Let's get an early start to the day and enjoy a peaceful Lehigh Parkway. We will meet at the Allentown Fish Hatchery and complete a series of figure eights all along the Little Lehigh Creek. You can complete the entire distance or turn around and head back early depending on the distance you are comfortable with. Sneakers are fine as the terrain is both paved and crushed stone. Bring water and perhaps snacks if you think you will be hungry and dress for the weather conditions.

Walk the Park and then attend the Allentown Symphony 75th Anniversary Celebration concert - “An American in Paris and More”. This is a re-creation of the very 1st ASO concert in Oct. 1951. Hear 15 yr violin prodigy Mio Imai play the enchanting Mendelssohn Violin concerto and hear other lovely pieces on the program.

2 pm concert with the Allentown Symphony ( I play cello in the symphony! ); please purchase tickets in advance or buy at the door (Box Office 610-432-6715 or MillerSymphonyHall.org)

Heavy rain cancels

Parking: Parking decks at 6th and Linden and community deck at 6th and Walnut - usually free unless a PPL event (then $6). On- street parking free on Sundays.

Meet at the Illick's Mill parking lot at 100 Illick's Mill Road in Bethlehem. We will walk the Monocacy Trail 2 miles to Central Moravian Church, 400 Main St., Bethlehem for the Bach At Noon Concert. The concert is free, by donations are gratefully appreciated. After the concert we will have the opportunity to take a behind the scenes tour lasting about 30 minutes before starting our walk back, having lunch along the Monocacy Creek, and then walking 2 miles back to our cars. The Monocacy Trail is flat with both paved and gravel surfaces. Bring lunch and water.

Description: Hikers will be taking the Red Dot Trail up and returning to the parking lot on the Blue Dot Trail. The hike is considered to be a moderate hike and warm clothes, snacks or dinner, headlamps and a great attitude is required. Weather cancels hike.

Let's get an early start to the day and enjoy a peaceful Lehigh Parkway. We will meet at the Allentown Fish Hatchery and complete a series of figure eights all along the Little Lehigh Creek. You can complete the entire distance or turn around and head back early depending on the distance you are comfortable with. Sneakers are fine as the terrain is both paved and crushed stone. Bring water and perhaps snacks if you think you will be hungry and dress for the weather conditions.

I'm hoping to miss the crowds and hike this on a Thursday. We will meet at the parking lot on Route 118 and hike the lollipop loop north and then clockwise to view all 21 waterfalls of Ricketts Glen. Trail conditions are likely to be muddy and slick and therefore sturdy hiking boots are required, and trekking poles are suggested. We will be taking our time to enjoy the waterfalls and the views and I'm expecting this to take a full day. Bring at least 2L of water plus lunch/snacks. Heavy rains will cancel.

Start: Saturday, October 25 – 7:30am
End: Sunday, October 26 – 1:00pm
Virtual Shake Down: Tuesday, October 21 – 7:00pm
Backpacker Experience: Advanced - High mileage on Day 1; rain or shine event
Maximum Backpackers: 12

Trip Leader: Stephenie Steck is CPR certified and has nearly completed the entire Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail, with only 14 miles remaining. Over the years, she has led a group of women hikers, the “Women of the Woods,” on trails such as the Loyalsock, Black Forest, West Rim, and the northern AT in Maine. With 20 years of backpacking experience, including solo hikes and winter camping, she is excited to lead this hike and share her love of the outdoors with fellow adventurers.

Description: This 16–18-mile backpacking route (depending on side trail excursions) features a total elevation gain of 2,057 feet and highlights one of Pennsylvania’s most remote and historic sections of the Appalachian Trail.

Day 1 (Approx. 8.3 miles): The trip begins at the Stony Valley AT parking lot along Route 325, heading northbound toward Greenpoint. Depending on weather and group energy levels, there is an optional side trip to “The General”, a remnant from the old mining days, accessible via the Sand Spring side trail.

