Loop hike on the trails of South Mountain Preserve.

This preserve features woodland trails, large rock outcroppings, small stream crossings, moderate inclines, and several boardwalks. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended as the terrain is moderately rocky and some areas may be muddy. Bring water and lunch/snacks. Steady rain or snow cancels.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 9-10 miles
Hike rating: D+
Meeting place: Klines Lane parking lot (just east of the 2nd set of RR tracks), Emmaus, PA
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299

by Alexis McAllister, Appalachian Trail (AT) Thru hiker and experienced backpacking teacher and AT Section Maintainer

Alexis McAllister, an AT Thru hiker and experienced backpacking teacher and AT Section Maintainer has graciously offered to host a 6-Week Backpacking 101 Course (Syllabus below) via Google Meet, beginning on Sunday, January 5th, at 7 PM followed by 2 field trips.

Each session will feature a PowerPoint presentation, with a PDF copy provided to participants beforehand. This will allow everyone to follow along during the session and easily reference the material afterwards. By holding sessions on Sunday evenings, the course is designed to be more accessible to those with busy weekday schedules, especially for those who work evenings.

This is a fantastic opportunity for both beginners (like me!) and seasoned hikers to gain valuable backpacking tips, exchange best practices, and contribute to planning exciting backpacking adventures for 2025. You’re welcome to attend all the sessions or just the ones that interest you—there’s no attendance requirement.

To register please email howardnreidjr@gmail.com and registrants will receive the Google Meet link and any course materials. Remember that you can attend as many or as few sessions that interest you. The cost is just your time and interest in backpacking.

Week 2 of 6: Clothing & Accessories Sunday, January 12th
Description: What clothing do we use when? What are all these accessories’ people have for sale and do they work? Gadgets are everywhere! Why are there so many different types of clothing? What do I consider?

Details
Meeting place: via Google Meet (virtual). Please register by emailing to Hike Leader, Howard Reid at howardnreidjr@gmail.com. Registrants will receive the Google Meet link and related course materials.
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Howard Reid 610-420-8194

Enjoy a winter walk and Bach concert

Meet at the Illick's Mill parking lot at 100 Illick's Mill Rd. in Bethlehem where we will begin our 2 mile walk on the Monocacy Trail to the Central Moravian Church (73 W. Church St.) for a Bach at Noon concert. The concert is free, but voluntary donations are appreciated. After the concert, we will follow the same route to walk back to our cars. Bring snacks to be able to eat on the move as the weather conditions may not allow a stop for lunch. The Monocacy Trail is flat and has a good walking surface (paved, gravel, grass). Steady rain or snow or icy conditions on the morning of the event will cancel the hike portion of this event, but participants can meet in the balcony of the church for the concert. Bring snacks and water.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 4 miles
Hike rating: A+
Meeting place: 100 Illick's Mill Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18017
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299

by Alexis McAllister, an Appalachian Trail (AT) Thru hiker and experienced backpacking teacher and AT Section Maintainer

Alexis McAllister, an AT Thru hiker and experienced backpacking teacher and AT Section Maintainer has graciously offered to host a 6-Week Backpacking 101 Course (Syllabus below) via Google Meet, beginning on Sunday, January 5th, at 7 PM followed by 2 field trips.

Each session will feature a PowerPoint presentation, with a PDF copy provided to participants beforehand. This will allow everyone to follow along during the session and easily reference the material afterwards. By holding sessions on Sunday evenings, the course is designed to be more accessible to those with busy weekday schedules, especially for those who work evenings.

This is a fantastic opportunity for both beginners (like me!) and seasoned hikers to gain valuable backpacking tips, exchange best practices, and contribute to planning exciting backpacking adventures for 2025. You’re welcome to attend all the sessions or just the ones that interest you—there’s no attendance requirement.

To register please email howardnreidjr@gmail.com and registrants will receive the Google Meet link and any course materials. Remember that you can attend as many or as few sessions that interest you. The cost is just your time and interest in backpacking.

Week 3 of 6: First Aid & Hygiene - Sunday, January 19
Description: Using WFA, we will go thru the common first aid items encountered on a backpacking trip. What should be in your personal first aid kit? Hygiene, what are all the gadgets out there? do they work? What do I need to consider based on the Trek I planned for?

Details
Meeting place: via Google Meet (virtual). So, please register with hike leader, Howard Reid at howardnreidjr@gmail.com. Registrants will receive the Google Meet link and related course materials.
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Howard Reid 610-420-8194

Loop hike to the Pulpit and Pinnacle

This is a loop hike, starting at the Hamburg Reservoir parking lot, first climbing to Pulpit Rock and then onward to the Pinnacle for spectacular views of the Lehigh Valley from both locations. This is not a beginner's hike due to the 1000' ascent and very rocky terrain. If there is snow on the ground, microspikes or other traction devices will be mandatory. Bring a least 2L of water and lunch / snacks. Steady rain or snow cancels.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 10 miles
Hike rating: D+
Meeting place: Hamburg Reservoir parking lot; 410 Reservoir Rd, Hamburg, PA
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299