Thursday Jan 11, 2018 - Antietam Lake

LES will lead a 5 to 5.5 mile loop hike beginning at Antietam Lake, passing Vulture Rock, and going as far as Kuechler's Roost before beginning the return. All three stone cellars will be visited. There will be about a half mile of road walking. Snowy or icy roads will cancel this hike. Lunch afterwards is optional.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ the main Antietam Lake lot, on the horseshoe bend of Angora Rd. in sight of Antietam Lake.

TELEPHONE: Leader Les 610-323-1703 or Cell 610-850-1855 with questions

Thursday Jan 4, 2018 - CANCELLED

Cancelled due to projected weather conditions.

KATHY will lead a hike from Gibraltar to Birdsboro on the Schuylkill River Trail for 8 miles. You can do it all or turn around and retrace your steps at any time, if you feel it is necessary. Exeter Diner for lunch afterwards. Rain or snow cancels this event.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Gibraltar parking lot for the trail, just off Rte. 724, at Gibraltar Road.

TELEPHONE: Leader Kathy 610-603-9461.

Thursday Dec 28, 2017 - Bernville Area

GERRY will lead a 4.5 mile hike in the Bernville Area. Hike around the town and across the dam breast and through the Park on streets and alleys with only a few small hills. If we desire to hike more, we can explore the cemetery or drive to the Rentschler Arboretum for a loop hike around the property. Lunch is an option afterwards.

1st MEET: 9:45 A.M. @ Blue Marsh Church Rd. parking lot off Rte. 183.
2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Friedens's Lutheran Church, Main St. Bernville (lot on far left).

TELEPHONE: Leader Gerry with Willie 610-678-5245 if any questions.

Thursday Dec 21, 2017 - Blue Marsh

MARGARET will lead a moderate five mile hike at Blue Marsh including the Skinner's Loop Trail. Lunch is an option afterwards.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Blue Marsh parking lot off Route 183 and Church Road.

TELEPHONE: Leader Margaret 610-779-8393 with questions.

Thursday Dec 14, 2017 - Schuylkill River Trail

KAY will lead a hike downstream on the Schuylkill River Trail from the Goggleworks to Gibraltar for a distance of 6 miles.

MEET: @ 9:30 A.M. at Gibraltar to shuttle to Goggleworks for the start of the hike.

TELEPHONE: Leader Kay 610-796-7602 with any questions, feel free to call.

Thursday Dec 7, 2017 - Welkinweir

HERB has mapped out a moderate 4-5 mile Christmas hike at Welkinweir Nature Preserve. This was a country estate that has become a two hundred acre nature preserve in Chester County. We will stop to see the restored mansion, the arboretum, man- made lakes and the woodlands. The walk will be on the Horse Shoe Trail, preserve trails and some back roads. There are some moderate hills and some rocks. Lunch afterwards is an option.

Meet: 9:30 AM at the Walmart between Morgantown and Elverson off of Rt. 23 (near the horse sheds).
Meet2: Welkinweir Preserve located on Prizer Road which is one mile south off of Rt. 100 south (where Rt. 23 crosses Rt.100).

TELEPHONE: Leader Herb 484-252-9493 c. This is new for some of us so please call with questions, if needed.

Thursday Nov 30, 2017 - Exeter Township

LES will lead a 5.5 mile, mostly rural, road walk in Exeter Township. We will have scenery, hills, and a bit of history. Optional lunch stop later.

MEET #1: 9:40 AM @ Boscov's East in the front corner of the parking lot below the 422 bypass.
MEET #2: 10:00 AM @ Farming Ridge Park, 6075 Farming Ridge Blvd.

TELEPHONE: Leader Les 610-323-1703, or C. 610-850-1855 with questions.

Thursday Nov 23, 2017 - Elverson Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Jody will lead an abbreviated Turkey Trot hike (about 3 miles) in Elverson Borough – just enough to whet your appetite for that big turkey dinner. Stroll around the park, cross Main Street and head down Turkey Lane where we will hunt for turkeys in the woods before we re-cross Main Street and walk along the edge of a cemetery, where you just might see a turkey lurking nearby. Then walk down Kennelwoods Drive, where there is sure to be at least one turkey hanging out at Jody’s house, before heading back along the cornfield to Livingood Park. Prizes will be awarded to those who see the most turkeys on the hunt. Jody will extend the walk to “bag” the identified turkeys for those who want a longer walk. This walk is family-friendly

MEET: at 9:20 to LEAVE at 9:30 A.M. from Livingood Park (GPS 117 South Chestnut St., Elverson, PA 19520).

