Thursday February 26, 2015 - Mohnton & Green Hills Nature Preserve

KAY & KATHY will lead a two part 5.8 mile hike.
FIRST PART: Enjoy hiking thru lovely back roads with a few small hills and farm lands of MOHNTON for a distance of 4.2 miles (clocked by car).
SECOND PART: Enjoy a beautiful 1.6 mile walk thru woods and corn fields of Green Hills Nature Preserve. Green Hills is one of the newest Preserves of The National Land Trust (www.natlands.org). Dress appropriately for conditions and consider blaze orange for road walking and hunting.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Rear of Dairy Queen in Kenhorst Shopping Plaza, Jct. 625 & 724 to car pool to site.

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

Thursday February 19, 2015 - Birdsboro Watershed

JODY will lead a 4-5 mile hike in the Birdsboro Watershed, beginning at the parking lot on Hay Creek Road that is across from the old White Bear Inn. We will walk on a woods trail along the northwest side of the creek to the old quarry and the climbing wall which soars above it. We will not be climbing the wall itself but walking on a level trail on a wide ledge next to the rock face. If there has been precipitation followed by freezing and then milder temperatures, we should see magnificent stalactites of ice. We will then walk down to the quarry lake via a wide paved road to view the lake and wall from the bottom. If the trail is icy, we will walk along the road to get to the quarry. This hike is mainly on flat ground.

MEET at 10:00 A.M. at the White Bear Inn parking lot. Parking is limited so please carpool.

TELEPHONE: Jody at 610-286-8913 with any questions.

Thursday February 12, 2015 - Crow's Nest

JOHN and HERB have mapped a 5-6 mile winter hike in the other part of Crow's Nest Nature Preserve. We will walk on the Horse Shoe Trail and side trails passing stone quarries, historic homesteads and old rail beds. A stop at the visitors centre to warm up is planned. Expect some up and downs and rocks. If the weather is questionable call John or Herb. Lunch afterwards is an option.

MEET: 9:30 AM @ the Hopewell Visitors Centre off of Route 345. We will be shuttling to a game land parking lot.

TELEPHONE: John at 610-322-9670 or Herb at 610-286-6886 with questions.

Thursday February 5, 2015 - Shoemakersville

GERRY & WILLIE will lead a 6 mile road walk in the countryside of Shoemakersville and Perry Township. There are rolling hills and pleasant views. The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for FREE, but the bull CHARGES, so we will stick to road walking!! Dress for the weather; carry water and snack, if desired. There will be an optional lunch stop after the hike.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Kuzan’s Hardware Store along Route 61, located past the Jct. of 61 & 662 on the right side travelling north. Park on far left of store in rear parking lot.

TELEPHONE: Gerry or Willie 610-678-5245, if questionable.

Thursday January 29,2015 - Douglass Township

This hike, primarily on roads through Douglass Township, Berks County, begins in Ironstone Park. Here you can view an old time trestle bridge still used by the Colebrookdale Railroad. The hike begins along the Ironstone Creek and follows rural roads, occasionally reencountering the Ironstone Creek. Ultimately, as we approach Route 100, we depart the roadway and walk back a farm lane to the Fritz Burying Ground, a historic colonial era graveyard restored by Douglass Township. The return to the starting point mostly repeats the same roads. If roads are unsuited for walking, a fallback hike on the Schuylkill River Trail is likely. Lunch is optional afterwards.

MEET: 9:30 AM @ Redner's in Douglassville, Routes 422W and 662 for a 6 mile ride to the starting location.

LEADER: Les 610-323-1703 if any questions.

Thursday January 22, 2015 - Enola Low Grade Rail Trail

KAY & KATHY want you to enjoy a walk along the Susquehanna River. Hike on the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail located in Manor Township, Lancaster County. This entire length of trail is gravel rail trail and is alongside the Susquehanna River, so please dress appropriately for the weather and terrain. We will walk approximately three miles downstream to see a waterfall and three miles back upstream for a total six mile hike. Lunch afterwards is optional.

MEET: 9:00 AM. @ Ollie’s on Lancaster Pike in Shillington (GPS: 2251 Lancaster Pike, Shillington, PA). ROUTE: Takes 45 minutes and is 41 miles to destination (GPS: 2459 River Road, Washington Borough, PA).

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

Thursday January 15, 2015 - Neversink

LES will lead a hike of close to 5.5 miles on Neversink Mountain. The hike begins with a climb of the Cove Trail which will be taken to its end at a rocky overlook above the Schuylkill. We return, then cut across to the north side of Neversink where a stop will be made at the McIlvain Pavilion. The hike continues with a partial loop around the east side of Neversink before returning via the Glen Trail. Lunch is optional afterwards.

MEET: 10 AM at the pond in Forest Hills Memorial Park

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with questions.