Thursday Dec 8, 2022 - Clarence Schock Memorial Park

BEV will do a hike in the Clarence Schock Memorial Park at Governor Dick (near Mt. Gretna). http://www.parkatgovernordick.org/home.html It will be a lollipop using trail 5 and 13; totaling about 4.5 miles; moderate hills, minimum rocks. There are Job Johnnies at both the beginning and midway through the hike. There is no hunting in this Park. The Environmental Center should be open. 

MEET: 10:00 A.M. at the Environmental Center at 3283 Pinch Road, Lebanon, PA17042. 40.237854, -76.460565

DIRECTIONS: Route 422W to 501South in Myerstown; Route 419S in Schaefferstown; Route 72S in Quentin and 117N shortly afterwards (note: you will be merging on Rte. 322/72 entering on the left and the exit is on the right very soon.) 2.2 miles turn left on Pinch Road (across from the Pizzeria immediately after the pull in parking section of Mt Gretna.), 1 mile to Environmental Center entrance on the left. Lunch option, there are picnic tables at the Environmental Center or we can discuss at the hike. 

TELEPHONE: Leader Bev at 4846650196 or cell 6106036876 with questions. 

NOTE: Hike will be cancelled if snow or temperatures below 20 degrees occur.

Dec 1, 2022 - Welsh Mountain Preserve

MARK G will lead a 4 miles hike of easy to moderate difficulty in the WELSH MOUNTAIN NATURE PRESERVE in the memory of Herb Van Horn. This hike will be in two parts. The first part will be an easy one half mile ADA loop ending back at the parking lot. The second part will continue for another 3.5 miles utilizing the blue trail mostly. The Lancaster Conservancy limits a non-registered group hike to 15 hikers or 5 vehicles parked at Preserve’s parking lot. Please pre-register for this hike by calling or emailing the hike leader. 

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Northeast corner of Clocktower Plaza in Morgantown, next to Zou’s Garden Restaurant. We will carpool to the Preserve’s parking lot. 

GPS ADDRESS: 2846 Main St, Morgantown, PA 19543 Coordinates: 40.15196599462299, -75.89901703619125 

DIRECTIONS FROM READING: Take US-422 East toward Pottstown. After 3 miles take an exit to I-176 South toward Morgantown. After 9.5 miles take exit 2 toward Clocktower Plaza. This exit will terminate at the intersection with PA-23. Go through the intersection for another 450 ft., take a right. The Clocktower Plaza is straight ahead. Park by Zou’s Garden Restaurant

NOTE: Inclement weather cancels this hike. 

TELEPHONE: Leader Mark G. - 484-467-8976, mgonchar@ieee.org to register or questions

Nov 24, 2022 - Elverson

JODY will lead an easy 3.75 mile hike in Elverson Borough. We will mainly be walking on sidewalks and macadam and gravel trails. Please wear orange for visibility. We will stroll through the Elverson cemetery and look at some of the old gravestones and then follow the bed of the Hogback Railroad, part of the Wilmington and Northern Railroad, to the Wildflower Trail, which leads to the new community of Blue Rock. Near the end of the walk, we will stop at Jody's house for light refreshments, and those who are interested may go next door to say Hi to Clyde. There is one long but not very steep hill.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. at the Livingood Park parking lot on Rte. 82 South.
(Google 117 South Chestnut Street, Elverson, PA 19520). Park in side lot. There is a porta potti at the back of this lot. Happy Thanksgiving Day. 

TELEPHONE: Leader Jody 610-400-4660 with questions or in case of wet weather, or severe wind chills, to be sure hike is still on.

Nov 17, 2022 - Warwick Park

MERILEE will lead a hike in Warwick County Park. We'll take the Horse Shoe Trail onto the Charcoal Trail and then back to the Horse Shoe Trail along French Creek. These forests provided much of the raw timber used to make charcoal for the region's iron furnaces. We'll go to PA's only surviving Fink Truss, a pedestrian footbridge built in 1870. This hike will be 5-6 miles with a difficulty level of 4. There are 4 moderate hills. Lunch option is The Inn at St. Peter's Village. 

MEET: 9:30 AM at the parking lot for Warwick County Park, 382 County Park Rd., Pottstown, Pa. 19465 

DIRECTIONS: 222 S to 422 E to I-176 E exit toward Morgantown. Take exit 2 toward PA-10N/PA-23 E. Turn left onto PA-10 N /PA 23 E for 9.3 mi. turn right onto County Park Rd., turn left into Warwick County Park. 

