Monthly Business Meeting and a presentation provided by this year's Appalachian Trail Ridge Runner

Details
Meeting place: St. Timothy's Church 140 South Ott St. Allentown, PA Enter from the back parking lot.
Posted on meetup.com? YES
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299 jcnj168@ptd.net
Co-leader: Karen Gradel 215-536-5857

Join us for another 5 mile weekday walk upon the Saucon Rail Trail.

We’ll start at the Upper Saucon Township Community Park on Preston Lane off route 378. This is a large township park with plenty of parking. After introductions we’ll head north on the Saucon Rail Trail. . We should have enough time to do about 2.5 miles out and then return for a total of about 5 miles.. Bring a bottle of water and snack as needed. We should finish about sunset. Please no pets !

Details
Round trip road miles distance: 5 miles
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 5 miles
Hike rating: A+
Meeting place: We will meet at the restroom facility at the Upper Saucon Township Community Park. This is a tan colored building on the north side of the park. Please be on time. Start time is 6:00pm Street address is:  3231 Preston Lane, which is approximately ½ mile east of Route 378.
Posted on meetup.com? YES
Leader: Mike Swartley 267-490-9652

9-10 mile loop hike on the trails of South Mountain Preserve

This preserve features woodland trails, large rock outcroppings, small stream crossings, moderate inclines, and several boardwalks. We will start the hike from Klines Lane parking lot at 9am. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended as the terrain is moderately rocky and some areas may be wet or snow covered. Bring water and snacks.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 9-10 miles
Hike rating: C+
Meeting place: Klines Lane parking lot (just east of the 2nd set of RR tracks), Emmaus, PA
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299 jcnj168@ptd.net

This another in our series of easy and scenic weekday evening walks on the Saucon Rail Trail.

We’ll start at the Water Street Park in Hellertown. This is a township park with parking. After introductions we’ll walk a short distance to the trailhead and head south on the Saucon Rail Trail. . We should have enough time to do about 2.5 miles out and then return for a total of about 5 miles.. We should finish about dusk.

There are a number of interesting sites on this walk. We will walk by the Wagner-Knecht Grist Mill Park, a refurbished Railroad Signal, Old Mill Rd (on which a nearby grist mill operated until 1959), the Reading Drive Trailhead and probably reach Spring Valley Rd before turning around. There are also several scenic views of the Saucon Creek.

Please RSVP.

No pets please!

It is important the walk starts on time so we finish by dusk.

Details
Round trip road miles distance: 5 miles
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 5 miles
Hike rating: A+
Meeting place: Use Water Street Park Hellertown PA in your GPS. We will meet at the Pavilion at the Park. Street addresses tend to be off a block or two so you should note the location of the red pin in the following map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Water+Street+Park/@40.5797486,-75.3462094,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c43dfe551fc841:0x6e64992c482265d!8m2!3d40.5797486!4d-75.3440207
Posted on meetup.com? YES
Leader: Mike Swartley 267-490-9652

Watch the moonrise from the Pinnacle.

Come and watch the full moon rise from the Pinnacle. This is a 9 mile loop hike, starting at the Hamburg Reservoir parking lot and then going up to the Pulpit and Pinnacle for spectacular views of the rising full moon. Sunset is at 8:34pm and moonrise is at 9:00pm. This is not a beginner's hike due to the ~1000' ascent, rocky terrain and nighttime conditions. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended. Bring a headlamp or flashlight, at least 2 liters of water and food/snacks. Rain or cloudy conditions may cancel.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 9 miles
Hike rating: C
Meeting place: Hamburg Reservoir parking lot, 420 Reservoir Road Hamburg, PA
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299 jcnj168@ptd.net

Join a full-day workshop with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Allentown Hiking Club to learn and apply new Trail Maintenance standards to the Appalachian Trail.

