What we’re about
BATONA Hiking Club of Philadelphia was founded in 1928. The name is derived from the phrase “Back To Nature,” indicating its original (and current) purpose: to enable people, who spend most of their time indoors, to experience the natural environment through hiking. Today, BATONA Hiking Club retains the same adventurous spirit of discovery and camaraderie that inspired its founders. Every weekend the club offers both long and short hikes within a reasonable driving distance of Philadelphia in state and local parks in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey. DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON ANY BATONA HIKE. For information about specific hikes, directions to trailhead, and weather advisories/cancellations, please contact hike leader listed for each scheduled hike or refer to Meetup or www.batona.wildapricot.org.
BATONA also helps to maintain segments of the Batona Trail, the Horse-Shoe Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. Trail maintenance is usually scheduled in Spring and Autumn. Work generally involves clearing brush from trails and painting blazes. All are welcome on hikes, trail maintenance activities, and other Club functions. All hikes and Club activities are listed in the schedule.
Each hike description includes the length of the hike, the location (address/GPS coordinates) of the trailhead, and a brief description of the terrain and level of difficulty. Hikers are expected to arrange their own transportation to the trailhead. Where once BATONA arranged carpool transportation to hikes, this is no longer an option. The hike leader will ALWAYS meet hikers at the meeting place, rain or shine, unless the hike description specifically states "rain cancels." Please check this meetup website or www.batona.wildapricot.org for last minute changes due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, especially if the trailhead is at a great distance.
BATONA is a membership club with an annual dues of $3.00. This includes a three month, online schedule, with weekly reminders of upcoming hikes, trail maintenance, vacations, and other events. There is a nominal charge of $1.00 for every hike. Membership is not required to participate in our activities. BATONA attracts a diverse group of people of all ages (under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian). For detailed information about membership, please refer to www.batona.wildapricot.org.
Please join us for a beautiful hike in the woods.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- FRENCH CREEK STATE PARK, 19520 - NEW DATEFrench Creek , Everson, PA
DUE TO HIKE LEADER'S SCHEDULE CONFLICT ON SUNDAY, SEPT 21, WE WILL NOW JOIN ALLENTOWN HIKING CLUB ON SATURDAY, SEPT 20. PLEASE NOTE WE WILL MEET AT THE HOPEWELL LAKE BOAT LAUNCH.
Thank you to Paula Uhrin for letting us join her hike!12-15 miles. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Hopewell Lake Boat Launch, which is just down the road from the Park Office, 843 Park Road, Elverson, PA.
We'll cover trails in both French Creek State Park and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, including both Hopewell Lake and Scotts Run Lake and trails on both sides of Route 345. Trails are rocky and hilly and could be muddy and therefore sturdy hiking boots are recommended. Please bring at least 2 liters of water plus lunch and snacks. Steady rain cancels. Allentown hike leader: Paula Uhrin, Batona hike leader: Abbie Wysor.Trail map can be found here:
http://www.docs.dcnr.pa.gov/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_004691.pdfRSVP required for BATONA members at https://www.meetup.com/Batona-hiking-club/ or by contacting BATONA leader: Abbie Wysor, 610-742-5967, abbiewysor@gmail.com.
ABOUT US:
BATONA Hiking Club is more than a Meetup group. In existence since 1928, the Club welcomes a diverse group of people. Hike trails in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey. Opportunities for hike leadership and skill development are available. The Club also maintains sections of the Appalachian Trail, the Batona Trail, and the Horse-Shoe Trail. Dogs are not allowed on any hikes. Club membership is $3.00 annually. To become a BATONA member please visit www.batona.wildapricot.org. - TREXLER NATURE CENTER, 18078.TREXLER NATURE CENTER, 18078, Schnecksville, PA
14 miles. Meet at 8:30 a.m. in parking lot at 4935 Orchard Rd. Schnecksville, PA. 18078 (40.655325, -75.614574). A moderately challenging hike around the border and inner loops with ongoing elevation changes. Enjoy rolling hills, a stream crossing and panoramic views. There is a chance of seeing elk and bison. Hiking boots/shoes, poles and sunscreen recommended. Bring 2 liters of water plus lunch and snacks for peak energy. RSVP required at https://www. Meetup.com/batona-hiking-club/ or contact leader. Cost $1.00. Leader: Denise Shamro, call/text 610-955-4486 or message via Meetup.
ABOUT US:
BATONA Hiking Club is more than a Meetup group. In existence since 1928, the Club welcomes a diverse group of people. Hike trails in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey. Opportunities for hike leadership and skill development are available. The Club also maintains sections of the Appalachian Trail, the Batona Trail, and the Horse-Shoe Trail. Dogs are not allowed on any hikes. Club membership is $3.00 annually. To become a BATONA member please visit www.batona.wildapricot.org. - NEW DATE! VALLEY FORGE RIVER TRAIL, 19460.Valley Forge National Historical Park, Valley Forge , PA
6–8 miles. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at VFNHP RIVER TRAIL PARKING LOT on Pawlings Road at the Schuylkill River, Phoenixville (40.113962, -75.469880). The river trail runs along the North side of the Schuylkill River at Valley Forge National Historical Park. It is an out and back trail that is mostly flat and can be muddy in sections. We will explore the main trail as well as other trails that extend from the main trail. Bring lunch and water, Cost $1.00. Limit 15 participants including the leader. RSVP required at https://www.meetup.com/Batona-Hiking-Club/ or by contacting leader. Leader: Natalie Kostelni, 610-3310387, nataliekos@aol.com.
ABOUT US:
BATONA Hiking Club is more than a Meetup group. In existence since 1928, the Club welcomes a diverse group of people. Hike trails in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey. Opportunities for hike leadership and skill development are available. The Club also maintains sections of the Appalachian Trail, the Batona Trail, and the Horse-Shoe Trail. Dogs are not allowed on any hikes. Club membership is $3.00 annually. To become a BATONA member please visit www.batona.wildapricot.org. - ANNUAL DINNER, 19115. PLEASE SEE UPDATED PAYMENT OPTIONS:Kelly's Seafood Restaurant, Philadelphia, 19115, PA
We return to Kelly's Seafood Restaurant, 9362 Old Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19115 (40.08395, -75.03839), for our 97th ANNUAL DINNER. The evening includes a presentation by Val Korszniak of his 5-decade AT adventures. Kelly’s serves fine food at reasonable cost in a private room. Social Hour at 7:00 p.m., dinner at 7:45 p.m. There is a cash bar. PLEASE BRING $25.00 PER PERSON CASH OR CHECK made out to BATONA Hiking Club to the dinner. Please contact Abbie Wysor, 610-7425967, abbiewysor@gmail.com and confirm that you intend to attend and will pay at the dinner.
ABOUT US:
BATONA Hiking Club is more than a Meetup group. In existence since 1928, the Club welcomes a diverse group of people. Hike trails in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey. Opportunities for hike leadership and skill development are available. The Club also maintains sections of the Appalachian Trail, the Batona Trail, and the Horse-Shoe Trail. Dogs are not allowed on any hikes. Club membership is $3.00 annually. To become a BATONA member please visit www.batona.wildapricot.org.
