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 (http://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 (http://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 http://www.batona.wildapricot.org .

Please join us for a beautiful hike in the woods.

Upcoming events (4+)

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SAND SPRING LOOP TRAIL, 19554

Sat, Jun 10, 2023, 9:00 AM UTC

SAND SPRING LOOP TRAIL, 19554

Appalachian Trail Con, Hamburg, PA 19526

7 miles. Meet Leader at 9:30 a.m. in parking area at end of Forge Dam Road, (GPS[masked], [masked]), north of the Shartlesville exit off I-78. See the unusual Sand Spring on this loop hike. We will stop for lunch at an AT shelter where thru-hikers have left their travel logs. Sections of the trail are rocky and we have a modest 600' streamside climb to reach the AT. Bring lunch and water, hiking boots recommended. RSVP https://www.meetup.com/Batona-Hiking-Club/ or contact Leader. Limit 10 participants. Cost $1.00. Leader: Gary Sawyer,[masked], [masked]. Leader does not monitor Meetup site so contact him directly with any questions.

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.

Susy
James D.
3 attendees

PENNYPACK/LORIMER PARKS, 19152

Sun, Jun 25, 2023, 9:45 AM UTC

PENNYPACK/LORIMER PARKS, 19152

PENNYPACK - LORIMER PARKS, 19152

10-12 miles. Depart at 9:45 a.m. from the north side of Benton Avenue just west of Bustleton Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia [masked], [masked]). Hike trails on both sides of the Pennypack Creek in these pretty urban parks. The parks are home to and visited by more than 150 species of birds as well as a large variety of mammals. Bring lunch and water. Lunch will be at the picnic grove in Lorimer Park (picnic tables and restrooms). RSVP https://www.meetup.com/Batona-Hiking-Club/ or contact Leader. Face masks are optional. Limit 15 participants. Cost: $1.00. Leader: Barry Shapiro,[masked], [masked].

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.

Barry S.
Denise S.
Kate F.
15 attendees

MANAYUNK STEPS, EVENING HIKE, 19126

Wed, Jun 28, 2023, 7:00 PM UTC

MANAYUNK STEPS, EVENING HIKE, 19126

Wissahickon Station

6 miles and 1500 steps. Depart 7:00 p.m. from Wissahickon Station parking lot, 5017 Ridge Avenue [masked], [masked]). Come out and do the "ups" and "downs" of Manayunk on many sets of steps. This is a moonlight hike, but don't count on a lot of natural light. It is essential to bring your own flashlight. RSVP https://www.meetup.com/Batona-Hiking-Club/ or call Leader. Cost: $1.00. Leader: Mike Hughes,[masked], [masked].

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.

Denise S.
Mike H.
Sara C.
14 attendees

LEADERS MEETING, 19063

Thu Jun 29 2023 23:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time), Thu Jun 29 2023 23:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) UTC

LEADERS MEETING, 19063

Link visible for attendees

This will be a Zoom only meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. This meeting is where we finalize our upcoming hike schedule. BATONA members who are considering leading or co-leading hikes or who want to become involved in general club business are encouraged to attend. If interested in Zoom participation, please contact Abbie, [masked],[masked].

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.