Laurels of the Brandywine Conservancy, which is located in Chester County. By permission he will be using various trails through rolling hills and woodland. Dress for the weather and wear good boots; however, heavy rain or snow cancels this event.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Clock Tower parking lot Rte. 10 & 23 at end of Rte. I176 behind Burger King in order to carpool approx. 20 miles to starting point.

TELEPHONE: GROVER's Cell: 860-861-5681

Thursday February 20, 2014 - Shartlesville Roads

ANN will lead a 5 – 6 mile hike in northern Berks County. This will be mostly road walking in the foothills of the Blue Mountain. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear good shoes. You may want to wear orange to alert motorists. There will be an optional lunch stop after the hike at the Blue Mountain Family Restaurant.

1st MEET: 9:15 A.M. @ Redner’s Leesport Market parking lot off Rte. 61 N.
2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M.@ the west end of parking lot of Blue Mt. Fam. Rest.

TELEPHONE: Ann 610-488-6378 with any questions.

Thursday February 13, 2014 - French Creek

CLYDE will lead a 5.5 mile hike in French Creek State Park. This is woodland walking on the LENAPE TRAIL. We will be walking clockwise and it is best to wear BLAZE ORANGE, dress appropriately. A lunch option is up to the group interested in dining afterwards.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Shed Road parking area left off Rte. 345 south.

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

Thursday February 6, 2014 - Neversink Mountain

LES will lead a hike between 5 and 6 miles on NEVERSINK Mountain. The hike begins at the Forest Hills Cemetery. We will take the Cove trail, then use a newly blazed trail to the rock outcropping overlook. From here we proceed to the Witches Hat via another new trail that saves us from climbing another hill. Next we hike to the east side of Neversink where the hike leader wants to look for a reservoir he remembers walking on about 55 years ago. There will be some bush whacking, but at this time of year, do not expect any difficulty. However, this is Neversink, expect several steep hill climbs.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ the pond in Forest Hills Memorial Park .

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with any questions.

Thursday January 30, 2014 - Maiden Creek

AL will lead a 4 – 5 mile hike in Berks County starting from Rte. 662 at the Maiden Creek and following trails through woodland. There are scenic views of the Maiden Creek as it flows into Lake Ontelaunee and also farmland views. Wear boots and dress for the weather. Heavy rain or snow cancels this event.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Lot aside Mc Donald’s off Bus. Rte. 222 between Walmart and Salvation Army in Temple. Carpooling may be necessary.

DIRECTIONS TO STARTING POINT: Travel north on Bus. Rte. 222 becoming Rte.222 to Jct. of Rte. 662 and turn left and travel 3.3 miles to the Maiden Creek dirt lane on left side of road with limited parking.

TELEPHONE: Al 610-929-9694 with questions.

Thursday January 23, 2014 - Lower Perkiomen Park

SUZANNE will lead a loop hike of ~5 miles beginning at Lower Perkiomen Park in Oaks and follow a trail which crosses some of the Audubon Sanctuary. This should be doable with just a light snow cover.

If weather or conditions are questionable call to confirm that it is on. There will be an optional lunch stop in the area after the hike.

1st MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Boscov’s East (far end of the lot).
2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Lower Perkiomen Park (front lot on left).

DIRECTIONS: to Lower Perkiomen Park take the Oaks exit from rte. 422. Turn right at the end of the ramp. Turn right into the park at second light.

TELEPHONE: Suzanne 610-488-9269 or cell 717-376-5289 with questions.

Thursday January 16, 2014 - Mount Penn

CLYDE will lead a 5 – 6 mile hike on Mount Penn to the WILLIAM PENN FIRE TOWER. This loop hike will begin at Mineral Springs Park, close to the East Ends Athletic Club. We will be hiking mostly on woodland trails ascending Mount Penn to the Fire Tower and returning to our starting point. Probably wearing orange at this time is still a good idea.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Mineral Springs Park, Reading, close to East Ends A. C.

TELEPHONE: Clyde 610-913-0284 or 610-413-6281 on the day of the hike with any questions.