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March 4, 2024
Post Cards from Thru Hikers
Our club received two postcards from thru hikers thanking us for our maintenance efforts.
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October 4, 2023
Club Member Completes the Appalachian Trail
Club member Hal Wright ("A.T. Pokey") has finished the Appalachian Trail after 25 years of section hiking.
Having started in the late 1990's by hiking outward from Pennsylvania in both directions, Hal's last hike was on the northernmost 115 miles of trail, the Hundred Mile Wilderness and Baxter State Park in Maine. The weather during his summit of Katahdin was perfect - 70's and clear with low winds - after downpours aplenty in the Hundred Mile Wilderness.
Hal thanks the many people who offered inspiration and practical assistance, especially Judy ("Peanut"): his wife, hiking partner for over 300 miles, and support person for every section from beginning to end. This journey would not have happened without family, friends, the hiker community, and of course the staff and volunteers of the ATC and the other organizations which support the trail. It is a team effort and a team accomplishment!
"I made it!" The standard celebratory photo at Baxter Peak, Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Elevation: 5267 feet.
The view down from the Gateway on Hunt Spur, Katahdin. Climbing Katahdin on the A.T. involves a steep rock scramble here with near 360° exposure.
Table Land, a flat section with alpine vegetation reached after scaling the Katahdin massif. Baxter Peak can be seen in the background, still almost two miles away.
The return trip was made on the Abol Stream Trail, which drops straight down from the Table Lands on a rock slide.
This from one of Hal's first hikes in Pennsylvania in the late 1990s.
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May 13, 2023
Thru Hikers to Reach PA Soon
It's almost that time ... time for thru hikers to make their way through our section of the Appalachian Trail

Thru-hikers enjoying some AHC hospitality in 2022.
Many thru hikers vary their route, starting their treks at different times and locations, and therefore could be making their journey any time of the year. But more than one thousand traditional NOBO (northbound) thru hikers have already begun their journey at the AT's southern terminus, Springer Mountain in Georgia, and are making their way towards its northern terminus, Mount Katahdin in Maine, roughly 2,190 miles later.
Anywhere from May through July many of those hikers will pass through our 10.3 mile section on their roughly 6 month trek.I alwavs find it interesting to spend a few minutes talking with thru hikers who are willing to chat, asking where they're from and why they've chosen to hike the AT. I have met hikers from all over the world and am always amazed that people are drawn to come here, into essentially our back yard, to fulfill what is often a lifelong dream.
And as for reasons to hike the AT, there are likely as many reasons as there are hikers, and each person's story is unique and often inspiring.It's easy to wonder what can be done to offer help or assistance. Any act of kindness is appreciated and even small gestures can make a significant impact. When on trail, these acts of kindness are referred to as trail magic... finding just what you need right when you least expect it and random acts of generosity.
If you're hiking on the AT, perhaps carry some extra food or water. That little bit can help a hiker make it to their next resupply stop, or even just to the next water source. A first aid kit is useful and can get someone cleaned up or patched up so they can more comfortably continue on their way. Even taking their trash can help to lighten their packs and improve their onward journey.
Some things to keep in mind are to not leave any food or drink unattended, keep the gestures small, and Leave No Trace.The Allentown Hiking Club organizes two days of Trail Magic hiker feeds' at the end of June to feed and water any and all thru and section hikers that pass by. Some hikers stay only a few minutes to refill their water reservoirs and bellies, and some stay for hours partaking of interesting conversations with club members and other hikers. I think it's safe to say that everyone ends the day feeling better about humanity. Watch the club calendar for dates and further details so you, too, can experience this opportunity for yourself.Happy Trails!
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October 1, 2022
Hiking During Hunting Season
by Paula Uhrin
Hunting season is upon us in Pennsylvania and this is a good time to prepare before venturing outdoors.
Specific dates for hunting seasons from vary year to year. Before you go, learn the regulations and hunting seasons for the areas where you will be hiking. Note that the Pennsylvania Game Commission announced three Sunday hunting dates for 2022:
November 13, 20, and 27. For more details on the hunting seasons in Pennsylvania you can reference the Pennsylvania Game Commission website (https://www.pgc.pa.gov).