TELEPHONE: Leader: Jody 610-286-8913 or email jodysfritz@gmail.com with questions.

Thursday Nov 16, 2017 - St Anthony's Wilderness

MARGARET will lead a hike in St. Anthony's Wilderness. This five mile hike begins off Goldmine Road west of Pine Grove. We will use old woods roads in Game Land #211 with one stream crossing. Highlights are old strip mines and the Boxcar Rocks.

Meet: 9:30 A.M. @ Blue Marsh parking lot off Route 183 and Old Church Road.

TELEPHONE: Leader Margaret 610-779-8393 with questions.

Thursday Nov 9, 2017 - Blue Mountain

HERB has planned a 4-5 mile moderate hike on the Blue Mountains between the Auburn Lookout and a woods parking lot near Shartlesville. The walk is along a gravel and dirt road at at the top of the mountain in the game land. We will stop at the Auburn Lookout, walk on old Jefferson Road, pass the site of an old inn, see stone fences made by the WPA and pass unused rabbit and turkey pens along the way. Lunch afterwards is optional.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Old Church Road parking lot off Rte. 183 near Bernville to shuttle cars.

TELEPHONE: Leader Herb Van Horn 484-252-9493 c with questions.

Thursday Nov 2, 2017 - Quittie Creek Nature Park

KATHY & KAY will hike a moderate 5-6 miles in the Quittie Creek Nature Park,(GPS address: 354 Bachman Road, Annville, PA.) Our hike begins at Quittie Creek. We will start a walk alongside the Creek, hiking to Annville’s restored Railroad Station and continue to Lebanon Valley College. Hopefully, the black swans will be swimming in the small pond on the campus grounds. Always dress appropriately for weather conditions.There will be an optional lunch stop at the Hearth Restaurant in Lebanon, after the hike.

MEET: 9:30A.M. @ the lot next to McDonalds off Rte. 419 in Womelsdorf.
DIRECTIONS TO MC DONALD’S: Travel west from Reading on Rte. 422 to Rte. 419 and turn left, then right into the lot.

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

Thursday Oct 26, 2017 - Lebanon Rail Trail

JOHN & HERB have mapped a 4-5 mile hike on the Lebanon Rail Trail. We will walk from the Lancaster County line to the end of the trail near Elizabethtown. The trail is mostly level and lined with trees. It follows the Conewago Creek and passes working farms. Lunch afterwards is an option.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. At the south end of the Walmart parking lot off Route 322 in Ephrata or form informal car pools and meet at the main Mt. Gretna parking area at 9:45 A.M.

TELEPHONE: John 610-322-9670 c or Herb 484-252-9493 c with questions.

Thursday Oct 19, 2017 - Hamburg

GERRY will lead an easy 5 mile hike on fairly level terrain in Hamburg and vicinity. The hike will start at the Hamburg Park and follow trails near the Schuylkill River. We will traverse in and out on part of the Bartram Trail. Then, explore an old trail returning to our starting point. Lunch stop afterwards is optional.

1st MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Redner's Market parking lot in Leesport, just off Rte. 61 N.
2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Hamburg Park parking lot to meet leader.
DIRECTIONS: Travel Rte. 61 N. to Hamburg Exit (4th St.) continue to State St. turn left go to 2nd St. turn right go to Island St. turn left to the parking lot.

TELEPHONE: Leader Gerry 610-678-5245 with any questions.

Thursday Oct 12, 2017 - Nolde

MARK will lead a moderate to difficult, 5 to 6 mile hike in the Nolde Forest. Weather permitting, we will start at the Sawmill parking lot and hike on various trails within the forest. There will be hills, so be prepared. Carry water and a snack, if desired. Lunch after the hike is optional.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Sawmill parking lot of Nolde Forest, just off Rte. 625.

TELEPHONE: Leader Mark 484-824-2740 with any questions.

Thursday Oct 5, 2017 - Roaring Creek

LES will lead a return to 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. This 5 to 6 mile hike will begin from Route 42 and proceed to the scenic 1 mile long middle reservoir, then return. Only a few modest hills on this hike. Lunch is an option later, on the way home.

