January & February Hikes....and More

Our weather has been unpredicatable -- unseasonably warm for the time of year followed by a snow storm just a few days later. Quite the rollercoaster! When we're enjoying some of the good stretches, why not give winter hiking a try? Hikes are scheduled in January and February, but for good weather only. Check the phone number after each hike for keeping track of if a hike is canceled.

Gold Mine Mountain Special
Sunday, January 19 from 9 am to 1 pm
Meet at the Game Commission parking lot across from Boxcar Rocks on Gold Mine Road for this 5 mile hike rated easy. There's plenty to see on this dog friendly hike with Sojourner Steve: abandoned mines, old railroads, reservoirs and even stagecoach roads. 717-451-7042

Shenandoah Kilbo Trail Hike
Saturday, January 25 from 10:30 am to noon
Meet at East Centre and Bowers Streets for this 2 mile hike rated easy. Hiker Jim E. will lead this hike of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. 570-527-7748

Broad Mountain Bench Trail
Saturday, February 1 from 9 am to 1 pm
Meet at Mt. Pleasant Hose Company, Route 901 for this 7 mile hike rated easy. Led by Hiker Jim E, this hike will include Old Ashland Extension and Centre Turnpike. Dog friendly. 570-527-7748

Big Lick Mountain Adventure
Sunday, February 16 from 9 am to 1 pm
Meet at Dollar General Store, Route 209, Williamstown for this 6.5 mile hike rated moderate. Sojourner Steve will lead a hike where you can enjoy the Williamstown Tunnel, Big Lick Slope, and Big Lick Water Level Tunnel. Dog friendly. 717-451-7042

Forest Forensics
Sunday, February 16 from 2 pm to 4 pm
Meet at the large pavilion near Sweet Arrow Lake County Park clubhouse for this leisurely stroll. Retired Forester Frank Snyder will lead a fun stroll and opportunity to learn about the forest ecosystem and man's activities.

D&L Trail Meander
Saturday, February 22 from 9 am to 2 pm
Meet at Route 54 and Morea Road to carpool to D&L rail trail in Jessup. Hikers can select how long and how challenging a hike they want. Hiker Jim E. will lead you on a macadam trail. 570-527-7748

Cabin Fever Walk
Saturday, February 22 from 10 am to 11 am
Meet at new Waterfall Road Pavilion, Sweet Arrow Lake County Park for this 2 mile hike rated moderate. Porcupine Pat will help cure your Cabin Fever!

And More...

Fire and Ice Winter Fest
Sunday, January 26 from 2 pm to 5 pm at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park
There are activities indoors and outdoors but dress for the weather. Some of the events include cooking hot dogs over an open fire, homemade ice cream making, chili cook-off, demonstration by the Schuylkill Haven Dive Rescue & Recovery Team, musical entertainment and more. Admission is free although some activities have a fee.

Groundhog Day
Sunday, February 2 from 11 am to 2 pm at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park clubhouse
Grover the Groundhog will make his weather predictions at 1 pm and there will also be a Groundhog Day Celebration of history, songs and stories(free); an auction and a potpie dinner. Dinner tickets are $8 and $6 for children under 12.