TELEPHONE: Leader Merilee 610-750-3115 with questions

Nov 10, 2022 - Lebanon Valley Rail Trail

 KAY will lead a hike on the LEBANON VALLEY TRAIL from Cornwall (big barrel parking lot). Plan for an easy in and out hike on the Trail towards Mt. Gretna. Destination will be route 322, it is about 2 miles one way. 

1st MEET: 9:30 A.M. at Ollie’s parking lot to carpool. GPS: 2251 Lancaster Pike, Shillington. 

2nd MEET at Trailhead: 10:00 A.M. GPS: 119 Schaeffer Road, Lebanon 

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

Nov 3, 2022 - Bordner Cabin

 LES will lead a hike of about 4 miles to the Bordner Cabin in Swatara State Park. This is a relatively flat hike along the scenic Swatara Creek. The creek is crossed via an unexpectedly magnificent curved bridge. The very interesting Bordner Cabin itself, was built by a high school shop teacher and his students, years ago. 

1st MEET: 9:00 AM @ Old Church Rd. parking lot of Blue Marsh Lake. 

2nd MEET: 10:00 AM @ Sand Siding Trailhead, Route 443.
DIRECTIONS: Take Route 443 west from Pine Grove. Continue past Route 81. Proceed another 3-4 miles. Look for the Twin Grove Campsite on the right. Immediately past the campsite look for a dirt road to the left and travel down this road to the parking area. 

TELEPHONE: Leader Les 610-850-1855 with questions.

Thursday Oct 27, 2022 - Swatara State Park

BEV will lead a moderate 4.5 mile hike on 3 mountain bike loops in Swatara State Park in Northern Lebanon County. We will hike section loops A, A1 and A2. We will meet at the trail head at the Mountain Bike complex (NOT Trout Run). 

MEET: 10:00 A.M. at State Park Lane trail head. NOTE: there are no facilities at the Mountain Bike trailhead; however, Trout Run does have facilities. Trout Run is on the right before State Park Lane. If you are going to stop at Trout Run, please allow extra time. 

DIRECTIONS: Interstate 78 to Interstate 81North. Exit at first Exit (Lickdale/Ft Indiantown Gap, Route 72). Left at light on top of exit. Left at the next light (North on route 72). Continue on Route 72 until it changes to Route 443 East. 0.9 miles to the entrance to State Park Lane, turn right, continue to the parking lot on the left. (The sign for State Park Lane is hard to see, it is opposite of Chapel Drive.) If you get to Twin Grove RV Resort, you went too far. 

If you come over the mountain and through Pine Grove, use 443 west. State Park Lane is on the left 2.4 miles after Twin Grove RV Resort. 

For those who use GPS, 0 Chapel Dr., Jonestown, PA 17038 should get you to the entrance to State Park Lane. 

TELEPHONE: Leader Bev 484 665-0196 or 610 603 6876c the day of the hike. 

RAIN AT 9:00 AM DAY OF HIKE CANCELS HIKE.

Thursday Oct 20, 2022 - Ontelaunee Lake

LES will lead a 2 part hike of about 5 total miles at Ontelaunee Lake. There are scenic relatively flat trails on this hike. Some ground may be lumpy, the grass may be long. Part one is approximately 3 miles, partly along the lake. We return to the parking area and head in the opposite direction on a 2 mile sojourn toward the headwaters of Peters Creek. 

MEET: 10:00 AM @ Maidencreek Rd, Maidencreek Township,
    approximately 40.460834, -75.899562
 

DIRECTIONS: Access begins from Route 73 between Routes 222 and 61. 

From Route 222 proceed west about 1/3 mile till Route 73 begins a long slow left bend. Do not follow Route 73 but go straight onto Calcium Rd. 

From Route 61 cross the dam, pass the lake, and pass the first road to the left, Calcium Rd. You cannot access Calcium Rd from this direction because a bridge is out. Instead stay on Route 73 as it bends right and take the first left, a hard left, which is the other end of Calcium Rd. 

Once on Calcium Rd, take the first right turn onto Maidencreek Rd. There are several parking areas along this road. Go about .8 mile to the first location with parking on both sides of the road. This is immediately prior to the bridge crossing Peter's Creek. 

TELEPHONE: Leader Les 610-850-1855 with questions.