Be sure to wear a brightly colored clothing. Colors such as blaze orange or neon green or yellow are recommended. (Orange safety vests and hats from Walmart work fine and are inexpensive.) Clothing should include a hat and vest (and pack cover or large bandana), or hooded outerwear that can be seen from all angles when hiking during hunting season. On state game lands in Pennsylvania, all hunters and non-hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on the head, chest and back combined, or a fluorescent orange hat, from Nov. 15-Dec.15 (except on Sundays with no hunting). The orange material must be visible from all angles (360 degrees). Many hiking paths including parts of the Appalachian Trail use state game lands, and even if you are not hiking on state game lands it is a good practice to adopt during hunting season. If you hike with a pet, it should also wear a blaze orange vest, collar, leash or bandana so it is visible from all sides. The AT recommends that pets be leashed at all times while hiking.
Avoid wearing colors that could be mistaken for game animals. Avoid any brown, tan, earth tones and especially white - you do not want to look like the flash of deer's tail. During turkey season avoid red, blue, purple, black and white. These are the head colors of a male wild turkey. Basically, the brighter the better!
Use extra caution particularly at dawn and dusk. Hunting activity typically increases during those times as that is when animals are feeding and visibility is poor. Hike during broad daylight when hunters can more easily identify you. Be especially cautious close to road crossings, trailheads, and in valley areas. Utilizing a flashlight or headlamp will help with visibility and identify you as a human and not a critter.
Avoid the most popular hunting days, like opening weekend. In Pennsylvania that would be the Sunday after Thanksgiving and extending into the first two weekends of December. When you do go, choose trails that are off-limits to or unpopular with hunters. In this area there are several preserves that do not participate in hunting activities. Stick to established, marked trails. Skip the bushwhacking during hunting season as hunters are more likely to expect hikers on trails.
Enjoy the trails and stay safe out there!
Paula Uhrin
President, Allentown Hiking Club
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August 21, 2022
Summer Hiking
by Paula Uhrin
Every season brings with it unique hiking challenges. While long summer days offer lots of time to play in the outdoors, the accompanying heat can pose a challenge even for the most seasoned of hikers. I find hiking in warmer weather to be the most challenging and have developed ways to make my summer treks more enjoyable and safe.
It all starts with planning... where, when, and how far? Choose a hike that suits the conditions. Hikes under a canopy of leaves can provide shade and a more pleasant experience than a trek out in the open. A winter traipse in warming sunshine is a completely different experience than the same slog done in the summer, baking in the full sun all day. Trails with stream crossings, which could pose a challenge when frozen in the winter, can offer an opportunity to take a rest and chill your feet. Perhaps instead of one lunch stop make more frequent stops along the way to refuel and hydrate and allow your body to cool down. Hiking during mornings and evenings can help to avoid the hottest part of the day. And while taking on a long and challenging trek may sound exciting, shorter hikes may be the way to go when the temperatures soar.
What to bring? Water/liquids and fuel are critical. Whatever your drink of choice, having sufficient fluids with you will help to ensure you stay hydrated. Consider keeping a thermos of ice water or electrolyte beverage in your car so you know it’s available to drink after your hike is complete. You or your hiking companions could be very glad it’s there. Calorie requirements can be very different depending on the time of year you hike. Be sure to have enough food with you to carry you throughout the trek, and having an additional snack with that thermos of water in your car could be good idea, too. Salt tablets and electrolyte chews can help to boost your energy mid-trek and are lightweight and easy to carry and have on hand.
Gear can be a very personal choice ... poles, no poles, large pack, small pack, boots, trail runners, all likes of clothing and layering options ... be sure that the gear you have is suitable for the hike you’re about to do. I often say I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Carrying that extra piece of gear could be the difference between and enjoyable journey and one that you would prefer to not repeat. Loose and breathable clothing in light colors and wicking fabrics will help you stay more comfortable in warm weather. First aid kits, headlamps, sunscreen, hats, bandanas, sunglasses ... the list goes on. Be sure what you have with you is fitting for the task and trek at hand.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list but some thoughts and ideas I’ve found to be helpful over the years. Where ever you choose to hike, please stay safe out there!
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April 1, 2021
New Year's Eve at the Allentown Shelter: An AHC Tradition
by Barbara Wiemann
Al and I were married in 1976 and we wanted to do something different on New Year's Eve to end that Bicentennial Year. Since we met on an Allentown Hiking Club Appalachian Trail hike, we decided to backpack to the Allentown Shelter.
