Appalachian Mountain Club Delaware Valley Chapter

To sign up, add yourself to this Meetup posting, then click on https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN0000012UO1/act00012987 to complete your registration.

Join us for an engaging, moderately-paced loop hike on the Springfield Trail.

This 4.6-mile adventure offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area surrounding Smedley Park. We'll go through pleasant woodlands, potentially following the course of a stream, with a diverse mix of well-maintained trails. Footing may occasionally be uneven. The hike connects two sections of park, and the 1/2 mile connectors include a busy road as well as neighborhood roads.

The hike features gradual elevation changes, totaling around 500 feet. The loop format ensures a continuously changing panorama as we make our way back to our starting point.

Be sure to wear sturdy hiking footwear suitable for varied terrain. Bring ample water, energy-rich snacks, and dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions. No dogs, please.

To reach Smedley Park, enter off Baltimore Pike onto Papermill Rd. Pass the first small parking lot on the left, then cross the railroad tracks and park in the 2nd lot on the left in front of the playground. (39.915668, -75.358209) If you use coordinates, navigate using Google maps for best results. NOTE: The Meetup address takes you past hike parking. Follow the directions in text.

Please arrive by 4:45pm for a prompt start time of 5pm. If the hike is canceled for weather or other reasons, please check Meetup beginning at 3pm.

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.

The 520 acre Bryn Coed Preserve opened in 2018 after numerous deed restricted transfers from a larger original parcel. Within the remaining preserve is a five or so mile walk, relatively easy, without too many hills. There is always a bit of mud and several trails do have a decided cant. The specimen oak in the hike picture is also worth seeing. This can be done in sneakers. Not the expensive ones as there may be the aforementioned mud.

Please bring water and calories for two ish hours in the woods. Charged cell phones are always a good idea. Much of this hike is in open fields, a consideration on a sunny day. Facilities are non-existent. Mobile coverage is decent. Parking is limited. Although AMC has a new sign in mechanism, please consider signing up on Meetup as it allows rapid communication in case of rain or other catastrophe, allows better vetting of the hike, lets other hikers see who is coming .

No one under 18 years of age, please. Rain cancels. I will post at least 2 hours ahead of time. Questions, concerns, anxiety - George at 484-919-6000.

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.

Moderate paced hike on the paved path loop, and possibly going across a meadow. 5 - 6 miles. Meet at 3 PM at the Valley Forge Visitor Center Lower Parking Lot near the Restrooms and Bike Rental. Bring water. Heavy rain, heat advisory, snowstorm or lightning/thunder cancels.
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.