End the year with a hike on the Appalachian Trail

PLEASE WEAR BLAZE ORANGE AS WE WILL BE ON STATE GAME LANDS AND SHARING THAT SPACE WITH HUNTERS. ALSO, COVID PROTOCOL CALLS FOR FACE COVERINGS WHEN UNABLE TO MAINTAIN A 6-FOOT SOCIAL DISTANCE. We will meet at Rt. 309 for a 4 mile hike to the Allentown Shelter. At the shelter we will eat lunch before returning to our cars. We will once again share food at the shelter and so if you're comfortable doing so feel free to bring a snack or goodies to share around the shelter's picnic table. After a suitable time for socializing, we will hike 4 miles back to our cars. Anyone who would like a shorter 2 mile hike to the Shelter may join us at Fort Franklin Road and that hike is listed separately in the schedule. Since we will be spending time at the shelter, bring an extra layer of clothing to stay warm. No dogs or alcoholic beverages. Steady rain or snow on morning of hike cancels this event.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 8 miles
Hike rating: B
Meeting place: Meet on Rt. 309 at the south end of the Thunderhead Lodge Restaurant parking lot, 2520 West Penn Pike, Andreas, PA 18211
Posted on meetup.com? YES
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299 jcnj168@ptd.net

End the year with an short Appalachian Trail walk.

This will be the 46th year that the club will visit our shelter on New Year's Eve. Meet at Fort Franklin Rd. at 11 AM for the 2 mile walk to the shelter. We will eat lunch at the shelter and then walk back to our cars. We will once again share food at the shelter and so feel free to bring a snack or goodie to share at the shelter's picnic table, if you're comfortable doing so. NOTE: Wear blaze orange since we will be walking on State Game Lands. A face mask is required when we are unable to maintain 6 foot social distancing. Bring lunch, water, an extra layer of clothing to stay warm at the shelter, and hand sanitizer, No dogs or alcoholic beverages. Steady rain or snow on morning of hike cancels this event.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 4 miles
Hike rating: A
Meeting place: Meet at Fort Franklin Road crossing of the Appalachian Trail.
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Barbara Wiemann 610-262-6977 blwiemann@gmail.com

This gorgeous, historic, and bio-diverse preserve is 108-acre mosaic of woods, fields, wetlands, and stunning scenery opened to the public in 2019 and contains a 1-mile rolling trail for exploration.

Recognized as a “Birding Hot Spot” by the Valley Forge Audubon Society, the Preserve currently has 111 species recorded as having been observed there. In addition to the beautiful scenery, natural areas and trails, the history at Warwick Furnace is rich. We will walk along the trail about one hour. DIRECTIONS TO THE PRESERVE: Drive 28 min. via Rte 23 East. Turn right onto Warwick Furnace Rd. GPS: Warwick Furnace Rd. & Valley Way Rd. Glenmoore, PA 19343 Conebella Farm is famous for their Ayrshire cows and cheese. The farm store will be open. Ron made special arrangements with the owner, Don Gable, for BCHC members to tour the farm. You may want to cover boots with a plastic bag (rubber band/old shoelaces). This is a working farm! DIRECTIONS TO CONEBELLA FARM: Drive 12 min. (via Rtes 401 & 82) GPS: 337 Chestnut Tree Road, Elverson

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 2 miles
Hike rating: A+
Meeting place: Windmill Restaurant, Rtes 23 & 10, Morgantown
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Ron Kieffer 610-217-4637
Co-leader: Mercedes Jurkiewicz 484-515-8001 mercedes.jurkiewicz@gmail.com

Loop hike to the Pulpit and Pinnacle

This is a loop hike, starting at the Hamburg Reservoir parking lot, first climbing to Pulpit Rock and then onward to the Pinnacle for spectacular views of the Lehigh Valley from both locations. This is not a beginner's hike due to the 1000' ascent and very rocky terrain. If there is snow on the ground, microspikes or other traction devices will be mandatory. Bring a least 2L of water and lunch / snacks. Steady rain or snow cancels.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 9 miles
Hike rating: C
Meeting place: Hamburg Reservoir parking lot; 410 Reservoir Rd, Hamburg, PA
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299 jcnj168@ptd.net

The trail is over 26 miles long so we will not be doing it all this day.

We'll walk west for a couple of miles, turn around and walk east for a couple of miles.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 3 miles
Hike rating: A+
Meeting place: Ollie’s Outlet, 2251 Lancaster Pike, Shillington. Leave at 8:08 and drive miles to trailhead. Leave at 8:08 and drive miles to trailhead.
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Ron Kieffer 610-217-4637
Co-leader: Mercedes Jurkiewicz 484-515-8001 mercedes.jurkiewicz@gmail.com

Loop hike through the Nolde Forest

Nolde Forest encompasses more than 665 acres of deciduous woodlands and coniferous plantations. A network of trails makes the center’s streams, ponds, and diverse habitats accessible to all. We will hike most of the trails that wander throughout the park under tall trees and near creeks. Some trails are footpaths and others are remnants of gravel roads used by original owners of the mansion. We will stop at the Mansion to check out its unique architecture. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended. If there is snow on the ground, microspikes or other traction devices will be mandatory. Bring at least 2L of water and lunch / snacks. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Trail map can be found here: http://www.docs.dcnr.pa.gov/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_003596.pdf

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 12 miles
Hike rating: D+
Meeting place: To my knowledge there is no street address for this parking lot. This parking lot is on Route 625 just a few miles south of the intersection with Route 724. You can refer to the link with the trail map and the Sawmill parking lot is very clearly marked.
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299 jcnj168@ptd.net