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
18
NEW DATE!! - CHESLEN PRESERVE, LONG HIKE, 19032.
CHESLEN PRESERVE, LONG HIKE, 19032, Route 162 at Scott & Kelsall Roads, Unionville, PA, USTHIS HIKE WILL NOW TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2. Hike leader will not yet have returned from hiking the AT in Virginia on October 26, the original scheduled date of the hike.
15 miles. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in small lot on Rte. 162 at south end of ChesLen. From Rte.1, follow Rte. 82 north into Unionville. Turn right onto Rte. 162 and continue until you pass Scott Road/Kelsall Road. Lot will be on the right (39.908068, -75.735500). Explore this beautiful preserve, with its varied terrain and ecology. Located near the Laurels, this property was part of King Ranch. Parts of the preserve strongly resemble our traditional King Ranch hike. Some muddy, wet areas. We will cross several suspended bridges. ChesLen has improved and re-opened a beautiful, new trail (blazed blue) near the northern end of the preserve. Face mask optional. Bring lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Boots recommended. RSVP required at https://www.meetup.com/Batona-Hiking-Club/ or by contacting leader. Cost: $1.00. 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.15 attendees
VALLEY FORGE RIVER TRAIL, 19460
VFNHP RIVER TRAIL PARKING LOT, Pawlings Road at the Schuylkill River, Phoenixville, PA, US6–8 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.5 attendees
PULPIT TO PINNACLE, 19526
PULPIT TO PINNACLE, 19526, 2567 Hawk Mountain Rd., Kempton, PA, US14 miles. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at 2567 Hawk Mountain Rd. Kempton, PA. 19526 (40.633757, -75.960841), where the AT trail marker is located. Come and enjoy the views from the Pulpit and Pinnacle lookouts. Most of the time we will be on Appalachian Trail with a bypass to the Hamburg reservoir. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. RSVP required at https://www.meetup.com/Batona-hiking-Club/ or by contacting leader. Cost $1.00. Leader Mike Hughes 267-784-5756, deecrismel@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.3 attendees
RIDLEY CREEK STATE PARK, 19063
RIDLEY CREEK STATE PARK, 19063, 1023 Sycamore Mills Rd, Media, PA, US12-14 miles. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at trailhead. Enter park on Gradyville Road, follow signs to Park Office/Mansion. Park near Hunting Hill Mansion (39.950330, -75.451780). Meet near the signboard to begin hike. Hike through most of this beautiful park, including the less visited western portion. Some muddy and wet areas. Boots recommended. Bring lunch, snacks and water. RSVP required at https://www.meetup.com/Batona-Hiking-Club/ or by contacting leader. Cost $1,00. 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.4 attendees
Past events
839
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