Mar/Apr, 2016 Bulletin - Philadelphia Trail Club

The Philadelphia Trail Club
Bulletin
Founded 1931
Summary of Hikes
and Activities
Sat., Mar. 5
Sun., Mar. 6
Wed., Mar. 9
Sat., Mar. 12
Sun., Mar. 13
Sat., Mar. 19
Sun., Mar. 20
Tue., Mar. 22
Sat., Mar. 26
Sun., Mar. 27
Sat., Apr. 2
Sat., Apr. 3
Sat., Apr. 9
Sun., Apr. 10
Thu., Apr. 14
Sat., Apr. 16
Sun., Apr. 17
Sat. Apr. 23
Sun., Apr. 24
Wed., Apr. 27
Sat., Apr. 30
Sun., May 1
Sat., May 7
March-April, 2016
President’s Corner
By Debby Lamb Pine Barrens
Springside Trails
Pennypack Creek
Lower Wissahickon
Perkiomen Trail
Spring Training Hike
Ridley Creek State Park
Harriet Wetherill Park
Pennypack Park & Lunch
No hike scheduled
Rail Park Tour
Hibernia County Park
Spring Luncheon
Pinnacle & Pulpit Rock
Cynwyd Trail/Manayunk
Brandywine Creek Park
Valley Forge Natl. Park
Schuylkill Bike Ride
Spring Mystery Hike
Gwynedd Wildlife Preserve
Historic Bethlehem
Delaware Water Gap
Evansburg State Park
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Our Annual Meeting
and Spring Luncheon
Bay Pony Inn in Lederach
Cash bar at noon, all-inclusive
lunch at 1:00
Directions: From the intersection of 202 and
73, go west on 73 to 113 and turn right.
Proceed a few miles on 113 to a five-point
intersection. Bay Pony is on left and you will
see the parking lot on the right. Make check
for $27.00 per person payable to Philadelphia
Trail Club and send to Anne Franks, 4054 N
Warner Rd. Lafayette Hill, PA 19444.
Reservations due by April 2.
“Forest Bathing”
I recently learned about a Japanese pastime called Shinrin-yoku
or “forest bathing”. This is the act of walking and being in the
woods. Research in Japan and the U.S. on this practice has
discovered that in addition to lowering stress levels, walking
amongst plants and trees actually boosts the immune system. To
those of us who walk, even if not always in the forest, this seems
obvious. We do it because it helps us feel happy, peaceful and
healthy.
I would venture a guess that this is a primary reason that we
join PTC hikes. We enjoy the company of like-minded
individuals exploring both country and city to share in this
experience. I have formed friendships, learned new things and
pushed physical boundaries in the company of my fellow
PTC’ers – for this I am full of gratitude!
This is my last President’s Corner before I hand over the reins
in June to the capable hands of Tirzah Rom, our Vice President
for the last two years. During that time, Tirzah has contributed
tremendously to the growth and development of the club. She
has been committed and active participant in club initiatives
and tasks. Most of all, she has been a helpful and true partner to
me during my time as President. I ask that everyone give her
full support as she steps into this role.
I send my utmost thanks to PTC board members who served
this past year with me. It takes a whole village to keep this club
running and our board is the best! Thanks to Dave Scheid, Bill
and Anne Franks, Dorothy Smith, Marjie O’Neill, Susan
Smolens, Ines Breen, Eileen Lynn, Carol Cameron-Sears, Steve
Leonard, Carol Beam and Auda Gallagher. Also kudos to our
Memorial Fund committee: Tom Beam, Tom Switalski and
Brooks Bromley. My heartfelt appreciation goes to all hike
leaders, past and present who lead us fearlessly on hikes, bike
rides and excursions throughout the year. You are the core of
this club. Keep on leading and walking and encouraging others
to join you!
Debby
A Message from the Hiking Chair, Dave Scheid
You can now reserve a date in May or June of 2016 to lead a
hike. Most dates are open. Please contact me by phone or email to check availability. All dates are awarded on a first comefirst served basis. Thanks for volunteering!