It was a bitterly cold night. We slept with our boots and water bottles in our sleeping bags. Al is an amateur radio operator, he carried a 2 meter handheld radio and, using a repeater, was able to make a phone patch to place a phone call to Harold Croxton, AHC's Trails Chair. In the morning, we discovered that it was so cold and windy that the Philadelphia Mummers Parade had been canceled.
We had so much fun that in 1977 we placed the backpack on the club schedule. Two hearty members joined us. As the years went by, more and more people ventured out with us, providing entertainment and conversation far into the night. One year a teenager brought his guitar, serenaded us, and led a sing-along. We had human joke machines to keep us in stitches, and storytellers to regale us. And we could always count on fireworks down in the valley at midnight.
Naturally a highlight of our evenings was food and a fire. Each year, different participants brought new choices. We fried steak sandwiches, roasted potatoes, cooked hot dogs, and even feasted on the traditional Pennsylvania German pork and sauerkraut, we drank cocoa and toasted in the New Year with sparkling juice served in plastic flutes.
In 1994, when she was 12, our daughter Liz joined us. Three years later, with a nice snow on the ground, she was the first person to reach the new club shelter and snapped a photo that was selected for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy calendar. And in 2016, our 5 month old grandson Curtis made it a three generation event when Liz carried him to the shelter.
After 30 years of backpacking, in 2006 we switched to a day hike format. As a result, the group size increased dramatically. Some years, 30 to 40 people have trekked to the shelter. This, of course, has provided for plenty of socializing and even more noshing choices on the picnic table. On occasions when I have not been able to lead the trip, other club members (MaryAnn Wagner, Karen Gradel, and Paula Uhrin) have stepped up as leaders.
Over the last 45 years, through snow, icy snow, rain, freezing rain, wind, and, occasionally, balmy (temperature above freezing) weather, the Allentown Hiking Club has celebrated the New Year at the Allentown Shelter. Plan to join us in 2021 as AHC marks its 90th anniversary!
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April 1, 2021
50,000+ Miles... On Foot!
Since 1985, Ginny Musser has kept track of her miles walked on trails and around town.
Virginia (Ginny) Musser, a longtime member of the Allentown Hiking Club, has been keeping track of miles hiked/walked since 1985. Her first hike with AHC was in 1978 with the venerable Earl Raub on an A.T. hike thru St. Anthony's Wilderness. Earl was known to schedule hikes on the A.T. in Pennsylvania so that if you did all his hikes you'd complete the A.T. in the Commonwealth. Although this hike was in Earl's series Ginny did not get in on the beginning of the series. But as a result of getting hooked on hiking she picked up the missing sections and completed the PA section with the rest of the club on July 13, 1980.
Ginny credits Earl with teaching her everything she needed to know about hiking and safety on the trail! Although Earl passed away in 2005 she still maintains contact with his wife, Anna.
It wasn't until 1985 that Ginny began recording the miles hiked/walked on a calendar, totaled at the end of the month and then a final tally at the end of the year. At the end of 2019 she realized that if she kept her pace she'd hit 50,000 miles by the end of 2020. Actually she passed the 50,000 mile mark back in the spring but didn't realize it because she doesn't total for the year until the end of December.
Included in those 50,000 miles are the A.T. from Georgia to Maine completed over an 11 year period as well as the 18 state hiking trails in Pennsylvania, the Allegheny Trail that runs the length of West Virginia, as well as the miles accumulated doing trail work around the State as well as on her AHC assigned section of A.T.
She also tracked the number of miles on various pairs of hiking boots!
Included in those 50,000 miles are her daily jaunts around town and on local rail trails.
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September 29, 2019
Trail Magic Events
Photos from our annual effort to ease the burden of thru hikers as they make their way to Maine and Georgia.
The chocolate milk was a hit.
A pool to cool tired feet.
Four happy hikers head back to the trail.
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September 29, 2019
Second Section Hike on the Appalachian Trail
by Terri Stubits
Our Massachusetts summer section hike.