Thursday Oct 13, 2022 - Swatara State Park

BEVERLY will lead a moderate 4.5 mile hike on 3 mountain bike loops in Swatara State Park in Northern Lebanon County. We will hike section loops A, A1 and A2. We will meet at the trail head at the Mountain Bike complex (NOT Trout Run). 

MEET: 10:00 A.M. at State Park Lane trail head. NOTE: there are no facilities at the Mountain Bike trailhead; however, Trout Run does have facilities. Trout Run is on the right before State Park Lane. If you are going to stop at Trout Run, please allow extra time. 

DIRECTIONS: Interstate 78 to Interstate 81North. Exit at first Exit (Lickdale/Ft Indiantown Gap, Route 72). Left at light on top of exit. Left at the next light (North on route 72). Continue on Route 72 until it changes to Route 443 East. 0.9 miles to the entrance to State Park Lane, turn right, continue to the parking lot on the left. (The sign for State Park Lane is hard to see, it is opposite of Chapel Drive.) If you get to Twin Grove RV Resort, you went too far. 

If you come over the mountain and through Pine Grove, use 443 west. State Park Lane is on the left 2.4 miles after Twin Grove RV Resort. For those who use GPS, 0 Chapel Dr., Jonestown, PA 17038 should get you to the entrance to State Park Lane. 

TELEPHONE: Leader Bev 484 665-0196 or 610 603 6876c the day of the hike. 

RAIN AT 9:00 AM DAY OF HIKE CANCELS HIKE

Thursday Oct 6, 2022 - Hopewell Lake

KAY will lead a fairly easy hike from Hopewell Lake to Scott’s Run Lake and return in FRENCH CREEK STATE PARK. Only 1 small hill. Mostly shady except for the dam breasts. 

MEET: 10:00 AM @ Hopewell boat launch. 

TELEPHONE: Leader Kay 610-796-7602 with questions or if weather looks iffy.

Thursday Sep 29, 2022 - Stoever's Dam Park, Lebanon

 BEVERLY will lead an easy hike around Stoever’s Dam Park in Lebanon County. We will check out the gardens around the nature barn, walk through some woods, around the lake, and a small part of a residence area and ball park. This is a pretty area with geese and ducks but not the distance we normally walk. An option will be available to circle the lake again, going the opposite direction and see what we missed. 

MEET 1: 9:30 AM @ Dutch Way in Myerstown, 649 E Lincoln Ave, Route 422 East, Myerstown, PA 17067-2218 

MEET 2: 10:00 A.M. @ Stoever’s Dam Nature Barn. Directions: 422 W into Lebanon, Becomes E Cumberland Street. Right on 8th Avenue (where the street becomes one way; after a shopping strip with JBT) Left on Miller Street (after New Testament Fellowship Church). Nature Barn will be on left; Look for sign for Stoever’s Dam and park at the nature barn immediately on the right. 

Optional Lunch at the Dutch Way 

TELEPHONE: Leader Bev 484 665-0196 or 610 603 6876c the day of the hike.

Thursday Sep 22, 2022 - Birdsboro Watershed

 LES will lead a 4 to 4.5 mile hike in the Birdsboro watershed. On this first day of autumn, we will hike the road, then up to and circle the fir tree lined reservoir. Next on the agenda is a walk to the rock climbing wall. Return will be in the woods on the opposite side of Hay Creek. For those interested in more walking, an extra leg can be added to loop around the second reservoir. 

MEET: 10:00 AM @ Hay Creek Rd (former Route 82) across from the former White Bear Inn south of Birdsboro. 

DIRECTIONS: From the traffic light in Gibraltar at the Turkey Hill, travel east on Route 724 1.2 miles. Take the first right turn at the sign for Hillcrest Hall Bingo, cross railroad tracks, turn left on Old River Rd, then almost immediately right onto Rock Hollow Rd. Drive 2.8 miles on Rock Hollow, cross Cocalico Rd, then drive another 1.1 miles to the first stop sign at Hay Creek Rd. Turn left and drive .7 miles to the parking area. This is approximately .1 mile past 2 Elk Trail Lane. 

TELEPHONE: Les 610-850-1855 with questions.

Thursday Aug 25, 2022 - Leasor Lake

BEV has planned to lead an easy to moderate 4–5-mile hike at Leaser Lake in Jacksonville, Lehigh County, starting at the North Parking Lot. There will be some moderate hills and some rocks. Bridges are now open over the dam and stream. Recommend water and hat since some of the trail is through meadowland. Lunch is optional afterwards at C.J. Hummel's in Lenhartsville.