Member: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Keystone Trails Association
Club Website: www.philadelphiatrailclub.org
PTC Bulletin Board
Board Meeting Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m.
(Note, this is a week earlier than our usual meeting) Our meeting will be at the home of one of our Board
members. If you want to attend, please contact Debby Lamb for details.
From the Membership Chair
Dorothy R. Smith, 2142 Bristol Road, Warrington, PA 18976-1514. [email protected] Phone: 215-343-1142
March-April 2016
WELCOME TO MEMBERSHIP
Earl & Josey Stamm, Wyncote, PA
Carol & John Todd, Phoenixville, PA
Sandra L. Salveter, Lansdale, PA
Alison McFall, Philadelphia, PA
Joe O’Brien, Philadelphia, PA
Lee Hannan, Devon, PA
Eileen Z. Smithe, Philadelphia, PA
Susie & Ted Gilbert, Erdenheim, PA
Brian Crozier, Cheltenham, PA
Ann Bacon, Philadelphia, PA
Mike McSpadden, Ambler, PA
Memorial Fund
The PTC Memorial Fund has cash available to help organizations in the maintenance of trails. Any member of PTC
can request a grant, usually in the $100 to $300 range for a non-profit organization that actively does trail maintenance
and needs financial assistance. Send a statement of need, some indication of non-profit status (usually a website
reference that states the case), and a dollar amount to Tom Beam’s email. We on the committee look forward to using
these funds in a helpful way.
Tom Beam, First Member [[email protected]]
PTC Who’s Who
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer
Hike Program:
Hike Statistics:
Membership:
Debby Lamb
Tirzah Rom
Susan Smolens
Marjorie O’Neill
Dave Scheid
Bill Franks
Dorothy Smith
215-836-1369
267-722-8346
610-220-3412
610-644-3350
267-385-7443
610-828-2530
215-343-1142
Archivist:
Carol Cameron-Sears 215-242-4256
Memorial Fund: Tom Beam
215-836-1046
Councilors:
Auda Gallagher, Dave Scheid and
Ines Breen
Bulletin Editors: Carol Beam
215-836-1046
Eileen Lynn, Dorothy Smith
Webmaster:
Steve Leonard
215-628-3739
Philadelphia Trail Club Board Slate for 2016-2017
Thanks to PTC Nominating Committee, Tirzah Rom, Susan Smolens and Ines Breen for the following:
President- Tirzah Rom
Vice -President - Ines Breen
Secretary - Susan Smollens
Membership - Dorothy Smith
Treasurer - Marjorie O'Neill
Hike Program - Dave Scheid
Hike Stats - Bill Frank
Bulletin – Carol Beam, Eileen Lynn, Dorothy Smith
Archives – Carol Cameron-Sears
Memorial Fund – Tom Beam
Webmaster – Steve Leonard
Councilors – Auda Gallagher, Deb Bukovec*, Doris Sontag*
* Denotes new nominees
Page 2
March Hikes and Activities
Sat., Mar. 5
Carranza Memorial to Apple Pie Hill
9:45 am
8 miles
Class 1
Burlington Co., N.J. Haven’t been to the Pine Barrens yet? What are you waiting for? We start this out-and-back hike at the
Carranza Memorial to the pioneer Mexican aviator who died at a crash at this site during a storm. At the time he was known as
‘the Lindberg of Mexico.” From here we hike along the Batona Trail to Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower. The view from the that tower
has been called one of the most amazing views on the East Coast by the USGS. DIRECTIONS: From the Red Lion circle of US 206
and Route 70, take US 206 south for 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Carranza Rd. (CR 648). Travel 2.2 miles to Tabernacle. At the stop
sign, cross CR 532 and continue south on Carranza Road (CR 648). Shortly you will enter Wharton State Forest. At 6.7 miles from
Tabernacle, the Carranza Memorial and parking lot are located on the right. Register in advance. Leaders: Debby Lamb 215-8965743, [email protected] and Art Bucci 215-450-7070.
Sun., Mar. 6
Springside Trails
9:30 a.m.