Last year, we (Neil and I, Tom, Patti, and their son Trip) did our first section hike on the Appalachian Trial in Virginia and decided to do another section hike this year. Tom and Trip have completed the AT in VA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, NY, and CT. They have completed about half of MA, and this is where we decided to section hike. Patti plans all the logistics, and I made reservations at the Berkshire Lakeside Lodge in Becket, MA for our first night after driving up. This lodge is 0.1 distance from the trail. The lodge also let us leave our vehicle there while we hiked. Our plan was to hike (Tues – Fri) from the lodge to Cheshire, MA, a distance of 28.3 miles. Shuttle back from Cheshire.
Left to Right – Terri, Neil, Tom, Trip and Patti
Tuesday morning we started out with a 780 foot climb up Becket Mountain, and continued to the October Mountain Shelter (7.2 miles). Because there was not a reliable water source near the shelter, we stopped 2 miles prior and filtered water and carried extra water to the shelter. The water looked like weak tea even after going through the filter, so I added tablets just in case. This tea tinted water tasted great! Really, it was delicious. Carrying the extra water weight for 2 miles was killer and Neil carried most of it for me. We arrived about 3 pm, and picked out a campsite. It immediately started pouring rain as soon as we got our tents up! Pounding rain for about 1 ½ hours, with water pooling around our tents. As the rain was stopping, we heard a loud thunk! A thick dead branch came down right between our tents. We made dinner (had mini bottles of wine a neighbor had given me, which Tom carried), wiped some of the mud off our tents, and got our bear bags ready for storing. This shelter has a bear box which is really nice. Downside was the mosquitos. Patti and I got bit the most, even after using bug repellent.
It didn’t rain any more that night so our tents had a chance to dry out. Wednesday morning, while eating breakfast, we checked the weather for the Kay Wood Shelter (8.8 miles) and the forecast was for severe thunderstorms and heavy rain that day and into the night. We made a quick decision to hike 12 miles into Dalton, MA. Called for availability at the Econo Lodge in Dalton and made reservations. Now we just hoped we’d get to town before getting caught in the downpour. All day there was thunder but no rain. We stopped for lunch as well as several quick breaks. Tom brought Pellegrino which is very refreshing on the trail. Trip was out front setting a good pace, but I was struggling with all the ups and downs on the trail. Tom turned on his Bluetooth and started playing music. First song was “99 Luftballons” and it really helped me to keep going. I drank most of my 2 ½ liters of water and we stopped before getting to town to filter more water.
We walked to Angelina’s Submarine Shop with cheesesteak bombs on our minds. It was about 5 pm and again just as we got there it started to rain. We left our packs out front under the picnic table umbrellas and went inside to order. These cheesesteaks are loaded with meat, nice and hot, so good. I took out my phone and ordered an Uber to take Neil and I back to Becket to pick up our truck. By the time the Uber delivered us to the Berkshire Lakeside Lodge, the rain had turned torrential with white bright lightening and booming thunder. Neil and I drove back to Angelina’s to pick up Tom, Patti and Trip and drove to the Econo Lodge. Yah! We get to shower and sleep in a bed. Next morning all of us limped into breakfast (except Trip, he was good to go). It was still raining, and we decided to pack it in. We drove home a little short of our goal, but undeterred. We’re already planning next year’s section hike! Terri Stubits P.S. I caught a cold.
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September 8, 2019
A Chance Encounter with Trail Maintainers in Maine
By Hal Wright
The man carrying a chainsaw to Little Bigelow Lean-to stuck out his hand and introduced himself: “Hi, I’m Hawk Methany.” My canine companion Sofia and I would stay at the lean-to that night, waiting out a thunderstorm which threatened to bring hale and high winds, on the third night of a six-day section hike.
I knew of Hawk, the ATC’s North Atlantic Regional Director, and joked that I was pleased to greet someone who is “AT famous.” Hawk was soon joined by Maine Appalachian Trail Conference Board Member Tom Carr, and ATC employees Paige Gregory and Dan Hale. Tom also serves as the MATC’s Hazard Tree Coordinator.
Everyone carried heavy tree-cutting equipment in and on top of backpacks. Their task was to cut down six hazardous trees which might fall, posing a risk to tent campers in the area of the shelter. Identifying the trees and cutting them down, using saws and tensioned ropes, took almost four hours of work.
By the time the work was done, it had started to rain. The four packed up, said goodbye, and started the 1.5 mile journey back to the trailhead.
