THE ALMOST FALL 20s & 30s SHORELINE-TO-SKYLINE FROLIC

This first-time 6-mile hike begins at scenic Leaser Lake in northwest Lehigh County, climbs a mountain on graded dirt roads, and ends with an hour’s walk down a mostly level piece of the great Appalachian Trail. Then we’ll conclude the day’s affairs at a historic trailside eatery/pub. With outdoor seating and a view of the woods! (Any 20s & 30s-designated Chapter activity is open to adults of all ages.)

Should the weather gods cooperate, we’ll look for hints of fall color and enjoy a refreshing breeze and comfortably warm temperatures at the 1600’ elevation of Blue Mountain. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for summer or early fall. Though this hike is not technical, it gains a respectable 1,100 feet in elevation, and poles may be helpful.

If you haven’t yet hiked on the Appalachian Trail, our 2.1-mile sample stretch offers a pleasant introduction to the 2,200-mile footpath: minor ups and downs, scattered rocks, and abundant deep-woods beauty. This is also known bear habitat, so we’ll sing as we walk and stay alert! (Just kidding about the singing; not about the possibility of bear sightings.)

Our first two miles from Leaser Lake involve some easy ascents on a well-maintained footpath through meadows and woodlands, never far from the shoreline of the 117-acre lake. The climb becomes a bit tougher as we traverse two low-traffic dirt roads during a gradual ascent to the Appalachian Trail at the ridgeline of Blue Mountain. Then onto the AT northbound towards Maine!

Please note: Due to the point-to-point routing of the hike, we’ll need a few volunteer participants to help drive all hikers from our meeting location (near the endpoint of our hike) to our start at the lake. Once we complete the hike, we’ll need yet another driver to shuttle our original volunteer drivers back to their cars. Driving time from our meeting location to Lake Leaser is approximately ten minutes. Though the shuttles add time to the day, they let us offer a more rewarding hike.

When all is finished, our optional post-hike social at Thunderhead Lodge can begin! This hiker-friendly restaurant offers a full menu, a nice selection of adult beverages, and has provided the AT community with comfort services for decades. With any luck, we’ll grab a couple of outdoor tables, place our orders, and let the fun continue.

Please meet by 12:45 PM at the PA Game Commission parking area for State Game Lands #217 to arrange our 1 PM car shuttle to Leaser Lake. It is located off the northbound lanes of Route 309 at the summit of Blue Mountain. (Turn right from 309 North into parking area.)

Any form of extreme weather could alter or cancel the hike. If status in question, phone/text leader by 12 PM. Leader Welles Lobb 610-709-4455.

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.