Workshop will be on Saturday, August 13th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. near New Tripoli, PA. The exact meeting location will be provided to attendees once registration is completed with this link: https://volunteer.appalachiantrail.org/s/atc-project-details?c__recId=a0q8Z00000CsKe5

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available throughout the Trail but one fun way to volunteer is to help with trail maintenance. Essential trail maintenance helps protect natural resources and improves the hiking experience. After grasping the basics, participants will be ready to join future work trips with A.T. maintaining clubs, or even adopt their own section of the Trail to maintain.

You gain valuable skills and conservation experience while alongside a welcoming community of dedicated individuals, benefit from a light workout, and get quality time outside as you make the A.T. a better place.

With almost 2,200 miles of Trail spanning across the east coast from Maine to Georgia, the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) provides a place of sanctuary from the bustle of the modern-day world for both human and wildlife communities alike. Since its inception as the first National Scenic Trail 100 years ago, the A.T. has always depended on volunteers - people like you who are willing to contribute their time, interest, and skills in order to make it all possible. This training workshop will introduce new and experienced participants to modern maintenance practices for use on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. With a focus on safety, and based on area conditions, the course will be adapted to include relevant module options that may include: Trail Condition Assessment, Dealing with Water Issues, Brushing, Keeping Hikers on the Centerline, and Marking the Trail. All tools, instructions, and personal protective equipment will be provided. You only need to bring the items listed below and an eagerness to participate in a hands-on stewardship learning opportunity. Please be sure to wear long pants and sturdy boots. Bring plenty of water and snacks for the day, lunch, sunscreen, bug spray, a rain jacket and personal work gloves. Advanced registration necessary. Complete the form using the “Express Your Interest” button in the link provided; this registers you for the event. You will receive a confirmation email with the meeting location, curriculum for the course, and details related to COVID-19 precautions that will be followed that day.

Details
Meeting place: The exact meeting location will be provided to attendees once registration through the ATC website is completed.
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299 jcnj168@ptd.net

Morning walk in West End District, Allentown

Join us for a 3-4 mi walk in the historic West End District of Allentown. The walk will be mostly shaded which is a plus on a summery day. Post walk you have options to visit the Farmer's Market, eat at a local restaurant or stop at the Udder Bar which has "udderly" delicious ice cream. Thunderstorms or heavy rains will cancel the walk.

Leader: Joyce Partington, Phone: 908-887-0934, email: jayjoyce@ptd.net
Co-Leader: Anne Griffin, Phone: 484-350-5832

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 3-4 miles
Hike rating: A+
Meeting place: AgriPlex parking lot, on the side of the Farmer's Market - address is 302 N 17th St, Allentown, PA
Posted on meetup.com? YES
Leader: Joyce Partington 908-887-0934
Co-leader: Anne Griffin 484-350-5832

Four mile walk on the trails at Trexler Preserve, including meadows and woods, and 600 - 800 feet of elevation gain for some exercise

Kickstart your weekend with a Friday morning walk at Trexler Nature Preserve. Hiking along the Jordan Creek, and thru woods and meadows, we'll enjoy some decent elevation gain (600' to 800') for exercise and take in some fine views. Please wear sturdy boots and bring at least a liter of water. No pets. Rain cancels.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 4 miles
Hike rating: B+
Meeting place: Trexler Nature Preserve Central Range Trail Head, 5375 Old Packhouse Rd, Schnecksville, PA 18078 GPS: 40.649184, -75.621458
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Kerry Snyder 610-737-7768

Loop hike through the Bear Creek Preserve

A moderate hike with varied terrain and foliage, two waterfall views, several bridge crossings, and a scenic and shady trail along Shades Creek. There is no significant elevation gain. Be alert to the possibility of black bears and rattlesnakes that call this preserve home. Hiking boots recommended. Hiking poles suggested. Bring 2 liters of water plus lunch and snacks.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 13 miles
Meeting place: 47 Rabbit Run Lane, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299 jcnj168@ptd.net