 

MEET: 9:00 A.M. at Redner’s in Hamburg, for those not familiar with the location
Or 9:30 AM at the North Parking Lot; turn left after Jacksonville

 

TELEPHONE: Hike Leader Bev 610 603 6876c with question

Thursday Aug 4, 2022 - Neversink

LES will lead a 4 mile hike on the Neversink South trail above the Schuylkill River. We will hike from the Klapperthal glen to South 9th St, then turn around and return on the same route. This is a relatively flat hike with views looking out over the river. 

MEET: 9:45 AM @ Boscov's East. Meet in the front parking lot away from the store near Route 422. There will be a 2 mile shuttle to the starting point. 

TELEPHONE: Leader Les 610-850-1855 with questions.

Thursday Jul 28, 2022 - Schuylkill River Trail - Towpath Park

KAY leads a hike on a new section of the Schuylkill River Trail. Enjoy a nice summer 3+ mile walk from Towpath Park to Frick’s Lock and return. There are both sunny and shady areas along the trail, so dress prepared for the weather. Rest rooms are found at each end of the hike. Please bring a lunch to enjoy in the shady grove at Towpath Park after the hike.  

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Boscov’s East to carpool or  

2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Towpath Park, 1675 New Schuylkill Road, Pottstown, PA 19465.  

DIRECTIONS: from route 422, take Kenilworth exit and make left turn onto route 724 east. Drive approximately .8 mile and look for brown colored Towpath Park sign on left. In the Park, we will meet at 1st parking lot on right.  

TELEPHONE: Leader Kay 610-796-7602 if weather looks iffy or with any questions

Thursday Jul 21, 2022 - Blue Marsh

EUGENIA will lead a very easy in/out hike of approx. 4 miles in Blue Marsh. 

MEET: 9:30 AM at Old Church Rd off route 183. 

TELEPHONE: Eugenia  484-557-7854 with questions.

Thursday Jul 7, 2022 - Kernsville Dam

BEV will lead a hike starting at the Kernsville Dam Road trailhead parking lot. We will walk around the trails built by Blue Mountain Wildlife, take a look at the Interstate 78 bridge construction and return to the parking lot completing the loop. This area is claimed to be the best in Berks County for bird watching and deer may be seen. We will continue on the Bartram Trail for an in and out walk. If we go to the railroad bridge the distance will be @ 4 miles. There will be the opportunity to continue for more miles (steps) or an earlier turn around. There are a few benches along the trail. This is a very easy hike with

only one very short downhill.

 

NOTE: There is a Porta-potty at the trailhead.

Suggestions: bring bug spray, hat (some sunny spots) and water. There is a covered pavilion overlooking the bird filled marsh. Bring a lunch to enjoy there after the hike, if you want. The Westy is nearby if you choose to eat in A/C.

 

DIRECTIONS: From Route 61N, turn right at JETSON DR (first traffic light after I78),

RIGHT at INDUSTRIAL DR., and LEFT at KERNSVILLE DAM RD. (after crossing single

railroad tracks.)

 

MEET: 10:00 AM @ Kernsville Dam Road trailhead parking lot.

 

TELEPHONE: Leader Bev 484 665-0196 or 610 603 6876c the day of the hike

Thursday Jun 30, 2022 - Trail Magic

ELLEN and HERB have planned a combination hike/picnic on the AT in the Blue Mountains above Reading. The hike will be an in and out walk for a total of 4-5 miles. The trail is fairly flat but rocky. This is a fun day to meet some of the thru-hikers and provide them and us with food and cold drinks. The stories they can tell (are they all really true?). Contact Ellen, closer to the time, to let her know you will come and she will let you know what food we need. Paper supplies, utensils, hot dogs, hamburgers and rolls will be provided. The event is on rain or shine! 

 

MEET: 9: 30 AM at the Redner’s Mkt. in Leesport on Route 61 N. Maps for directions to the

AT trailhead will be provided. It is a 45 minute scenic drive, partly up a rocky dirt road.

 

TELEPHONE/CONTACT: Leaders Ellen  610-301-7271c / Herb  484-252-9493c

Thursday Jun 16, 2022 - Skippack Creek Village Trail

KAY will lead the SKIPPACK CREEK VILLAGE TRAIL. Enjoy a 4+- mile hike from Palmer Park to the village of Skippack and back on the Skippack Village Trail. GUESS WHAT? Trail ends in Skippack right next to an ice cream shop. 