7.5 miles
Class 2+
We explore the Wissahickon starting at the Springside School in Chestnut Hill and walk some trails you know, some we hope are
new to you. We pass the Pilgrim Statue, Baptismal Pool, and walk along the Monastery stables and a golf course. There are ups
and downs, a couple of stream crossings and great views. Bring lunch. Boots recommended. Bad weather cancels.
DIRECTIONS: Take 476 to Germantown Pike East. Go nearly 6 mi. Turn right at Willow Grove Ave., then go 0.8 mile to T
intersection at Cherokee. Turn right. Park in school lot on left. Stop at the Starbucks on Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill for
facilities before we meet since there won’t be another chance for a while. Leader: Carol Beam 215-327-8021 (cell) or
[email protected]. Register in advance.
Wed., Mar. 9
Pennypack Creek
10:15 a.m.
4 miles
Class 1+
We will meet in the parking lot by the Office and Visitor’s Center of the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust and then traverse
various trails including the old railroad bed (the tracks have been removed) where the Bryn Athyn train wreck occurred in 1921.
Pack a lunch for the end of the hike. DIRECTIONS: From PA Tpk. take exit 343 (Willow Grove). Follow Rte 611 south toward
Willow Grove. At fourth traffic light turn left onto Fitzwatertown (road name changes to Terwood after Rte 263). Pass Upper
Moreland HS and Davisville Rd. intersection. At stop sign, turn left onto Edge Hill Rd. The Trust’s entrance is 0.3 miles on right
at 2955 Edge Hill Rd., Huntingdon Valley. Additional directions at www.pennypacktrust.org/directions.html. Register in
advance. If uncertain about the weather, call leaders before 8:30 a.m. Leaders: Bill and Amparo Harpel, 215-752-0802 (cell 215431-6048).
Sat., Mar. 12
Lower Wissahickon
10 a.m.
7+ miles
Class 2
Meet at the parking lot at Walnut Lane and Magdalena St., one block east of Henry Ave. across from the Walnut Lane Golf
Course. We will head south on the yellow trail to Lover’s Leap, go under the Henry Ave. Bridge to Hermit’s Cave area, then
follow the Wissahickon Creek along the bike path to Forbidden Drive and then Valley Green Inn. After a break, we return via the
yellow trail. Restrooms are at golf club and Valley Green. Bring water and a snack. DIRECTIONS: From I-76E or I-76W, take exit
340A to Ridge Ave. west. Follow Ridge up the hill and to the left. Turn right on Walnut Lane. Cross Henry Ave. to parking lot on
Magdalena St. SEPTA 9 and 27 from center city stop on Ridge Ave., three blocks away. Googlemaps: 5800 Magdalena St.,
Philadelphia, PA 19128. Leader: Eileen Lynn 215-519-5860 (cell), [email protected]. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Text or call
to confirm morning of hike.
Sun. Mar. 13
Perkiomen Trail,
10:00 a.m.
8 miles
Class 1
An easy, pleasant walk on the Perkiomen Trail from Springmont to Collegeville. Weather and trail conditions will determine
distance. Car shuttle needed. Meet at Springmont Hotel parking area at 10 a.m. Bring lunch or a snack. DIRECTIONS: from Rte
73 and 29 in Schwenksville (north of Collegeville), travel north through the town. About 1 mile from Schwenksville, turn right on
Springmont Rd. At T intersection go straight ahead into parking area. Register in advance because rain or snow cancels. Leaders:
Murray & Marcia Zanger 610-728-5321, 610-203-2528 (cell phone morning of hike)
Sat., Mar. 19
Philly Spring Training Hike
9:15 a.m.
10 miles
Class 2
While the Phillies tune up in the closing days of Spring Training, let’s get in shape with a loop hike over the hills of the lower
Wissahickon to Laurel Hill and back. The route will be partly on trails, but partly on pavement taking us along the beautiful
River Drives and over Falls Bridge and Strawberry Mansion Bridge. Good views of the city from our lunch spot on Laurel Hill.
