Thursday Jun 2, 2016 - Hereford Township

LES has mapped out a 5.5 mile very rural road hike in Hereford township, briefly entering Lehigh County. About 50% of the roads are dirt or gravel. Little is flat on this hike. Lunch option probably in Bally afterwards.

FIRST 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.

SECOND MEET: 10:00 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.

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with questions.

Thursday May 26, 2016 - Robesonia Hills

MARK will lead a hike in the Texter Mountain Nature Preserve. This hike of 2.5 to 3.5 miles is rated moderate to strenuous on various woodland trails. Some trails are maintained, while others are rather rough and there are some hills, as well. Opt for lunch later.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Wernersville State Hospital on 1st lot on the left off Sportsman’ Rd. We will carpool from here to Deer Road, several miles, due to limited parking at starting point.

TELEPHONE: Leader Mark 610-589-5575 with any questions.

Thursday May 19, 2016 - Blue Marsh

LES will lead a 6 mile loop hike at Blue Marsh. The hike will pass the Old Dry Farm and inspect the Hottenstein homestead. We spend a mile on the main trail before returning via Sterner Hill and Landis roads. Expect a good variety of terrain. Opt for lunch later.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ the Spring Creek trailhead on Brownsville Rd, 2.9 miles west of State Hill Rd. (Ganleys).

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

Thursday May 12, 2016 - Lebanon Rail Trail

JOHN & HERB have scouted a 6-7 mile easy walk on the Lebanon Rail Trail between the parking lot on Route 419 near Cornwall Furnace and Colebrook Road. This is an interesting walk through woods and fields, past Mount Gretna, and a game land marsh area. We will also walk through part of the Cornwall Retirement Centre. Lunch afterwards is an option.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Boyer's Market, Route 422 and 419, Womelsdorf, to carpool.

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

Thursday May 5, 2016 - Ephrata/Akron

RANDY on 5/5 (Cinco de Mayo) leads a walk for 6 miles on the new Ephrata to Akron trail (to be extended to Lititz at some point). We will drive to the trail head nearby. Bring water, snack, and lunch option at the Lincoln House, located about 1 1/2 miles north of Route 272.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ the Walmart parking lot towards the road (322), just off the Ephrata exit from Route 222.

TELEPHONE: Leader Randy von Till 610-273-9160 ranvon1@yahoo.com

Thursday Apr 28, 2016 - Roaring Creek

LES will lead a hike of about 8.5 miles in the Roaring Creek Valley watershed in Columbia County. Three lakes adjoin an 8 mile trail that runs from Route 42 to Route 54. Last year we began from Route 42 and went halfway. This time we begin from Route 54, go in, and then retrace our steps to the starting point. This is a relatively flat walk on a wide trail at the base of two mountains, somewhat similar to Gold Mine Rd. For those looking for a shorter walk, it is easy to turn around. There are picnic tables and benches along the way. Inclement weather will cause this hike to be deferred, and a hike at Blue Marsh will be substituted. Optional restaurant stop after hiking.

MEET: 8:30 A.M. @ Blue Marsh Church Road lot off Route 183. From here there will be a drive
of about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach the starting point.

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

Thursday Apr 21, 2016 - Nolde Forest

JODY will lead about a 5 mile hike in the NOLDE FOREST. Hike some of the flatter trails in the lowlands at Nolde Forest on a 4.75 to 5.25 mile walk on the Watershed, Coffeepot, Buck Hollow and other trails. I can’t promise that we will see apple trees, spruces, laurels, owls, chestnut trees, pileated woodpeckers, and painted turtles, but we will see their names on trail signs. There are some slopes but no real hills. There will be several places where hikers can choose a shorter route by taking a shortcut and waiting for the group at an intersection. The hike itself is great! Lunch afterwards is optional.

MEET: @ Sawmill Parking lot and be ready to hike out at 10:00 A.M.

TELEPHONE: Leader Jody 610-286-8913 after 9:00 A.M. – On day of hike 610-316-4369.