From left: Dan Hale, Paige Gregory, Tom Carr, Hawk Methany
As one thru hiker put it, “Maine is a giant stone with trees trying to grow on it.” Geology dictates the character of the Maine AT, creating streams to ford and random tangles of rocks, roots, and mud. But the hiker also encounters hundreds of bog bridges, and elegant flights of stairs made from nearby stones. As members of Allentown Hiking Club know, these and many other accommodations are the work of AT trail maintainers and builders, most of them volunteers from clubs along the trail.
Moody Mountain, Maine. Maintainers rig a come-along and cables to position stone steps.
Bree is an Appalachian Mountain Club employee who tends to the campsites in New Hampshire and southern Maine.
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September 8, 2019
One To Go!
By Hal Wright
The author, AHC's webmaster since 2002, has pursued a 21-year quest to hike the Appalachian Trail in sections.
When I walked past the Rattle River Hostel and on to the trailhead in Shelbourne, NH, I had finished 13 of the 14 Appalachian Trail states.
This summer's hikes comprised some of the most demanding and rewarding sections of the Appalachian Trail so far. The southern Maine mountains and Mahoosuc Notch lived up to their reputations as the toughest obstacles anywhere on the AT. I remain awestruck as I reflect on the rugged natural beauty of the trail environment in Maine, and will never forget seeing a bald eagle catch a fish in Kennebec River as a waited for my turn to be ferried across the river. I also had the pleasure of meeting many of the hard-working folks who keep the trail in great shape year after year for hikers like me to enjoy.
With this summer's hikes behind me, I'm about 210 miles from my goal of finishing the Appalachian Trail in sections. I thank all those who maintain the trail and help hikers along the way.
The details: Two section hikes, (1) South Arm Road near Andover ME, to Shelbourne, near Gorham NH, and (2) ME Route 27 to ME Route 201, Caratunk. Miles traveled since 1998: 1979. Miles to finish: 210.
Looking Southbound into Grafton Notch State Park and toward Mount Washington.
The trail in Mohoosuc Notch includes numerous passages through caverns. This one-mile section can take hours to traverse.
A leaf is all that's needed to quickly fill one's water bottle from a mere trickle of spring water.
A respite for the weary at Sand Beach, East Carry Pond.
The afternoon sun peaks through a stand of Maine cedars.
Sofia discovers the Kennebec River and hikers waiting for the first canoe ferry rides of the day.
The Kennebec River ferry arrives!
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July 17, 2019
Hiker Safety
By Karen Gradel
We hike for a variety of reasons, for physical fitness, to challenge themselves, to explore nature. We pack our backpacks and head out never thinking that we won’t get from point A to point B without a problem.
In May a Berks county woman walking her dog got lost on the on the Tom Lowe Trail. I’m sure she thought she was just going for a short hike since she didn’t have any food or water with her. The idea she would spend the night hunkered down outside never crossed her mind. This should be a lesson for us to not get too comfortable even on a short or familiar trail.
Having a fully charged cell phone with you to call for help is basic item to carry with you but there are dead spots on the trail with no cell service so make sure you tell someone where you will be and what time you will be back. And check in with that person when you return. Always take water with you and for longer hikes a protein bar, water filter and thermal blanket should be in your pack. You should carry a first aid kit and make sure you keep it updated and replenished as you use items from it. And a tip from Michelle Hinkle is to carry your old expired Driver’s License in your backpack for identification.
If possible hike with a companion, there is safety in numbers. While the trail is usually a tranquil place where there is a real comradery among the ‘trail family’ sometimes the violence from the outside world creeps in. One such incident happened in May 2019 when one hiker was murdered and another in-jured by an unstable person. Even though the group of four hikers made the decision to leave the area where the unstable person was, two of the hikers were still overpowered. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel uncomfortable get out of the area as soon as you can. And make sure you report anything unusual to the local authorities. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy says ‘If you see something, say something’. The Nation Park Service has a 24 hour Dispatch/Communications Center which can be reached at 1-866-677-6677 or you can send an email to incident@appalachiantrail.org. If you are doing trail work or hiking in our area and see something that doesn’t seem right our local Game Warden Tyler Kreider has asked that we let him know about it. The Pennsylvania Game Commission violation number is 1-888-PCG-8001 or you can reach Tyler at 610-926-3136. Safe Hiking.
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