NOTE: If there is inclement weather, an Ontelaunee Lake hike will be substituted.

MEET: 8:30 A.M. at Redner's in Leesport. From here there will be a drive of about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach the starting point.

TELEPHONE: Leader Les 610-323-1703, Cell 610-850-1855 with questions.

Thursday Sep 28, 2017 - Churchtown, Lancaster County

HERB has planned a 4-5 mile moderate hike in Lancaster County. We will walk through historic Churchtown where Washington is said to have visited, pass through the iron plantation at Pool Forge, quickly pass a “haunted house” and see many old order farms and farmers at work. A stop at a traditional Amish/Mennonite flower garden is planned for those interested. The hostess will have light refreshments. Lunch afterwards is an option.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. at the Clocktower Plaza parking lot behind the Burger King off of Rte. 23 in Morgantown.

TELEPHONE: Leader Herb 484-252-9493 c. with questions.

Thursday Sep 21, 2017 - Hotel Hershey

FELICIA (AL'S daughter) will do a Hershey Hike and Oktoberfest Kickoff leading us on a 3 and a 1/2 mile circle hike on the property of the 5 star Hotel Hershey resort. We will walk on both paved paths and blazed trails through the woodlands. There are a few hills but they are moderate. Shorts can be worn, if one prefers such attire, as paths are well worn and maintained. The last leg of the hike we will explore the free hotel garden and reflecting ponds, the spectacular hotel and lobby commissioned by Mr. Milton Hershey and the beautiful view of the town he built. We will then kickoff Oktoberfest at Troegs independent microbrewery with a free self guided tour, purchase lunch and an optional tasting bar with many unique beverage offers. www.troegs.com.You can leave after the hike if you don't want to go down the hill to Troegs. It is optional, of course.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. on the upper lot of the Hershey Gardens, Hotel Road, Hershey PA 17033. We can use restrooms in the hotel prior to and after the hike.

TELEPHONE: Leader Felicia 717-576-6881 with questions

Thursday Sep 14, 2017 - Skyline Drive

LES will lead a 5-6 mile hike on Mt Penn. Skyline Drive is said to have been made more friendly for walkers. Let's check it out. We will head to the Pagoda, then walk Skyline Drive to List Rd taking in changes made and the view from the mountain top. We will return via wooded trails on the mountain.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Egelman's Park, Hill Rd. and Angora Rd.
GPS: 2116 Hill Rd., Reading, Pa. 19606

TELEPHONE: Leader Les Rohrbach 610-323-1703 with questions.

Thursday Sep 7, 2017 - 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 this time. Bring the usual tools required, also work gloves, water and plenty of good humor. This is a good time to give back to the community some trail maintenance. Lunch is an option later.

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

TELEPHONE: Leader Mark 484-824-2740 with any questions.

Thursday Aug 31, 2017 - CHANGED TO Welsh Mountain

HERB has planned a 4-5 mile moderate circle hike in the Welsh Mt. Preserve. We will walk in the deep cool woods and visit an overlook, view the coxcomb rocks and walk the new ADA trail. The steepest rocky trails will be avoided. We will hear some short tales from the new book written on the history of the mountains! Lunch afterwards is optional.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ the Dollar Store parking lot off Route 10 across from the Windmill Restaurant in Morgantown.

TELEPHONE: Leader Herb at 484-252-9493 c with questions.

Thursday Aug 24, 2017 - Swatara Creek

LES will lead a hike of close to 6 miles along the Swatara Creek. Enjoy a flat mostly shaded walk along both sides of the creek near Pine Grove. A relatively new bridge provides the means to cross the creek at something like the mid-point. We will walk from here westward and return along the opposite side of the creek. This will be nothing like the hike that made '5 mile Kathy' famous. Lunch opt later.

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

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

Thursday Aug 17, 2017 - Texter Mountain

MARK will lead a hike in the Lancaster County Nature Preserve on Texter Mountain. It will be 3 to 4 moderate to strenuous miles on woodland trails. Carry plenty of water and dress appropriately for the weather. Lunch option afterwards.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Wernersville State Hospital Parking Lot to shuttle 2 - 3 miles to start of the hike.

DIRECTIONS: Take Rte. 422 West to Wernersville, turn left onto Sportsman Rd. and 1st left into parking lot.