Bring lunch and water and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Refreshments after the hike. DIRECTIONS: Meet at Walnut Lane
Golf Course. From the city, take Kelly Dr., Ridge Ave. (west), and right on Walnut Lane. After crossing Henry Ave., turn left at
the next corner (Magdalena St.) into the parking lot on the left. For Google directions, use Walnut Lane and Magdalena St.,
Philadelphia, PA. Leader: Dave Scheid 215-435-9012, [email protected].
Sun., Mar. 20
Ridley Creek State Park
9:45 a.m.
5 miles
Class 2
We will stay on the All-Purpose trail, if the wooded trails are not passable, otherwise we will hike the white trail. DIRECTIONS:
From Route 476 go to exit 5, US 1 South; proceed on US 1 South to PA 352 North (right turn) for about 3.5 miles, then make sharp
right turn at Gradyville Rd. Stay on Gradyville (bear right at fork). Once in the park, proceed to picnic area #17 parking lot. Please
be prepared for icy, snowy trail conditions. Refreshments will be served at end of hike. Leader: Ines Breen 267-420-2331,
[email protected].
Page 3
Tues., Mar 22
Harriet Wetherill Park
1:00 p.m.
3 miles
Class 1
(Rain date, Mar. 24) This gem of a park is 67 acres of picturesque landscape in Plymouth Township, Montgomery County. It
features walking paths, wooded areas, meadows, agricultural fields and a picnic pavilion. It is an easy hike but boots may be
necessary. Rainy weather cancels. Snacks and beverage at the end of the hike under the pavilion. The address is 2639 Narcissa
Rd. Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. DIRECTIONS: From Phila. take Germantown Ave. west (becomes Germantown Pike at
Northwestern Ave). Pass Joshua Rd. Turn right at next traffic light onto Butler Pike and go 0.7 mi. Bear left at the stop sign (an
awkward turn) onto Narcissa Rd. Go 0.3 mi to park entrance on the right. Proceed slowly to the parking lot. From 476 North
take exit 19. Ramp leads onto Chemical Rd. At second light turn right onto Germantown Pike. Keep left and at the first light
turn left onto Butler Pike and proceed as above. Leader: Anne Franks 610-828-2530, cell: 610- 955-9329.
Sat., Mar. 26
Pennypack Park and lunch
9:30 a.m.
6-7 miles
Class 2
This is a loop hike along the creek, and we will hike mostly off the paved trail. Some hills. Boots recommended. Meet at he
Pennypack parking lot on Pine Rd. Address: 8500 Pine Road, Philadelphia 19111. DIRECTIONS: From the PA Tpk take Willow
Grove exit 343 to merge onto PA-611 N toward Doylestown 0.9 mi; Sharp right onto Mill Rd 0.9 mi ; Turn right onto PA-263 S/S
York Rd 0.2 mi ; Turn left onto Terwood Rd 1.7 mi ; Turn left onto Edge Hill Rd 79 ft ; Turn right onto Terwood Rd 1.9 mi ; Turn
left onto PA-63 E 0.3 mi; Turn right onto PA-232 S 0.3 mi ; Slight right toward Moreland Rd/SR 2015/State Rte 2015 315 ft ;
Keep right to continue toward Moreland Rd/SR 2015/State Rte 2015 0.1 mi ; Continue onto Moreland Rd/SR 2015/State Rte 2015
0.9 mi ; Turn right onto Pine Rd. Destination will be on the right 1.5 mi. Bring water and snacks. All are welcome to join us for
lunch after the hike at our favorite local diner. Directions to diner will be given at the hike. Register in advance by Mar. 25 at 6:00
pm. for the hike and let us know if you plan to join us for lunch so we can make reservations. Rain cancels. Leaders: Dror and
Tirzah Rom 215-514-1310, [email protected].
Sun., March 27
Easter Sunday
No hike scheduled
April Hikes and Activities
Sat. Apr. 2,
Friends of the Rail Park Tour
10 a.m.
