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.

Hiking - Trexler Nature Preserve (About Ten Miles) - Lehigh County

Distance: About ten miles.

We will be hiking the Border Loop, with a side trail or two to add mileage. This route has many elevation changes, some steep. Strenuous hike, moderate to somewhat fast 3 mph pace. Beautiful views. Should take about 3 1/2 hours on the trail.

Directions: From Route 22, take 309N toward Schnecksville. Go about 5 miles and turn left onto Old Packhouse Rd. Go about 1 mile and turn right onto Orchard Rd. Parking lot on left.

4935 Orchard Road, Schnecksville, PA.

Rain cancels. Meetup will be updated as necessary the morning of the hike.

Trip Leader: Alexis McAllister is a retired U.S. Army veteran, the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club’s Trails Chair, and an experienced Appalachian Trail thru-hiker known on the trail as “Meri Poppins.” With over 20 years of experience leading and educating backpackers of all ages, Alexis brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and enthusiasm to every trip. She is also certified in Wilderness First Aid.

Description: Roughly 10-mile backpacking route and features a total elevation gain of 1,338 feet and with challenging climbs and beautiful views on Appalachian Trail, from Windsor Furnace Shelter to Hawk Mountain.

Important Notes: Please wear orange clothing. Hunting is not permitted in our area, but visibility is important for safety.

Maximum Backpackers: 12

Virtual Shake Down: Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00pm

To register and for additional information please email Howard Reid at howardnreidjr@gmail.com

Description: Challenging hike with aggressive ascent however the trail levels out and there are great views along the ridge line. The footing is very rocky, so be sure to wear appropriate hiking footwear. Weather cancels hike and hikers should bring snacks, lunch and lots of fluids.

Trip Leader: Alexis McAllister is a retired U.S. Army veteran, the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club’s Trails Chair, and an experienced Appalachian Trail thru-hiker known on the trail as “Meri Poppins.” With over 20 years of experience leading and educating backpackers of all ages, Alexis brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and enthusiasm to every trip. She is also certified in Wilderness First Aid.

Description: Roughly 10-mile backpacking route and features a total elevation gain of 1,338 feet and with challenging climbs and beautiful views on Appalachian Trail, from Windsor Furnace Shelter to Hawk Mountain.

Important Notes: Please wear orange clothing. Hunting is not permitted in our area, but visibility is important for safety.

Maximum Backpackers: 12

Virtual Shake Down: Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00pm

To register and for additional information please email Howard Reid at howardnreidjr@gmail.com

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 have lunch along the Monocacy Creek and then walk 2 miles back to our cars. The Monocacy Trail is flat with both paved and gravel surfaces. Bring lunch and water.

We will be hiking through open fields and woods in this 500-acre former farm that has been preserved by Natural Lands Trust. The preserve includes a Pennsylvania Champion white oak, the headwaters of the Pickering Creek, and several Bald Eagle nesting spots. Expect about 1000' of climb total during the trek. Terrain can sometimes be muddy so wearing hiking boots is recommended. Bring lunch/snacks and water. Steady rain or snow cancels.

Maintenance tasks include clearing the 1/4 mile access trail from the D&L Trail to the lock, clearing vegetation from the capstones and inside the lock, and removing invasive plants. If we have time and manpower, we will also hike the 1/2 mile to the Coalport Weigh Lock and clear that trail and lock. Please bring tools such as garden rakes, garden trowels, loppers or clippers, gloves, lunch and water. We will finish by 2 pm. Rain on the morning of the event will cancel the trip.

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.

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.

NOTE: START TIME FOR THIS EVENT IS 6:30

Bring your favorite dish to share with others. Following the business meeting we will be scheduling hikes and other winter events. Please complete the AHC Hike/Event form and give to the Hike Scheduling Coordinator.

Description: Trail is well maintained and offers great views of Delaware Water Gap. The trail includes steep climbs and descents, with the first 2 miles being particularly challenging. Weather cancels hike and hikers should bring snacks, lunch and lots of fluids.