TELEPHONE: Leader Mark 610-589-5575 or 610-507-5600 day of hike with any questions.

Thursday Aug 10, 2017 - Schuylkill Haven

GERRY & WILLIE will lead a 6 mile hike in Schuylkill Haven through parks, trails, woods, sidewalks and a few hills. We will walk along the Schuylkill River, passing Willie's "high school" and loop around the town. Lunch later is optional.

1st MEET: 9:30 A.M. with the leaders at the parking lot on Church Rd, Blue Marsh area off Rte. 183

OR,if you prefer, meet at Redner's on Rte. 61 in Leesport. From here take Rte. 61 until you reach Schuylkill Haven then turn left at light onto Rte. 443. Follow it through town to light at Turkey Hill gas station. Then turn left, pass the dam, take a right turn at Bubeck Park and park up near the restrooms and pavilion.

2nd MEET: 10;00 A.M. @ Bubeck Park in Schuylkill Haven to start of hike.

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

Thursday Aug 3, 2017 - Warwick Park

GROVER (DICK) will lead about a 4 mile hike in Warwick County Park. Woodland trails with one small stream crossing, close to the end of hike. Optional lunch at St. Peters Bakery.
NOTE: Heavy snow/icy roads cancels!! LOL.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Warwick County Park, parking lot by the rest rooms.
DIRECTIONS: From Reading area take I176 to Morgantown. Then follow Rte. 23 East approximately 10.5 miles to sign at County Park Rd (on right). A smidgen past St Peters Village Rd.

TELEPHONE: Leader Grover cell# 860-861-5681 with questions.

Thursday Jul 27, 2017 - Mt Gretna

MICHAEL will be leading a 6 mile hike in The Clarence Schock Memorial Park in Mt. Gretna. This will be a woodland hike; however, there will be hills and stones to challenge us. Bring water and personal snacks. There are several places in the area to stop for lunch afterwards.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ the Environmental Center parking area.
GPS address: 3283 Pinch Road, Lebanon, Pa.

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

Wildflower field filled with butterflies.

Thursday Jul 20, 2017 - Monocacy Hill

MARK will lead a 4 mile hike of moderate difficulty in the Monocacy Hill Recreation Area. We will hike wooded trails of this 428 acres of forest in Amity Township. These trails offer a number of elevation changes, including an option to hike to the top of the hill. We will have an opportunity to see many different species of tree. There is also a brook with a tiny waterfall. Lunch after the hike is an option.

MEET: 9:30 A.M.at the eastern end of Exeter’s Walmart. GPS ADDRESS: 5900 Perkiomen Ave, Reading, PA 19606

NOTE: Inclement weather cancels this hike.

TELEPHONE: Leader: Mark 484-467-8976 with any questions.

Thursday Jul 13, 2017 - Rodale Institute

LES will lead a hike around and through the Rodale Institute, located in Maxatawny Township, on the historic Siegfried Homestead. The Rodale Institute researches innovative techniques in organic farming. There is a perimeter trail around the farm plus a walking tour through the central portion of the complex. Both of these together will probably be around 4 miles. Hikers will have the option to extend the hike with some road walking. Expect a sunny hike, if not cloudy, with moderate hills. Lunch will be optional afterwards, as usual.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Kutztown Park, 478 East Main St, Kutztown. From here, there will be a 5 mile drive to the Rodale Institute.

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

Thursday Jul 6, 2017 - Nolde Forest

MARK will lead a hike in the Nolde Forest of 5 to 6 miles, weather permitting. We will start at the Sawmill parking lot and hike on various trails within the forest. There will be hills, so be prepared. Carry water and a snack if desired. Lunch stop after hiking is optional.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Sawmill parking lot of Nolde Forest just off Rte. 625

TELEPHONE: Leader Mark 484-824-2740 with any questions.

Thursday Jun 29, 2017 - Trail Magic

ELLEN and HERB have organized a “Trail-Magic” event on the AT north of Reading. It will be a picnic for all hikers on the trail that day including the Wanderers. Les will also be leading a 4-5 mile in and out hike for those interested. This event will be held rain or shine.

MEET:9:00 A.M. at Redner's Market in Leesport to carpool. It is about a 40 minute drive to the trail crossing.

