What we’re about
This group is for folks 40+ who are new or are returning to hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and camping. Absolutely no experience is required, and all hikes are easy to moderate. Our hope is to foster a love of nature, a passion for being outdoors, and a spirit of camaraderie with like minded friends. This isn't a "singles" group; we welcome married, single, partnered folks and we celebrate diversity by being open and accepting to persons of diverse backgrounds.
Please check the rating for each event listed. If you are a fast hiker (a "rabbit"), you will hike up front at your own pace. If you are an average/moderate hiker (a "turbit"), you will hike in the middle of the pack at your own pace. If you are a slower hiker (a "turtle"), you will hike in the back at your own pace with the hike leader. Some hikes are only designed for turtles. If you are a Turbit or Rabbit, you may get frustrated by the slow pace. Some hikes are designed for Turbits and Rabbits; please don't sign up for those if you are a Turtle. Check the listing, ask the hike leader, and be honest about your ability.
We are volunteers and are not liable for your health, poor planning, accidents, or, yikes, death. By hiking with us, you agree you are in control of your abilities. Hike leaders may ask you to sign a release waiver, but, even if they don't, registering for the hike means you are releasing the event leader and MeetUp from all liability, including injury and death.
Attendance is important in case of emergencies on an adventure. Being a "no-show" means that another person couldn't attend. 3 "no-shows" will result in being removed from the group.
Hike Leaders:
**We are always looking for hike leaders. Please email Beth if you are interested!
Beth "Squeak" RG is the hike leader for "Turtle" hikes. She is a long distance backpacker on the Appalachian Trail, a Girl Scout Leader & Outdoor Adventures trainer, bagpiper, and the creator/organizer/leader for PA Restart and Palmerton Outdoors. Previously, when she lived in NJ, she was the CO of Restart New Jersey for 10 years. She is a member of the ATC, AMC, Sierra Club and is a past Board member of the Appalachian Long Distance Hiker Association. She serves as an Outdoor Leadership Trainer for the Girl Scouts of Eastern PA and volunteers yearly at Harriman State Park. She has a passion for getting "unlikely" hikers out onto the trail. Her hikes are always designed with new hikers in mind. Her hikes tend to be short (~ 3 miles) and are reasonably flat with smaller inclines. She also offers backpacking, camping, snowshoeing, and flat and Class 1 Rapid paddle kayak activities.
Heather O. is the hike leader for "Turbit" and "Rabbit" hikes. She has hiked and backpacked all over the world. Her hikes tend to be a little longer and rugged, but well worth the effort! She also maintains the attendance rosters for hikes.
There are other hiker leaders that volunteer to lead events. Please read their descriptions carefully :-)
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Pennsylvania State Park Series: Fall Foliage Hike at Marsh Creek State ParkMarsh Creek State Park , Downingtown, PA
Welcome to the Pennsylvania State Park Hiking Series! I made it my goal to hike all 124 Pennsylvania State Parks. I thought some of the group might like to join me!
If you are interested in getting a PA State Park "passport" to record your hikes and get your stamps/stickers, you can purchase them at some of the state parks or it is available at:
PA State Parks PassportHikes will be at a "turtle" pace. Faster hikers are welcome to join; you can either bring your own guidance/maps and hike ahead, or hang out with the turtles if it won't frustrate you too much!
This hike will be at Marsh Creek State Park. Current foliage maps show it should be at peak foliage around this date...so keep your fingers crossed! Marsh Creek State Park is a 1784-acre park containing the 535-acre March Creek Lake in north central Chester County.
We will be hiking the Marsh Creek North Loop Trail, which is a 5.3-mile loop trail with a moderate rating and 561 ft of elevation gain. Recent trail conditions state that this trail can get crowded and is a bit overgrown in parts. Boots and trekking poles are recommended. Always pack water! I have not hiked this trail myself, but I will use AllTrails for guidance. It does appear that there are opportunities to make the hike shorter with some different side trails.
Link to the Alltrails map:
Marsh Creek North Loop HikePlease use the AllTrails map for the correct coordinates. The park map in the description will not lead you to the correct starting location. There looks to be a parking lot very close to the trail head, as well as bathroom facilities.
If you do not have AllTrails, the coordinates listed for the trail head are:
40.06472, -75.73037I'm always open to finding a local place for lunch and refreshment after our hikes.
Steady rains or storms will cancel this hike. Light rain/drizzle will not! Please check the chat and the posts on the morning before you head out to be sure the trip is still on!
