Philly Trail Wanderers

This mountain side hike will be in an old paper mill forest turned into preserved county park with scenic river views and ravines.
Previously, this land was owned by the Warren Manufacturing Company. The county acquired much of the property in 1977, and smaller parcels have since been added, bringing the total area of the preserve to 523 acres. The trails at the park are designed for hiking only.
This oak-hickory forest is a major food source for wildlife. Gray Squirrels and White-tailed Deer are common residents, and evidence of Black Bears in the park has been recorded. Legend has it the rare and elusive sabre tooth squirrel rooms the woods. The ravines located in the park provide excellent habitat for reptiles and amphibians the rocky areas with moss and ferns growing around them.
The Ridge trail is part of the New Jersey Highland Trail that goes from PA to NY.

This is a local favorite with about 9 miles on a variety of all types of terrain conditions, including one Invigorating 800 foot rocky climb with undulating terrain.
There will be easy sections and challenging sections, including an Old gravel railroad bed,loose rocks,roots,mud,and water crossings.
There will be rocks! Ankle turners and toe biters!
There will be Cascading water falls.
Bring water and a snack, will make brief stops to take in views.
Be alert to the weather during winter, have a traction device available for slippery conditions.
No Facilities are available. Please no Pets.
Will cancel for unpleasant weather.
Use Pin on Event page for directions.

Note that your Host is not a tour guide, you are responsible for your own safety and well being.
By signing up for this hike, you know that hiking poses risks and you will not hold me or Meetup liable for injury, damages, or death.

Info:
https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/ParkAreas/MusconetcongGorge/brochure.pdf

https://njtrails.org/trail/musconetcong-gorge/#simpleContained6
Info:

From riverside to farm fields to historic towns, the Delaware Canal State Park has ever-changing scenery along its corridor.
A former sand and gravel quarry, Giving Pond is now a quiet, 50-acre body of water nestled between the Delaware River and the Delaware Canal. An ideal spot for paddling, fishing, birding, and more, the recreation area is a hidden gem and the newest addition to Delaware Canal State Park.

With picturesque views of the Delaware river, which is 330 miles in length the longest, free-flowing river east of the Mississippi and serves as a major migration corridor for birds and fish like American shad.
The 65-mile segment of the Lower Delaware River and selected tributaries are part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Systems. This designation recognizes free-flowing rivers with exceptional natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources.

This easy out and back of about 6 miles will be on Historic and Scenic D & L Trail (Canal Tow Path).
Trail is gravel, loop around Giving Pond has slightly uneven spots.
Will Stop at Historic Uhlerstown covered bridge built in 1855.
There will be brief stops at various spots around Giving Pond.
Be alert to the weather during winter, have a traction device available for slippery conditions.
Facilities available.
Will cancel for inclement weather.
Please no Pets.
Use Pin on event page for directions.

Note that your Host is not a tour guide, you are responsible for your own safety and well being.
By signing up for this hike, you know that hiking poses risks and you will not hold me or Meetup liable for injury, damages, or death.

Info:
https://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=1737689&DocName=DECA_ParkGuide.pdf

It may seem like an impossible task but most of our trail systems were built, and continue to be maintained by volunteer effort. The Appalachian Trail was cut and maintained largely through the work of local hiking clubs, many of which still maintain sections of the trail today. One such club, the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club can trace its founding in the early 20th century to a rock outcropping atop Blue Mountain in Berks County. Eagle's Nest is one of the quieter vistas along the AT, and best visited in the colder months.

This will be a more difficult hike up the Tom Lowe Trail and the AT to Eagle's Nest vista, returning along the Sand Springs Trail. Together this will make for an approximately 9-10 mile loop with ~1200 feet of elevation gain. Sections of the trail are very rough, rocky and steep.

We will be starting at 9am from the PA SGL 110 parking area on Northkill Road. Ensure you are on time. Once we start hiking I will not be able to check for anyone arriving late.

Link to AllTrails map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/eagle-s-nest-via-sand-spring-and-tom-lowe-trails-loop

Event will cancel for severe weather.