October 30, 2023
Mary Ann, My Hiking Inspiration
by Paula Uhrin

Surrounded by fellow club members and hiking enthusiasts, long-time Allentown Hiking Club member Mary Ann Nissley recently celebrated a milestone birthday on the Appalachian Trail by hiking the Pinnacle and Pulpit loop.

Mary Ann started hiking later in life but started with gusto! Never having hiked a step previously, she reached out to the Appalachian Trail Conference (now Conservancy) to understand where to begin. It was suggested that she reach out to and join a local trail club and the rest, as they say, is history ... hiking history, that is. Mary Ann went on to hike the full length of the Appalachian Trail twice, once as a thru hiker and once as a section hiker. She has also completed a long list of other trails throughout the country; the list is several pages long!

I first really spoke with Mary Ann about ten years ago, shortly after she hiked the Pulpit and Pinnacle loop with her family in celebration of her 80th birthday. I was so in awe. After all, I had only just started hiking and knew that trek was quite the challenge. But she seemed unfazed and proudly told me that she would be making the same trek in ten years for her 90th birthday. I think from that moment forward I have always told her that I want to be like her when I grew up ... and that’s true even more today.

The day of the hike we could not have asked for more perfect weather, warm but not too warm and with minimal humidity. Mary Ann arrived at the hike start having already completed her 6 mile bike ride for the day. She was smiling from ear to ear and was ready to go! She was joined by 21 hikers, mostly club members but some who wanted to come along because they saw her on a segment on WFMZ News the day before. We couldn’t let the occasion pass without cake and before we started hiking there was cake with candles and a Happy Birthday banner. Everyone there joined in singing "Happy Birthday" and shared in the cake to help power us up the mountain. And then we were off...

Slow but steady we trekked up the almost 1000’ elevation gain to the Pinnacle, one of the most beautiful vistas on the Appalachian Trail, stopping only to drink some water or admire the flowing waters of Furnace Creek and an abundance of mushrooms along the way. And then before we knew it that big pile of rocks was in sight (if you know, you know). The Pinnacle was just ahead. Mary Ann picked up a rock and tossed it to add to the pile, a long-standing tradition, and then settled in for a snack and a surprise birthday cupcake. She truly was beaming with happiness that the club helped to make her birthday trek happen. There were lots of pictures taken up at the top. Mary Ann was a celebrity, after all, with an entourage, and everyone wanted their picture taken with her.

After another slow and steady trek back down the mountain, with Mary Ann "putting on the brakes" in the steeper spots, we made it back down to the Hamburg Reservoir and then the starting parking lot. Along the way we told every other hiker we saw about this milestone birthday and made sure Mary Ann got lots of Birthday wishes throughout the day ... and with the beautiful weather there were several dozen people out on trail that day so there were a lot of well wishes! Honestly, my face was sore at the end of the day after smiling so much, watching Mary Ann enjoy her day doing what she so loves to do.

They say age is just a number and I believe that even more now. I wouldn’t doubt we will be making this same trek in ten years for Mary Ann’s 100th birthday ... I truly would expect nothing less. And it just goes to show that hiking is indeed just one foot in front of the other, over and over, until you reach your goal. If this doesn’t give everyone the needed inspiration to get to on trail, I don’t know what does.

Happy Trails!

August 24, 2023
Help Wanted

Our Club relies solely and heavily on volunteers to fulfill our mission.

The Allentown Hiking Club was established in 1931. As our bylaws state, the aspiration of this club is to escape the crowded city; to walk, hike and climb for enjoyment and exercise with nature loving companions; to maintain its section of the Appalachian Trail; and to stimulate public interests in every phase of nature and the outdoors through programs and lectures.

At this time there are three positions within the Club that are in need of energetic individuals to pick up and carry the torch.

The Membership Secretary is often the first point of contact that prospective members have with the Club. This individual will answer questions about Club membership and events to help members understand requirements and expectations. They will maintain the online database of Club members, collect and deposit dues into the Club's bank account, and report out statistics at monthly Club meetings. In addition, Club merchandise such as T-shirts, patches, and stickers, will be stocked and sold as needed.

The Programs Committee Chair will schedule the presentations provided at the Club's monthly meetings. Typically each quarter there are two meetings that offer an opportunity for a presentation on a topic pertinent to Club activities and interests. The individual will identify opportunities and take suggestions from Club members and follow up with prospective presenters to determine an agreed upon date for the presentation and ensure the presenter has all the information required to make a successful presentation and event.

The Trail Maintenance Chair works to ensure that the Club's section of Appalachian Trail remains open for all. In general, responsibilities will include: Perform and/or coordinate the general maintenance of the AHC's section of the AT. Promptly coordinate the reporting of any significant damage, erosion, large trees down etc. Monitor and repair the Club's two shelters, one privy, and any campsites. Coordinate the Club's annual maintenance hike and picnic. Establish and maintain appropriate storage for Club tools and supplies. Establish maintain connections with locally designated A. T. Communities. Coordinate and/or serve as a volunteer manager.