TELEPHONE: Ellen at 610-301-7271c to coordinate food and drinks. Cold drinks and home baked goods are favorites! Hot dogs, hamburgers and buns will be provided. Call Herb with other questions at 484-252-9493 c.

Thursday Jun 22, 2017 - Antietam Lake

Les will lead a 5.5 to 6 mile hike through some of the recently enhanced sections of Antietam Lake Park. There are new parking lots, a new walking bridge, new and enhanced trails, repaired historical structures, and new signage. Most of the improvements are behind the lake itself, but trails above the main parking lot will be used to fill out the hike. If it is Antietam Lake, there will be hills. Lunch is an option later.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Main Antietam Lake parking lot on Angora Rd. just below the Nature Center. GPS: 300 Angora Rd, Reading, PA 19606

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

Thursday Jun 15, 2017 - Crow's Nest

GROVER will lead a 4 to 5 mile "in and out" hike in the CROW'S NEST. An area adjacent to French Creek State Park. Moderate hiking while traversing through fields and woodland trails. Dress accordingly. Lunch after hiking is optional and place to dine will be decided.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Hopewell Furnace Visitor's Center to shuttle to the Crow's Nest.

TELEPHONE: Leader Dick cell# 860-861-5681 with questions.

Thursday Jun 8, 2017 - Horseshoe Trail Work Day

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 this time. Bring the usual tools required, also work gloves, water and plenty of good humor. This is a good time to give back to the community some trail maintenance. Lunch is an option later.

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

TELEPHONE: Leader Mark 484-824-2740 with any questions.

Thursday Jun 1, 2017 - Tumbling Run

LES will lead a 6 mile hike in the Tumbling Run area of Schuylkill County. This was the location for vacation homes of Schuylkill County's wealthy at the time of the coal boom. See what remains. Today, the area serves as the watershed for Schuylkill Haven. We will take the trail past the reservoir then continue on the road up the mountain until the group decides to turn around. Lunch is optional after the hike.

MEET: 9:30 AM at Redner's in Leesport. Expect a 30 minute carpool to near Pottsville.
NOTE: Carpooling is essential, as there is limited parking at the starting point.

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

Thursday May 25, 2017 - Quittie Creek Nature Park

KATHY & KAY, the 'Dynamic Duo', will lead a 5-6 mile hike in the Quittie Creek Nature Park, Annville PA. (GPS address: 255 Bachman Road, Annville, PA.) Our hike begins at Quittie Creek. We will start the walk alongside the Creek and hike to Annville’s restored Railroad Station and continue to Lebanon Valley College. Hopefully the black swans will be swimming in the small pond on the campus grounds. Always dress appropriately for weather conditions. Optional lunch at Hearth Restaurant in Lebanon.

Note change to GPS address made May 21!!!

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Lot next to McDonalds off Rte. 419 in Womelsdorf.
DIRECTIONS TO MC DONALD’S: Travel west from Reading on Rte. 422 to Rte. 419 and turn left, then right into the lot.

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

Thursday May 18, 2017 - French Creek

GROVER is planning and will be leading a 5-6 mile hike in French Creek State Park starting at Shed Road. This is mostly woodland trail hiking on various trails. Wear good hiking shoes and carry water. Lunch is optional afterwards.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Shed Rd. parking lot off Rte. 345.

TELEPHONE: Leader Dick cell# 860-861-5681 with questions.

Thursday May 11, 2017 - Landis Woods

KATHY & KAY will hike in Landis Woods, Manheim Township, Lancaster County for 5-6 miles. Our hike begins at Landis Woods. We will walk from beginning to end of Heritage Trail, hike thru a field, circle farm buildings with animals, continue road walking, and return to Landis Woods' trails. Always dress appropriately for weather conditions. Optional lunch will be right down the road at Oregon Dairy Restaurant.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Ollie's parking lot in Shillington off Bus. Rte. 222 at Jct. of Bus. Rte. 222 & 724.

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

Thursday May 4, 2017 - Horseshoe Trail

HERB has planned and will lead a 5-6 mile moderate hike on the Horse-Shoe Trail and side trails at Furnace Hills. We will climb on the HST to Eagle Rock which has a good view and then use side trails in the Boy Scout Camp to return to the cars. This site is known for having a good variety of spring wildflowers including orchids. Lunch afterwards is an option.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. At the south end of the Ephrata Walmart parking lot off Rte. 322.

