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 (4+)
See all- VALLEY GREEN MEMORIAL HIKE FOR PAUL PIECHOSKI.G & R (Germantown and Rex), Philadelphia, PA
12 miles. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Germantown & Rex Aves. (40.07789, -7520916). We will hike into Valley Green from the meeting spot. The hike will be approximately 12 miles on both sides of the Wissahickon Creek. This is a Memorial hike in recognition of Paul Piechoski, who gave so much to this area and to the BATONA Hiking Club. If there is interest after the hike, we can stop at a local restaurant/bar. Any questions please contact the hike 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. - FRENCH CREEK STATE PARK, 19520.French Creek , Everson, PA
12-14 miles. Moderately strenuous. Meet at 9:00 a.m. In the small parking lot (40.198346, -75.793518) just before you get to Park Office, 843 Park Road, Everson, PA. Enter the park by the South Entrance Road and follow the road until it dead ends. Turn right into the small lot. If lot is full, we will park in large lot behind the Park Office. We will explore some of the western side of the park before heading east and hiking the Mill Creek and Lenape trails. Some hilly, steep trails and muddy and wet areas. Hiking Boots recommended. Bring lunch and water. Cost $1.00. RSVP required at https://www.meetup.com/Batona-hiking-club/ or by contacting leader. 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. - VALLEY FORGE RIVER TRAIL, 19460.Valley Forge National Historical Park, Valley Forge , PA
6–8 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. - TREXLER NATURE CENTER, 18078.TREXLER NATURE CENTER, 18078, Schnecksville, PA
14 miles. Meet at 8:30 a.m. in parking lot at 4935 Orchard Rd. Schnecksville, PA. 18078 (40.655325, -75.614574). A moderately challenging hike around the border and inner loops with ongoing elevation changes. Enjoy rolling hills, a stream crossing and panoramic views. There is a chance of seeing elk and bison. Hiking boots/shoes, poles and sunscreen recommended. Bring 2 liters of water plus lunch and snacks for peak energy. RSVP required at https://www. Meetup.com/batona-hiking-club/ or contact leader. Cost $1.00. Leader: Denise Shamro, call/text 610-955-4486 or message via Meetup.
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.