 

1 st MEET: 9:30 AM @ Boscov’s parking lot off Bus. Rte. 422 in Exeter Twp. to carpool to start

of the hike.

2 nd MEET: 10:00 AM+- @ Palmer Park, 4025 Heckler Road, Collegeville, PA

 

TELEPHONE: Kay 610-796-7602 with questions or if weather looks iffy

Thursday Jun 9, 2022 - Swatara State Park

BEV will lead a moderate 4 to 5 mile hike on a mountain bike loop in Swatara State Park in Northern Lebanon County. We will hike sections of loops A and B to get to Loop C. We will do the entire Loop C and return on A and B. We will meet at the trail head of the Mountain Bike complex (NOT Trout Run). 

 

MEET: 10:00 A.M. at State Park Lane trail head. 

 

DIRECTIONS: Interstate 78 to Interstate 81North. Exit at first Exit (Lickdale/Ft Indiantown Gap, Route 72). Left at light on top of exit. Left at the next light (North on route 72). Continue on Route 72 until it changes to Route 443 East. 0.9 miles to the entrance to State Park Lane, turn right, continue to the parking lot on the left. (The sign for State Park Lane is hard to see, it is opposite of Chapel Drive.) If you get to Twin Grove RV Resort, you went too far. 

 

If you come over the mountain and through Pine Grove, use 443 west. State Park Lane is on the

left 2.4 miles after Twin Grove RV Resort.

 

For those who use GPS, 0 Chapel Drive, Jonestown, PA 17038 should get you to the entrance to State Park Lane.

 

TELEPHONE: Leader Bev 484 665-0196 or 610 603 6876c the day of the hike.

 

NOTE: RAIN AT 9:00 AM DAY OF HIKE, CANCELS THIS HIKE.

Thursday Jun 2, 2022 - Skippack Creek Village Trail

KAY will lead the SKIPPACK CREEK VILLAGE TRAIL. Enjoy a 4+- mile hike from Palmer Park to the village of Skippack and back on the Skippack Village Trail. GUESS WHAT? Trail ends in Skippack right next to an ice cream shop. 

 

1 st MEET: 9:30 AM @ Boscov’s parking lot off Bus. Rte. 422 in Exeter Twp. to carpool to start

of the hike.

 

2 nd MEET: 10:00 AM+- @ Palmer Park, 4025 Heckler Road, Collegeville, PA

 

TELEPHONE: Kay 610-796-7602 with questions or if weather looks iffy

Thursday May 26, 2022 - Nolde

SUE will lead the NOLDE FOREST HIKE - 4-5 Miles. Bring lunch and a chair to eat together after the hike.

 

MEET: 10:00 AM at the Mansion Parking lot. 2910 New Holland Road, Reading, PA 19607

 

TELEPHONE: Leader Sue 484-948-5084 with questions.

Thursday May 19, 2022 - Gibralter Hill

EUGENIA will lead the Gibraltar Hill Yellow Loop - 3+ easy/moderate miles - An adventure hike.

The hike will begin at the trailhead on Killian Road. Because there is only a small parking area,

meet at the top SRT Trailhead on Angstadt Lane. We will carpool from there for appx. .8 mile.

I may not have time to scope the trail out, so consider this an adventure

 

MEET: 9:30 AM @ TOP lot of the trailhead on Angstadt Lane. From there we will proceed to

Killian Drive and the trailhead there. Hike will start before 10:00 AM.

 

DIRECTIONS: 

1st MEET: SRT Angstadt Trailhead: Take route 422 and connect with Route 176. Get off at Exit 10 to route 724. Turn Left towards Birdsboro then left onto Angstadt Lane and park in top lot (.4 mi).

2nd MEET: Gibraltar Hill Trailhead: From Route 176, take exit for Route 724. Turn LEFT towards Birdsboro. Turn Right onto Seyfret Drive (.8mi) (Seyfret Church on corner). Continue to SS and turn Right onto Killian Drive. Trailhead is right there

 

TELEPHONE: Leader Eugenia 484-557-7854 with questions.

Thursday May 12, 2022 - Schuylkill River Trail Birdsboro

KAY will lead on the SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL in Birdsboro for 4 to 5 easy miles.