TELEPHONE: Leader Herb at 484-252-9493 c with questions.

Thursday Apr 27, 2017 - Hereford Township

LES will repeat a 6.5 mile very rural road hike done last spring in Hereford township, briefly entering Lehigh County. About 50% of the roads are dirt or gravel. Little is flat on this hike. Hikers enjoyed the scenery and the old homes a year ago. Lunch probably in Bally afterwards.

MEET: The hike leader at 9:30 AM at Weis Markets/Gilbertsville Shopping Center in Gilbertsville on Route 73, about 1/4 mile east of Route 100 to carpool to the starting point.

MEET: 10 AM at Hereford Township Park at Seisholtzville Rd and Township Rd. From Route 222, take Park Rd through Blandon, Fleetwood, Lyons, Topton, Mertztown, Longswamp, and Seisholtzville. Park Rd changes its name to Fleetwood-Lyons Rd, State St, and Seisholtzville Rd along the way. From Seisholtzville (Savory Grille on the right, St Peters Rd to the left), continue about 1/2 mile to Township Rd. Turn left and park in the lot. GPS Address: 1 Township Rd, Macungie, PA 18062

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

Thursday Apr 20, 2017 - Lebanon Rail Trail

JOHN and HERB have planned and will lead a hike to finish the Lebanon Rail Trail to the Lancaster County line. Most of the walk is along the Conawago Creek on a tree lined old rail road bed. We will see a preserved marsh area along the way and look for spring wild flowers. Lunch afterwards is optional.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ the south end of the Walmart parking lot off Route 322 in Ephrata or arrange informal carpools and meet at the Colebrook Parking Area of the Lebanon Rail Trail 2 miles south of Mt. Gretna off Route 117 at 9:45 A.M.

TELEPHONE: Leaders John 610-322-9670c or Herb 484-252 9493c with questions.

Thursday Apr 13, 2017 - Green Lane

MARGARET will lead an easy hike at Green Lane Park. This hike is an extension of the March 2 hike. We will walk on the Red Trail and the Honeysuckle Trail for a 5 mile lollipop loop along the reservoir.

MEET at 9:30 AM @ Tractor Supply parking lot 801 East Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown. This is directly across the street from the Saville Diner on Route 73.

TELEPHONE: Leader MARGARET 610 779-8393 with questions.

Thursday Apr 6, 2017 - Tumbling Run

LES will lead a 6 mile hike in the Tumbling Run area of Schuylkill County. This was the location for vacation homes of Schuylkill County's wealthy at the time of the coal boom. See what remains. Today, the area serves as the watershed for Schuylkill Haven. We will take the trail past the reservoir then continue on the road up the mountain until the group decides to turn around. Lunch is optional after the hike.

MEET: 9:30 AM at Redner's in Leesport. Expect a 30 minute carpool to near Pottsville.

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

Thursday Mar 30, 2017 - Eagle's Nest/Appalachian Trail

MARGARET will lead a rugged 8 mile hike to the Eagle's Nest Shelter. We will begin at the Shartlesville Game Land parking lot and ascend Sand Springs Trail to the Appalachian Trail and the Eagle's Nest Shelter. After a short snack break, we continue on the Appalachian Trail and then descend down the service road to our cars. Rain will change the route but not the meeting place. Ice cancels this hike.

MEET AT 9:30 AM @ Forge Dam Road parking lot near Shartlesville.

TELEPHONE: Leader MARGARET 610 779-8393 with questions.

Thursday Mar 23, 2017 - Schuylkill River Trail Phoenixville

KATHY & KAY will lead a flat 6 mile hike on the Schuylkill River Trail, beginning at the Fitzwater Station Restaurant to the Perkiomen Trail. We will walk alongside the Schuylkill River on a woodland trail, then onto the paved Schuylkill River Trail from the Port Providence Trailhead to the Perkiomen Trail. There is an optional small hill to a bridge for an overlook of the trail. Lunch afterwards at the Fitzwater Station Restaurant is also optional.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Gibraltar parking lot off Rte. 724 across from the gas station and fire company to carpool to starting point.

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

Thursday Mar 16, 2017 - Crow's Nest - CANCELLED

HIKE CANCELLED DUE TO IMPENDING SNOW STORM!