2 miles
Class 1
Center City Philadelphia. Join me for a 2-hour street level walking tour led by Michael Gardner, a volunteer from the Friends of
the Rail Park. I have been on this tour and it is fascinating! You will learn the history of the railroad and walk the projected site of
the trail to the beginning of Phase 1. “Friends of the Rail Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to cultivate visions and
advocate for a continuous three-mile linear park and recreation path in Philadelphia, connecting many neighborhoods and cultural institutions
to Fairmount Park along the historic elevated Reading Viaduct and City Branch rail cut of the former Philadelphia and Reading Railroad.”
Wear sneakers or hiking shoes. Hike will take place if light rain is predicted. Call leader if questions about weather. . $7-$10 +
honorarium per person required. For more info go to: http://www.therailpark.org. DIRECTIONS: Meet at the corner of N. 21 .
St. and Pennsylvania Ave. on the east side of the Rodin Museum. Consider car pool or taking public transportation. Leader:
Debby Lamb/215-896-5743, [email protected]. Register in advance – limit 20 hikers.
st
Sun., Apr. 3
Hibernia County Park, Coatesville
9:30 a.m.
8 miles
Class 2
We will hike the Hibernia Park trails, woodlands, meadows, and open fields. We will pass the Hibernia Mansion, home of 19th
century Ironmasters, and continue along the Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake. Some trails are quite steep and rocky. Hiking
shoes and poles are highly recommended. Bring water, snacks and/or lunch. We will meet at the parking lot beside the park
office. Address for GPS users: 1 Park Rd, Coatesville. DIRECTIONS: From PA Tpk, King of Prussia exit: Take US-202 S toward
West Chester (1.16 miles). Merge onto U.S. 30 W toward Downingtown Coatesville/ (10.74 miles). Take the exit toward
Coatesville Veterans Hospital (11.65 miles). Turn left onto Fisherville Rd. (0.09 miles). Turn right onto Reeceville Rd. (0.18
miles).Turn left onto E. Reeceville Road (1.65 miles). Keep straight , E Reeceville Rd. becomes Cedar Knoll Rd. (0.68 miles). Turn
left onto Park Rd. at the Hibernia park entrance (1.33 miles) and drive until you reach the park office. We will meet at the parking
lot by the office. Rain cancels. If in doubt or for other inquiries call Leaders: Ines Breen 267-420-2331 or Tirzah Rom 215-514-1310
on morning of hike.
Sat., April 9
Spring Luncheon (see information on Page 1 to sign up)
Sun., Apr. 10 Pinnacle & Pulpit Rock
9 a.m.
8.7 miles (elev. 1000 ft.)
Class 3
This is a challenging uphill hike with beautiful vistas and soaring hawks at the top, where we stop to eat lunch. If you can manage
some incline and one section where it is mostly rocks underfoot on the way up, then this is the hike for you! The way back is even
and gradual and forested green. Hiking boots, poles, snacks, plenty of water and lunch are necessary. This hike is moderately
paced with water/rest stops. It will take most of your Sunday, ending around 3 p.m. Carpooling option: Meet at Plymouth
Meeting Mall, nearest to Germantown Ave. side across from Whole Foods for 7:30 a.m. departure. Directions: Take I-476 north
(37 mi. from I-276). Take exit 56 for US 22 toward I-78 (0.7 mi). Keep left at the fork to continue toward U.S. 22 west and merge
onto US 22 west (1.5 mi). Merge onto I-78 west (15.9 mi). Take exit 35 for State Hwy 143 toward Lenhartsville (0.1) mi). Keep left at
the fork and follow signs for New Tripoli (92 ft.). Turn left at the "T" for Ontelaunee Trail/PA 143 (0.7 mi). Turn left at Mountain
Rd. (2.2 mi) opposite the steel bridge on your right. Stay on Mountain Rd. which twists and turns. After you pass Shaffer Lane on
the right the road comes to a fork (some buildings and a silo) where the sign is reversed (Monument Rd). Stay right at this
juncture to stay on Mountain Rd. even if the sign shows you the opposite! Turn right at Reservoir Rd. Go to end of the road
where there is a parking lot. Google maps or Mapquest directions may vary as you get close to the meeting site. Register in
advance. Leader: Debby Lamb 215-896-5743 (cell). Commitment by mid-week before the hike is really appreciated!