 

MEET 10:00 AM at Schuylkill River Trail parking lot in Birdsboro. We will hike East on Schuylkill River Trail to Union Meadows and back. Parking is directly across from Main Bird Parking Lot and next to Birdsboro VFW (address 321 E Main Street). 

Coming from Reading: parking lot is on left immediately after crossing Hay Creek Bridge on route 724. (NOTE: 321 E Main St is same as route 724)

 

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

Thursday May 5, 2022 - Kaercher Creek

BEV will lead a 4 mile hike around Kaercher Creek Park and a visit to the cemetery in Hamburg. Perhaps the spring flowers will still be in bloom.

 

MEET: 10:00 AM @ Kaercher Creek Park in Hamburg

 

DIRECTIONS: Route 61 North at the Y after Outten Jeep in Hamburg, bear right. At the

second traffic light, turn right onto State Street (after the Strand Theater). Look for the

Pennsylvania Fish Commission sign on the right (across from the former Hamburg Center). Turn

right at the commission sign and bear right at the Y into the boat launch parking lot.

 

TELEPHONE: Leader Bev 484 665-0196 (landline) or 610 603-6876 (cell) the day of the hike.

Thursday Apr 28, 2022 - Gring's Mill

 “YOU” will choose a leader to hike a reasonable distance today starting from the Gring’s Mill parking lot. “YOU” will decide which direction to hike on the Union Canal Trail along the Tulpehocken Creek. “YOU” will decide on a lunch option after the hike. 

“YOU” will enjoy the day. 

 

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Gring’s Mill parking lot off Tulpehocken Road. 

 

TELEPHONE: Your favorite hiking friend to join “YOU”. 

Thursday Apr 21, 2022 - Blue Marsh

EUGENIA will lead the DOG BEACH AND SWITCHBACK TRAIL - 4+ easy/moderate miles The hike will begin at the Stilling Basin off Palisades Road with a .35 mile switchback at the beginning. If you do not want to do this, meet at the bottom lot near the dam. There will be some moderate hills. 

 

MEET: 9:30 AM - TOP lot at the Stilling Basin Blue Marsh. If you don’t want to do the small beginning switchback, go to the bottom lot at the dam and wait for us.

 

DIRECTIONS: Take 183 North. At TL Turn Left onto Christina Dr.

At Stop Sign turn Right onto Upper Van Reed Road/County Welfare Road.

At Stop Sign turn Left onto Palisades Dr. Then Right to the Stilling Basin. Use the Top lot.

GPS: Stilling Basin Blue Marsh

 

TELEPHONE: Leader Eugenia 484-557-7854 with questions.

Thursday Apr 14, 2022 - Open

 

Thursday Apr 7, 2022 - Landingville Marsh CHANGED

BEV will lead the LANDINGVILLE MARSH TRAIL, a flat loop trail alongside the Schuylkill River that includes part of the John Bartram Trail and the foundation for the oldest transportation tunnel in the country. We will then use a little traveled road to the village of Landingville and return via the John Bartram trail. Hike will be around 4 miles. There were facilities in the village in the past; I don’t know if they’re currently open. 

 

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Hamburg Walmart, off Route 61 north of Hamburg. Turn left at traffic light at the Wawa after Interstate 78. Park at the corner behind Lowe's in the Walmart lot. We should be at the trailhead at 10:00 AM. 

TRAIL HEAD DIRECTIONS: North on 61, west on 895 towards Auburn. Right on Hickory Drive (at the Dollar General), bear left at first Y, left unto Tunnel Road (3^rd left), Trail head on the right.

 

TELEPHONE: Leader Bev 484 665-0196 (landline) or 610 603-6876 (cell) the day of the hike.

Thursday Mar 31, 2022 - Blue Marsh

KAY will lead the SKINNERS LOOP AT BLUE MARSH LAKE. This will be a lollipop hike of +-4 miles with views of the lake and with an option to continue hiking more miles, if desired. 

 

MEET: 10:00 AM. @ Old Church Road Parking Lot.

 

DIRECTIONS: From route 222 North, take Route 183 North (Bernville Road) for about 6 miles. Turn left onto Old Church Road. Parking will be on left after turn. We will carpool to start of hike on Lake Road, or you could meet at Lake Road parking lot.

 

TELEPHONE: Leader 610-796-7602. Call if weather is iffy or with questions,

Thursday Mar 24, 2022 - Ontelaunee Lake

LES will lead a 2-part hike of about 5 total miles on the Route 222 side of Ontelaunee Lake. There are scenic, relatively flat trails on this hike. Part one is approximately 3 miles, partly along the lake. We return to the parking area and head in the opposite direction on a 2-mile trek passing the headwaters of Peters Creek. 