Day 2 (Approx 7.5 miles): Hikers will travel through the historic Rausch Gap area, once a thriving coal mining town (1828–1910) with a population of about 1,000 residents. A short side trail leads to the former village site and cemetery. The route also passes an active beaver dam area. If water levels are high, an alternate trail is available, but those choosing to cross the dam should be prepared for wet feet and may benefit from hiking poles, as the crossing is a true test of balance and agility.

Camping: Overnight accommodations are at the Rausch Creek Shelter, which includes a large shelter, privy, and a reliable spring (the only safe water source due to mine runoff in the creek). Tent space is available near the privy and close to the shelter.

Shuttle & Parking: Vehicles will be parked at the Moonshine Road AT parking lot (Greenpoint). Shuttles to the trip starting point at Stony Valley.

Trip Highlights:
• Longest roadless section of the AT in Pennsylvania
• Multiple historic side trails to explore
• Rich mining history and cultural landmarks
• A remote, scenic, and immersive backcountry experience

This section of the Appalachian Trail is considered one of the most rewarding backpacking routes in Pennsylvania— ideal for a weekend getaway filled with history, natural beauty, and adventure.

To register to attend or for more information contact Howard Reid at howardnreidjr@gmail.com / (610)420-8194.

Start: Saturday, October 25 – 7:30am
End: Sunday, October 26 – 1:00pm
Virtual Shake Down: Tuesday, October 21 – 7:00pm
Backpacker Experience: Advanced - High mileage on Day 1; rain or shine event
Maximum Backpackers: 12

Trip Leader: Stephenie Steck is CPR certified and has nearly completed the entire Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail, with only 14 miles remaining. Over the years, she has led a group of women hikers, the “Women of the Woods,” on trails such as the Loyalsock, Black Forest, West Rim, and the northern AT in Maine. With 20 years of backpacking experience, including solo hikes and winter camping, she is excited to lead this hike and share her love of the outdoors with fellow adventurers.

Description: This 16–18-mile backpacking route (depending on side trail excursions) features a total elevation gain of 2,057 feet and highlights one of Pennsylvania’s most remote and historic sections of the Appalachian Trail.

Day 1 (Approx. 8.3 miles): The trip begins at the Stony Valley AT parking lot along Route 325, heading northbound toward Greenpoint. Depending on weather and group energy levels, there is an optional side trip to “The General”, a remnant from the old mining days, accessible via the Sand Spring side trail.

Day 2 (Approx 7.5 miles): Hikers will travel through the historic Rausch Gap area, once a thriving coal mining town (1828–1910) with a population of about 1,000 residents. A short side trail leads to the former village site and cemetery. The route also passes an active beaver dam area. If water levels are high, an alternate trail is available, but those choosing to cross the dam should be prepared for wet feet and may benefit from hiking poles, as the crossing is a true test of balance and agility.

Camping: Overnight accommodations are at the Rausch Creek Shelter, which includes a large shelter, privy, and a reliable spring (the only safe water source due to mine runoff in the creek). Tent space is available near the privy and close to the shelter.

Shuttle & Parking: Vehicles will be parked at the Moonshine Road AT parking lot (Greenpoint). Shuttles to the trip starting point at Stony Valley.

Trip Highlights:
• Longest roadless section of the AT in Pennsylvania
• Multiple historic side trails to explore
• Rich mining history and cultural landmarks
• A remote, scenic, and immersive backcountry experience

This section of the Appalachian Trail is considered one of the most rewarding backpacking routes in Pennsylvania— ideal for a weekend getaway filled with history, natural beauty, and adventure.

To register to attend or for more information contact Howard Reid at howardnreidjr@gmail.com / (610)420-8194.

Let's get an early start to the day and enjoy a peaceful Lehigh Parkway. We will meet at the Allentown Fish Hatchery and complete a series of figure eights all along the Little Lehigh Creek. You can complete the entire distance or turn around and head back early depending on the distance you are comfortable with. Sneakers are fine as the terrain is both paved and crushed stone. Bring water and perhaps snacks if you think you will be hungry and dress for the weather conditions.