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
5
VALLEY FORGE (LONG HIKE), 19460
VALLEY FORGE (LONG HIKE), 19460, Valley Forge Visitor Center, Valley Forge, PA, US15 miles. Meet at 8:15 a.m. at the Valley Forge Visitor Center main parking lot (40.101271, -75.425468). Join us on our classic and traditional hike through this historical area. Hike on a variety of trails in deep woods and over open meadows and sweeping vistas. Bring lunch and water. Fast paced hike. RSVP required at https://www.meetup.com/Batona-Hiking-Club/ or by contacting 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.14 attendees
BRYN COED PRESERVE, 19426
BRYN COED PRESERVE, 19426, 1869 Flint Road, Chester Springs, PA, US8 - 10 miles. Meet at 8:00 a.m. in parking lot at 1869 Flint Road, Chester Springs, PA (40.129627, -75.607944). We will be hiking through open fields and woods in this lovely Natural Lands Trust. Terrain is mostly flat, mostly sunny with periods of shade and can sometimes be muddy so wearing hiking shoes is recommended. Face mask optional. RSVP required at httpss://meetup.com/Batona-Hiking-Club/ or by contacting leader. Limit 15 participants, including leader. Bring snack and water. Cost $1.00. Leader: Natalie Kostlelni, 610-331-0387, 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.11 attendees
30th STREET STATION TO CHESTNUT HILL, 19104
30th STREET STATION TO CHESTNUT HILL, 19104, Germantown Ave & Evergreen Ave, Chestnut Hill, PA, USAbout 16 miles. Meet at 7:15 at the (west) Chestnut Hill SEPTA Train Station (Germantown and Evergreen Avenues) for the first morning train to 30th Street Station. (Currently the West line is listed at 7:15 a.m., but schedule might change after this is published and an updated time will be posted to Meetup.) For those who want to join us in Center City, please assemble by 8:00 a.m. inside 30th Street Station at the large PA Railroad WWII Memorial Sculpture on the Center City side of the station. This is a classic, traditional Batona hike. We traverse Fairmount Park and walk mostly on trails within the largest city park in the world. The terrain is level to hilly and rocky. We will finish at Germantown and Rex in Chestnut Hill, and public transportation back to Center City is available on both Chestnut Hill train lines and the 23 Bus. Ice or accumulating snow cancels. In the event this hike is not practical due to public transportation problems, the leader may substitute a loop hike on trails along the Wissahickon Creek that will originate at the Chestnut Hill West Train Station. Any changes (including last minute) will be posted on Meetup. Cost: $1.00 plus train fare. RSVP required at https://www.meetup.com/Batona-Hiking-Club/ or by contacting leader. Leader: Bruce Melgary, 215-498-0472, bmelgary@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.9 attendeesLUMS POND, 19701
LUMS POND, 19701, 1068 Howell School Road, Bear, DE, USMeet at 10:00 a.m. at Nature Center Area 5 parking lot (not park office /store). GPS (39.56398, -75.72977). Parking is on the left of toll booth, and there is no fee in January. We will be hiking the Swamp Forest trail, which circles the pond. Lums Pond is Delaware’s largest millpond. The trail weaves through diverse habitats along the pond’s edge. RSVP required at https://www.meetup.com-BatonaHiking-Club/ or by contacting leader. Cost $1.00. Leader: Gary Sawyer, 484-478-2607.
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.13 attendees
Past events
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