 MEET: 10:00 AM @ Maidencreek Rd, Maidencreek Township, approximately 40.463120, and 75.896967 

 DIRECTIONS: Access begins from Route 73 between Routes 222 and 61. 

From Route 222 proceed west about 1/3 mile till Route 73 begins a long slow left bend. Do not follow Route 73 but go straight onto Calcium Rd. 

From Route 61 cross the dam, pass the lake, and pass the first road to the left, Calcium Rd. You cannot access Calcium Rd from this direction because a bridge is out. Instead stay on Route 73 as it bends right and take the first left, a hard left, which is the other end of Calcium Rd. 

Once on Calcium Rd, take the first right turn onto Maidencreek Rd. There are several parking areas along this road. Go about .9 mile where there is parking on both sides of the road and a yellow gate to the left. You can park in nearby lots along Maidencreek Rd which will be in sight of the intended spot. 

TELEPHONE: Leader Les 610-850-1855 cell with questions.

Thursday Mar 17, 2022 - Blue Marsh

KAY will lead the SKINNERS LOOP AT BLUE MARSH LAKE. This will be a lollipop hike of +-4 miles with views of the lake and with an option to continue hiking more miles, if desired.

 

MEET: 10:00 AM. @ Old Church Road Parking Lot.

 

DIRECTIONS: From route 222 North, take Route 183 North (Bernville Road) for about 6

miles. Turn left onto Old Church Road. Parking will be on left after turn. We will carpool to start

of hike on Lake Road, or you could meet at Lake Road parking lot.

 

TELEPHONE: Kay 610-796-7602. Call if weather is iffy or with questions,

 

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK’S DAY!

Thursday Mar 10, 2022 - Middle Creek

MIKE will lead about a 5 mile Middle Creek Overlook Hike at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. This hike will visit overlook with hills to climb to get there. Hoping for Snow Geese and Swans to see. 

MEET: 10:00 AM, at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Visitors Center 

DIRECTIONS: From 272 south, take Rte. 897 north for 14 miles to Kleinfeltersville, then take the first left after the stop sign onto Hopeland Road, then travel 2 miles to the Visitors Center. GPS: 100 Museum Road, Stevens 17578 

TELEPHONE: 717-949-2056 with questions.

Thursday Mar 3, 2022 - Swatara State Park

 BEV will lead a 4 to 5 mile hike on the northern end of the Swatara Rail Trail in Swatara State Park. It will be an in and out hike from Swopes Valley Road trail head to the Pine Grove exit from Interstate 81. This is a very easy hike with no rocks or major hills. The trail map shows two historical canal locks. If the distance is too short, we will have the opportunity to go south on the trail. Optional lunch at The Diner at the Pine Grove I81 exit afterwards . 

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Swopes Valley Road trail head parking in Swatara State Park. GPS 40.52713, -76.46578 

DIRECTIONS TO PARK: Interstate 78W to Interstate 81N exit at the first exit (Lickdale/Route 72/Ft Indiantown Gap) turn left at top of exit ramp and left at the traffic light; 72N. PA 72 will end and become PA 443, continue on 443 pass Twin Grove Campground (on the left), continue on 443. Right on Swopes Valley Road in Suedberg. Parking lot is on the right off Swopes Valley Road. 

NOTE: Icy roads, major snow, or winds with temperatures below 25 degrees will cancel hike. 

TELEPHONE: Leader Bev 610-603-6876c or 484-665-0196 with questions.

Thursday Feb 24, 2022 - Lititz

 KAY will lead a hike in Lititz, PA. Plan to hike downtown from Zig’s Bakery. If the weather cooperates we should visit the Lititz Fire and Ice Festival in progress for a 5+- mile hike. Ice sculptures will be displayed on Main and Broad Streets. We will return via Warwick/Ephrata Rail Trail and Newport Square Trail. 

Those wishing to carpool? We will depart exactly at 9:30 A.M. from Ollie’s parking lot in Shillington off Bus. Rte. 222 at the Jct. of Bus. Rte. 222 & 724

MEET: 10:00 AM @ Zig’s Bakery, 800 E Newport Road, Lititz, PA. 

TELEPHONE: Leader Kay 610-796-7602 with questions and if weather looks iffy.

