Appalachian Mountain Club Delaware Valley Chapter

Join us on the trails at French Creek State Park at 9 AM.

We are starting at 9AM and finishing before 2 PM until the end of the summer. We are doing around 10 miles, so expect a 9 to 11 miles long hike at a moderate pace. We can reach the farthest trails in French Creek at this distance. This hike is rated "vigorous" only because of the length. It is not geared to be a workout hike. We will take time to stop for breaks at the top of hills and as needed to keep the group together.

Expect less than 2000 feet total elevation gain the whole hike.
The starting location is at the French Creek State Park Playground. This is 800 feet southwest of the Hopewell Lake boat ramp parking area going towards the park office. The GPS coordinates for the playground are: 40.1983077435609,-75.79114511944678. Modern bathrooms at the start. We meet there at 9:00 AM and leave soon after. We normally finish about 30 minutes before the stated end time.

Bring water plus a snack if desired. Wear cold weather gear as needed for the unprotected parking lot start and we will stop to de-layer once we start moving. I have only limited text and talking cell phone coverage in the park at the start.

I only cancel this hike due to adverse weather conditions which make it unsafe to drive or hike. Check Meetup comments. I'll update the AMC database status too.

Well behaved dogs can come on this hike if they can keep up with the group. Owners of dogs not on leashes will be asked to leave the hike. Please post a Meetup comment in advance if you are planning to bring your pet.

On-line registration in the AMC system is not required for this hike; While I find Meetup convenient, I welcome and reserve spaces for AMC members from the Outdoor Connector website (go to http://activities.outdoors.org/s? ) (Meetup is: https://www.meetup.com/Appalachian-Mountain-Club-Delaware-Valley-Chapter/ ). Update your RSVPs if your plans change. All participants will need to agree to and sign a paper AMC legal waver sheet just prior to the hike if you did not register on the AMC Outdoor Connector site.

Please note:
In order to comply with Pennsylvania Youth Protection Laws, all children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This policy applies for all events offered by the Delaware Valley Chapter as well as any other chapter events within the state of Pennsylvania.

Celebrate Easter by joining me for my hike series exploring Chester County Parks. Our new challenge is Brightside Farm, a 75-acre plot of preserved land off Yellow Springs Rd in Malvern, PA. A Horseshoe trail access point is across the street from the park.

Initial sign-up is on Meetup. Then help the AMC go paperless by following this link to register and complete the waiver form: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN0000010SN72AM/act00012796

The hike will be a lollipop: we will start on the Brightside Park paved trail, then move onto the Horseshoe trail for a 2.8 mile out-and-back through woods and, for a bit, paved roads in a neighborhood. We will retrace our steps along the lollipop stick and return to Brightside park to finish the paved trail circle. Expect the Horseshoe trail to be rocky at points, and it may be muddy if it has rained. There will be 400 ft of elevation gain.

Wear sturdy shoes and clothing layers appropriate to the temperature. Bring water, maybe a snack and definitely a smile. We will have a small, post-hike hot beverage and treat in the parking lot following the hike.

Poor weather? Check Meetup at 7:30am to see if the trip has canceled. If you decide to opt out, please remove yourself from the hike on Meetup so another person can have your spot.

In order to comply with Pennsylvania Youth Protection Laws, all children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This policy applies for all events offered by the Delaware Valley Chapter as well as any other chapter events within the state of Pennsylvania.

Sourland Spring Easter Hike
Start Location: Parking lot, 421 E Mountain Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, US (40.473861, -74.69429)
As usual, we will circulate the largest trail loop within the park counterclockwise, passing Devil's Half Acre and Roaring Rocks (brook). Expect 65F, partly cloudy, many other hikers. About 6 miles, some portions rocky, forested. Boots recommended, bring water, snacks. No dogs, please. Assemble at traihead kiosk. Parking likely to be tight, persevere. Keep mobile phone # for reference: Stanton de Riel 609.731.3882
If possible, please sign up on Outdoors Connector: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN0000011iZV2AY/act00012917