KAY, HERB, AND LES, "The Three Hikerteers" will lead a 'decide as we go' hike at the Crow's Nest. Expect a variety of terrain, of which some may be soggy, and watch the leaders as they fight with one another to choose the course of the hike. Will it be bloody? Hopefully not. Lunch afterwards is optional.

MEET: 10 AM at the Crow's Nest, 310 Piersol Rd, Elverson, PA

TELEPHONE: Kay 610-796-7602 or Herb 484-252-9493 or Les 610-323-1703 with questions.

Thursday Mar 9, 2017 - Blue Marsh

LES will lead a 5.5-6 mile loop hike at Blue Marsh. The hike begins at the Spring Creek trailhead and takes a series of roads and farm paths until reaching the main trail near Mile Post 7. From here, the return is via the main Blue Marsh Trail. Expect a good variety of terrain.

MEET: 10 AM at the Spring Creek trailhead on Brownsville Rd, 2.9 miles west of State Hill Rd. (Ganley's) GPS Address: About 1189 Brownsville Rd, Wernersville, PA 19565

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

Thursday Mar 2, 2017 - Green Lane

KAY & KATHY will lead a 4 to 5 mile hike at the Green Lane Reservoir. Come prepared to trek thru one of the most scenic areas of the Park. Hike the forested blue trail with a few moderate hills, cross many rivulets and roam the 1/4 mile fishing pier. If previous heavy rains, be prepared for muddy trails. Always dress appropriately for weather conditions.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Weis Market in Oley on Rt. 73 to carpool to Green Lane.

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

Thursday Feb 23, 2017 - French Creek

HERB has mapped a 5-6 mile moderate circle hike on the Horse-Shoe trail and back - country roads at French Creek S. P. We will visit the fire tower and stop for a break at the pavilion. If the maple syrup should be running we will see the sap collection process and try to visit the “Sugar Shack”. There will be some hills and moderately rocky areas.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Scott's Run parking lot beside the lake.

TELEPHONE: Leader Herb cell 484-252-9493 with questions.

Thursday Feb 16, 2017 - Schuylkill River Trail

KAY will lead a moderate hike upstream on the Schuylkill River Trail from Gibraltar to the Goggle Works for a distance of 6 miles. Feel free to visit the Goggle Works Center for the Arts, after the hike. They will be exhibiting "Building Better Berks: Art Architecture".

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Goggle Works for a shuttle to the start of the hike in Gibraltar.

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

Thursday Feb 9, 2017 - Blue Marsh

KAY will lead a Blue Marsh Lake Hike of ~ 6 miles. We will begin at Spring Creek and hike Multi-use Trail to Peacock Road. It will be an in/out hike. A few ups and downs. Hike as far as you wish and turn around or go all the way to Peacock Road. Approximately 6 miles. Hike will cross Spring Creek and follow lake shore for awhile. Dress appropriately for the weather. Trail may become muddy if mild and rainy.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Spring Creek Parking Lot off Brownsville Road. Approximate GPS address: 1183 Brownsville Road, Wernersville PA

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

Thursday Feb 2, 2017 - Schuylkill River Trail

LES will lead a 5+ mile hike consisting of 2 out and back hikes. These will be primarily on the Schuylkill River Trail, both from the Angstadt Road trailhead. The first section heads towards Gibraltar, but soon after crossing Route 724 we turn up the hill into land newly managed by French Creek State Park. After a quarter mile trek up to the power line, possibly a third of the way up the hill, we walk across the hill, then down to the Killian Rd trailhead, and returning on the Schuylkill River trail. The second loop proceeds towards Reading to investigate the remnants and location of South 9th St where it once crossed the Schuylkill River and entered Cumru Township.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Angstadt Rd trailhead off Route 724.

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

Thursday Jan 26, 2017 - Shartlesville

ANN will lead a ~ 6 mile all road walk in Northern Berks County. This will be an in/out hike beginning at Blue Mt. Family Restaurant to Green Acres Golf Course and return. At times we will walk along the Northkill Creek while viewing the ice formations and/or possible snow coverings. You have the option of completing the hike entirely or turning back at anytime.

MEET: 12:00 Noon @ Blue Mt. Fam. Restaurant, west end of the parking lot.

TELEPHONE: Leader Ann 610-488-6378 with questions