About us
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
8
BATONA ANNUAL DINNER, 19406
Founding Farmers, 255 Main St Ste 180, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA, King of Prussia, PA, USANNUAL DINNER, 19406. Sadly, Kelly's Seafood Restaurant has closed for good. However, we are excited to announce that our Annual Dinner will now take place at Founding Farmers, 255 Main Street, King of Prussia, PA 19406 (40.083400, -75.405801). Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. The evening includes a presentation by Bambi, Becky, Paula, and Abbie of their recent 200 mile trek on the historic Primitivo route from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Because the Annual Dinner is at a new venue for BATONA, it is imperative that RSVP’s and payment are received no later than Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
RSVP: https://www.meetup.com/Batona-Hiking-Club/.
Email: Joan Finger, jzfinger@gmail.com to confirm attendance. The menu options are included below.
Cost: $25.00 per person.
Trail Maintainers, Leaders, Officers and their partners are invited as guests of BATONA at no charge. All other attendees please send a check for $25.00 per person made out to Joan Finger. On the bottom of the check write “For BATONA Annual Dinner.” Payment must be received no later than Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Please send check to Joan Finger, 303 Atwood Road, Glenside, PA 19038.
Guest count and menu selections will be finalized with your RSVP and your payment on September 30, 2026.
Again, please contact Joan Finger, jzfinger@gmail.com,
215-287-2074 to confirm your attendance and your menu choice.
MENU OPTIONS (choose one)
-Fried Chicken & Biscuit mashed potatoes, collard greens & cabbage
-Au Poivre Steak Frites* chives, béarnaise aioli
-Sausage, Mushroom & Amaretto Cream Ricotta Gnocchi
-Honey-Thyme Spatchcock Chicken mashed potatoes, green beans (Rotisserie Chicken at Founding Farmers Tysons and Alexandria with mashed potatoes, green beans, chicken jus)
-Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon* mashed potatoes, green beans
-Butternut Squash & Mascarpone Ravioli sage brown butter6 attendeesVALLEY FORGE RIVER TRAIL, 19460
Valley Forge River Trail, Paulings Road, 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.3 attendees
Past events
872