Thursday Feb 17, 2022 - Union Canal

 GLEN will lead a hike on the UNION CANAL TOWPATH. Approximately 5 miles beginning at the Berks Leisure Area/ Sheeler House, 1901 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, PA.
 

MEET: 10:00 AM @ Berks Leisure Area
 

TELEPHONE: Leader Glen 610-301-4342 with questions

Thursday Feb 10, 2022 - Warwick Park

 DONNA will lead a 4 to 5 mile hike from Warwick County Park. We’ll start walking up the hill from the parking lot and walk a loop back on the flatter Horse Shoe Trail, then walk around the meadow and down to look for the blue heron and other birds in and around the French Creek. Could it be frozen for a crossing with our spikes on? Others can skip the hill and do the in and out from the visitors center (with modern heated bathrooms); we can all meet near the horse farm and walk back the flatter part of the loop trail together. Total mileage about 4 miles, unless we want 5 miles by walking around the meadows once or twice too! Bring spikes if needed. Take-out-only Lunch from St Peter’s Bakery (we can sit on the porch and deck) or indoors at the Inn at St Peter’s Village, these are options for afterwards. 

MEET: 10:00 AM @Warwick County Park, 191 County Park Road, Pottstown, PA. 

TELEPHONE: Leader Donna 484-797-4324 with questions.

Thursday Feb 3, 2022 - Schuylkill River Trail

 LES will lead a 4 to 6 mile hike on the Schuylkill River Trail. We will start at the Angstadt Lane trailhead and hike towards Reading, probably no further than Brentwood. We cross the two railroad bridges over the Schuylkill River. Since we will retrace our steps on the trail to return, those wishing to reduce the hike length can turn around sooner than the main group. 

MEET: 10:00 AM @ Angstadt Road trailhead 

DIRECTIONS: From Route I-176, take Route 724 east toward Birdsboro for one block. Take the first left onto Angstadt Lane and continue for about 2/10 mile to the trailhead parking. 

GPS: Angstadt Lane, Birdsboro [40.300137, -75.899642] 

TELEPHONE: Leader Les 610-323-1703 with questions. Day of hike use cell 610-850-1855.

Thursday Jan 27, 2022 - Ephrata Rail Trail

 KAY will lead on the Ephrata Rail Trail. Easy walking on snow cleared trail. Trail is usually open all the way to Millway Road. Parking lot is usually also clear. Bring Yaktrax or ice cleats just in case? Optional lunch at Gus’s Restaurant, Ephrata. Call if weather looks iffy. 

MEET: 10: 00 AM @ Parkview Heights parking lot. 

DIRECTIONS: Take Route 272 to Ephrata. Turn left at Wendy’s, (there is a traffic light there) onto Parkview Heights Road. Go about ½ block and notice yellow Rail/Trail signs. At stop sign, turn left into parking lot. GPS: Very close, use 1098 Steinmetz Road, Ephrata. 

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

Thursday Jan 20, 2022 - Schuylkill River Trail

CANCELED DUE TO EXPECTED POOR ROAD CONDITIONS

LES will lead a 4-to-6-mile hike on the Schuylkill River Trail.
We will start at the Angstadt Lane trailhead and hike towards Reading, probably no further than Brentwood. We cross the two railroad bridges over the Schuylkill River. Since we will retrace our steps on the trail to return, those wishing to reduce the hike length can turn around sooner than the main group. 

MEET: 10:00 AM Angstadt Road trailhead 

DIRECTIONS: From Route I-176, take Route 724 east toward Birdsboro for one block. Take the first left onto Angstadt Lane and continue for about 2/10 mile to the trailhead parking.
GPS: Angstadt Lane, Birdsboro [40.300137, -75.899642]

TELEPHONE: Leader Les 610-323-1703 with questions. Day of hike use cell 610-850-1855.

Thursday Jan 13, 2022 - Blue Marsh

 KAY will lead an approximately 4-mile hike at BLUE MARSH. Enjoy a 4+- mile hike from the Sheidy Boat Ramp parking lot off route 183 on Blue Marsh Main Hiking Trail. We will hike to North Heidelberg Road and back. 

MEET: 10:00 a.m. at Sheidy Boat Ramp 

DIRECTIONS: From Reading: head north on route 183. After passing Old Church Road on your left start looking for Sheidy Boat Launch parking lot, also on your left. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Call leader if weather looks iffy. 

TELEPHONE: Kay 610-796-7602 with questions.