Thursday June 27, 2013 - Appalachian Trail 'Trail Magic'

ELLEN and HERB are planning to do “Trail-Magic”. This event will take place in the Blue Mountains on the Appalachian Trail north of Reading. It will be a combination of food give-away for the through hikers and a picnic and hike for the Berks Wanderers. Some of us may hike 5-6 miles on the AT to the spectacular Bear Rocks overlook and/or to Bake Oven Knob. The event will be held rain or shine.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Redner’s Market parking lot in Leesport off Rte. 61.to carpool. It is about a 40 minute drive to the trail crossing.

TELEPHONE: Ellen 610-775-2677 to coordinate the food and drinks for the through hikers and our picnic. Call Herb 610-286-6886 or 484-252-9493 with general questions.

Thursday June 20, 2013 - French Creek

KATHY will lead a 4 mile hike in French Creek State Park. We will trek the Six Penny Trail including a short section which has been recently rerouted by the Keystone Trail Association trail crew. This is woodland trail walking and could be wet in places, so wear proper footwear.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Shed Road Parking Lot.

TELEPHONE: Kathy 610-603-9461 with questions.

Thursday June 13, 2013 - Swatara State Park

DAVE will lead a ~ 6 mile hike in SWATARA STATE PARK. This hike will begin at the Swope’s Valley Road parking area. We will trek west on the improved rails to trail to the new four span Swatara Creek Bridge. Then, cross the bridge to Old State Road, turn left and travel east on the newly reworked road to Bordner Cabin. Agriggs Falls is seen from the cabin window. We continue our walk to Swope’s Valley Road, turn left and head back to our starting point and parking area.

1st MEET: 8:30 A.M. @ Blue Marsh Church Rd. parking lot off Rte. 183.
2nd MEET: 9:45 A.M. @ Swope’s Valley Road rails to trail parking area.

DIRECTIONS: From Church Rd. lot travel north on Rte. 183 to jct. with Rte. 443 turn left to Pine Grove, then I- 81 west to Suedberg, then turn left on Swope’s Valley Road and park at rails to trail, in sight of Rte. 443.

TELEPHONE: Dave 570-739-2579 if you have any questions.

Thursday June 6, 2013 - Horseshoe Trail Cleanup

MARK BANKES will be taking us through a Horseshoe Trail Clean-up. This occurs on the section of the trail that our club periodically maintains. The trail section has been recently checked and is in fairly good condition, but a walk through with tools may be necessary at this time. Bring the usual tools, work gloves, water and plenty of good humor.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Dollar Store in Kenhorst Shopping Ctr., Rtes. 724 & 625.

TELEPHONE: Mark 610-589-5575 if you have questions.

Thursday May 30, 2013 - Neversink Mountain

LES leads the NEVERSINK MOUNTAIN LAUREL HIKE of up to 6.5 miles. The Mountain Laurel may still be in bloom. We will walk through many sections of Neversink covered with Mountain Laurel. While this should be a scenic hike, there will be a number of difficult hill climbs. If the weather is humid, expect a strenuous hike. You will need water.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ the pond at Forest Hills Memorial Park.

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with questions.

Thursday May 23, 2013 - Reading

GERRY, a “Country Girl” will lead a “City Sculptor Walk”. We will be walking from statue to statue along the trails and sidewalks in downtown Reading. This will be a two and a half hour, leisurely paced walk with comments at each sculpture, church or building viewed. It will be a day to appreciate all the art and architecture Reading has to offer.
We can lunch afterwards in downtown Reading, maybe the Peanut Bar?

MEET: 9:45 A.M. @ Goggle Works parking lot, 2nd & Walnut Sts, Reading.

TELEPHONE: Gerry or Willie 610-678-5245 if you have questions.

Thursday May 16, 2013 - Swatara Furnace

DAVE will lead an ~ 6 mile hike to Swatara Furnace and Jeff’s Swamp. This hike begins in a game commission parking lot in western Schuylkill County. Swatara Furnace remains in good condition and foundations of other structures are present. Also, see the Iron Master’s mansion and a log cabin made of Chestnut wood. View the High Bridge Dam. Follow a woods road along the west branch of Fishing Creek taking us to Jeff’s Swamp. Return to starting point.

1st MEET: 8:30 A.M. @ Blue Marsh Church Rd. parking lot off Rte. 183.
2nd MEET: 9:45 A.M. @ Swope’s Valley Road rails to trail parking area.

DIRECTIONS: From Church Rd. lot take Rte. 183 north to the jct. with Rte. 443. Turn left, travel to Pine Grove, then I-81 west to Suedberg. Turn left on Swope’s Valley Road and park at rails to trail, in sight of Rte. 443.

TELEPHONE: Dave 570-739-2579 if you have any questions.