Page 4
Thu., Apr. 14
Cynwyd Trail/ Manayunk Bridge
10:00 a.m.
5 miles
Class 1
Easy Walker. Nice views of Manayunk and the Schuylkill transportation routes: River, canal, expressway, from the recently
opened trail on the old railroad bridge over the river. Meet at Bala Cynwyd Park off Belmont Ave., in Lower Merion about half
way between the Expressway and City Line Ave. Rain cancels. DIRECTIONS: From Manayunk or Schuylkill Expressway exit
338 Belmont Ave./Green Lane: take Belmont Ave. through West Manayunk to Llandrillo Rd. which is the first right after E.
Leverington Mill Rd. Then first right onto Trevor Lane and immediate right into parking lot of Bala Cynwyd Park. Coming from
Belmont and City Line, Llandrillo is first left after David Rd. Leader: George Racette 610-828-5198 or cell 610-547-6249 day of
hike.
Sat., Apr. 16
Brandywine Creek State Park
11:00 a.m.
6 miles
Class 2
A beautiful hike through rolling hills in mature forests on both sides of the river. Walking in the woods, some open areas and
along the river. There is also a small stream crossing (across Rocky Run Creek). Bring lunch, water, walking sticks, boots. We’ll
meet at the Nature Center/Park Office at 11 a.m. 41 Adams Dam Rd, Rockland, DE. There is a $8.00 charge per car (honor
system). Contact me for carpooling information. DIRECTIONS: I-95 South; Exit 8-B for US-202 N/Concord Pike; 0.8 miles - bear
right following signs for Foulk Rd; immediately keep left at the fork toward DE-141 S/Powder Mill Rd; 0.7 miles - left on
Children’s Dr.; 0.1 miles. Turn right on Rockland Rd; 1.6 miles late make a slight right onto Adams Dam Rd; 0.4 miles. Park
entrance on right. Follow road to the left to the Nature Center/Park Office parking lot. Restroom facilities at Nature Center and
on hike. Refreshments after hike. Register in advance. Leader: Carol Cameron-Sears 215-242-4256, cell 215-813-1703 (day of
hike), [email protected].
Sun., Apr. 17
Valley Forge National Park
10:00 a.m.
6 miles
Class 2
Montgomery County. We will hike The Chapel Trail and other trails. Bring snack or lunch.
Refreshments at the end of hike. Directions: From King of Prussia ( Rt.202, Schuylkill Expressway or Rt.23). Go west on Rt.23 to
Valley Forge Park past Valley Forge Chapel to Washington's Headquarters parking lot on your right. Leader: Auda
Gallagher, 267-613-8212, or 610-308-4811 (cell morning of hike) or [email protected].
Sat., April 23
Schuylkill Trail Bike Ride
10:00 a.m.
20 miles
Easy
Bike from Spring Mill train station to Valley Forge along paved trail. We peddle alongside the railroad tracks and the river, with
urban vistas giving way to tree-lined trails. We stop for lunch (and facilities) at the Betzwood picnic area of Valley Forge Park,
then head back the way we came. Though this is an easy ride, the length would be challenging for beginners. Meet in the parking
lot on Hector Street directly across from the Septa parking lot, between North Lane and Cedar Grove Lane. DIRECTIONS: For
complete directions go to googlemaps and find Spring Mill Fire Co., 1210 E. Hector Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428. Bring lunch,
snacks, plenty of water and a bike in good repair. Rain cancels. Leader: Carol Beam, 215-327-8021 (cell) or [email protected].
Register in advance.
Sun., Apr. 24
Spring Mystery Hike
1:00 p.m.
3-4 miles
Class 1
A mystery spring hike. Please check website for the venue for our plans to be announced at a later date. We hope it will include
some lovely spring flowers. As always, refreshments will follow the hike. Rain will cancel. Leaders: Jill and Buzz Wemple,
215-628-4163.
