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- LEHIGH GAP NATURE CENTER, 18080LEHIGH GAP NATURE CENTER, 18080, Slatington, PA
12+ miles. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Lehigh Gap Nature Center, 8844 Paint Mill Rd, Slatington, PA 18080 (40.784134, -75.609145). Challenging ascent on rocky footing to hike the ridge on the Appalachian Trail. Climb over a mile of boulders with 360° views at the top and switchback down the mountain with panoramic vistas along the way. Elevation gain of 1869 feet. Hiking boots and hiking poles with rubber tips recommended. Bring 2 liters of water plus lunch & snacks to stay energized. RSVP required at https://www.meetup.com/Batona-Hiking-Club/ or by contacting 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. - TREXLER NATURE CENTER, 18078TREXLER 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 difficult 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. - BATONA ANNUAL HIKE AND PICNIC/DELCO WOODS HIKE, 19063DELCO WOODS, Broomall, PA
4 miles. For the hike, meet at 10:00 a.m. at the gravel parking lot on Reed Road, Broomall, PA 19008 (39.958650, -75.350781), across and a little down the road from Home Depot . There will be a short hike on the grounds of the former Don Guanella property, now named DELCO Woods, then on to the picnic with plenty of good food and socializing. Leader will provide written directions from DELCO Woods to the picnic.
Picnic starts at 1:00 p.m. at 712 Centennial Avenue, Media, PA 19063 (39.926819, -75.391329). Please bring your own camp chair. We provide the food. RSVP by Friday, 5/31/2025 at https://www.meetup.com/Batona-Hiking-Club/ or contact Leader. Cost: $10.00. Make check out to BATONA Hiking Club and mail to BATONA Hiking Club, c/o Abbie Wysor, 423 N. Jackson Street, Media, PA 19063. Leader: Abbie Wysor, 610-742-5967, abbiewysor@gmail.com;
Co-Leader: Gary Sawyer, muddyboots@comcast.net.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. - STEPS OF MANAYUNK, EVENING HIKE, 19126SEPTA - Wissahickon Station, Manayunk, PA
6 miles and 1500 steps. Depart 7:00 p.m. from Wissahickon Station parking lot, 5017 Ridge Avenue (40.016346, -75.210290). 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, 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.
