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.