Wed., Apr. 27
Gwynedd Wildlife Preserve
11 a.m.
4 miles
Class 1
Our Gwynedd Wildlife Preserve is a 279-acre oasis of meadows, woodlands, and wetlands nestled among the highly developed
suburbs of Blue Bell and North Wales. After more than a century in agriculture, the preserve’s fields are being carefully restored.
A walk along the trails reveals a re-emerging ecosystem of native flora including warm-season grasses and native wildflowers.
Highlights include 7.5 miles of unpaved trails ranging from easy to moderate, grassland birds, red fox and eastern flying squirrel,
native grass meadows and woodlands. DIRECTIONS: North on Route 202 from Montgomery County Community College,
drive about 1/3 mile and make a left onto Township Line Road, drive 1/3 mile and make a right onto Swedesford Road, then
drive 1/2 mile and you will see the small parking lot on the left. Address is 640 S. Swedesford Rd.,Ambler, PA. Bring boots as it
may be muddy. Bring lunch. We will walk about two hours. Leader: Theresa McSpadden 215-872-2011 (cell).
Sat., Apr. 30
Historic Bethlehem
9:30 a.m.
6.5 - 7 miles
Class 1
Meet at the Ice House on Sand Island. After circling Sand Island between the Lehigh River and Canal to see a stunning view of
Bethlehem Steel Company ruins, hike along Monacacy Creek (where the founding Moravians built their mill, water works and
tannery) to Burnside Plantation, through Nature Center to the falls at Monacacy Park (built 1936 by CCC). Retracing our route, we
will detour into historic downtown Bethlehem for lunch at Bethlehem Brew Works. DIRECTIONS: Take 476 North to Exit 44
Quakertown, left on PA 663 East, left on PA 309, right on PA 378 North into Bethlehem, cross Hill to Hill Bridge, take exit toward
Main Street, right on fork at ramp, right on Main St, right on W. Church which becomes Main St., turn left to remain on Main St.,
then left to River Rd. Ice House is on left. If no parking spaces left, park near old train station which you will have just passed.
For GPS directions, use 56 River St Bethlehem PA 18018. Leader: Maureen Long 215-900-2512; [email protected]. Register in
advance.
Page 5
Sneak Peek at May Hikes
Sun., May 1
Delaware Water Gap
10 a.m.
10 miles
Class 3
Start out from the Worthington State Forest parking lot near Kittatinny Visitor Center, up to the summit of Mt. Tammany for view
of the Water Gap. We walk the Kittatinny ridge (Tammany Fire Rd) to Sunfish Pond (Natural Glacial Pond) and back along
Dunnfield Creek Trail. DIRECTIONS: On 80 East, cross over into NJ and take River Rd. in Hardwick. Exit from I-80 E (follow
signs for Kittatinny Visitor Center). Go past the visitor center, make left to cross under route 80, left again (it will look like you are
going back onto 80W), turn right into Worthington State Park parking area. Hiking boots recommended. Bring lunch, water and
snacks. This hike is for PTC members and guests only. Register in advance. Leaders: Karen & Chris Poli,
[email protected] or [email protected] or call 215-407-8507 or 215-694-4711. Rain cancels.
Sat. May 7
Evansburg State Park
9:00 a.m.
5 miles
Class 2
Hiking boots and water recommended. We will not be stopping for lunch but snack will be provided. DIRECTIONS: Evansburg
State Park can be reached from exit 31 off the PA Turnpike. Turn east on PA 63. Where PA 63 turns left, continue straight ahead
to a junction with PA 363. Turn right and drive 8.7 miles; then turn right on Germantown Pike at a traffic light. After 2.7 more
miles, and immediately beyond the Eight Arch Bridge over Skippack Creek (no sign), turn right. This is Skippack Creek Road
(again, no sign). Follow it to Mill Road and continue into the park on May Hall Road. Park near the picnic pavilion. Rain
Cancels. Register in advance. Leader: Terry Smith, cell: 610-547-0688.
Having fun and facing challenges on our
winter hikes…