If you are interested in any of these positions or simply would like additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or the individuals currently in these roles. As I always say... many hands make light work... and with everyone's help we can continue to thrive as an AT maintaining club and serve the trails well into the future.

Happy Trails!

Paula Uhrin

President, Allentown Hiking Club

May 13, 2023
Thru Hikers to Reach PA Soon

It's almost that time ... time for thru hikers to make their way through our section of the Appalachian Trail

Many thru hikers vary their route, starting their treks at different times and locations, and therefore could be making their journey any time of the year. But more than one thousand traditional NOBO (northbound) thru hikers have already begun their journey at the AT's southern terminus, Springer Mountain in Georgia, and are making their way towards its northern terminus, Mount Katahdin in Maine, roughly 2,190 miles later.

Anywhere from May through July many of those hikers will pass through our 10.3 mile section on their roughly 6 month trek.I alwavs find it interesting to spend a few minutes talking with thru hikers who are willing to chat, asking where they're from and why they've chosen to hike the AT. I have met hikers from all over the world and am always amazed that people are drawn to come here, into essentially our back yard, to fulfill what is often a lifelong dream.

And as for reasons to hike the AT, there are likely as many reasons as there are hikers, and each person's story is unique and often inspiring.It's easy to wonder what can be done to offer help or assistance. Any act of kindness is appreciated and even small gestures can make a significant impact. When on trail, these acts of kindness are referred to as trail magic... finding just what you need right when you least expect it and random acts of generosity.

If you're hiking on the AT, perhaps carry some extra food or water. That little bit can help a hiker make it to their next resupply stop, or even just to the next water source. A first aid kit is useful and can get someone cleaned up or patched up so they can more comfortably continue on their way. Even taking their trash can help to lighten their packs and improve their onward journey.

Some things to keep in mind are to not leave any food or drink unattended, keep the gestures small, and Leave No Trace.The Allentown Hiking Club organizes two days of Trail Magic hiker feeds' at the end of June to feed and water any and all thru and section hikers that pass by. Some hikers stay only a few minutes to refill their water reservoirs and bellies, and some stay for hours partaking of interesting conversations with club members and other hikers. I think it's safe to say that everyone ends the day feeling better about humanity. Watch the club calendar for dates and further details so you, too, can experience this opportunity for yourself.Happy Trails!

February 1, 2023
The Allentown Hiking Club ... this is OUR Club
by Paula Uhrin

As we are about to embark into a New Year, I'm once again reminded that everything the Allentown Hiking Club does is for and because of its members. Members continue to be what makes the Allentown Hiking Club thrive, and that includes new and long time members with both new and tried and true hikes and ideas. It is that combination of old and new that helps the club draw from past experiences to further our goals and mission.

I want to make the time for a few introductions and thank yous.

I first want to thankoutgoing Treasurer Michelle Hinkle for all of her time and support over the past six years in that role. While having been a club member for some time, Michele stepped up when the opportunity arose and her support has always been greatly appreciated. I want to welcome Liz Uhl into the position of Treasurer and thank her for similarly stepping up when additional support was needed. I look forward to her input and support in the future.

Along those lines, I couldn't help but notice the ever presence of our Secretary Dick Fink, who has been dutifully fulfilling his responsibilities for the past 18 years. I can hardly recall a time that his soft spoken leadership wasn't there to keep the club on track and I want to thank him for his continued support.

And finally, Karen Gradel has been serving in both President and Vice President roles for the past ten years. Her ongoing leadership and overall support in those roles and others has shaped the club into what it is today.

I simply cannot imagine where the Allentown Hiking Club would be without the support and guidance of these individuals. All the said, there are always opportunities to get more involved and help to shape our future. In the new year I encourage members to find new ways to support the club, with nothing being too small of a gesture. If there is a hike or walk you enjoy and think others would enjoy it, then add it to the club calendar. If there is a role within the club you think you may be interested in, then reach out for more information. If you're unclear what roles and opportunities are even out there, I'm happy to have that conversation. If you've recently made a trek that you would like to share with the club, let us know and you can present at at upcoming meeting. Plus there are always ongoing trail maintenance opportunities, our annual Trail Magic in June, snacks for monthly meetings, and countless other activities that keep us going throughout the year. Again, no support is too small or insignificant. Thank you all for another great year on trail, hiking and maintaining and sharing the magic.

October 1, 2022
Hiking During Hunting Season
by Paula Uhrin

Hunting season is upon us in Pennsylvania and this is a good time to prepare before venturing outdoors.

Specific dates for hunting seasons from vary year to year. Before you go, learn the regulations and hunting seasons for the areas where you will be hiking. Note that the Pennsylvania Game Commission announced three Sunday hunting dates for 2022:

November 13, 20, and 27. For more details on the hunting seasons in Pennsylvania you can reference the Pennsylvania Game Commission website (https://www.pgc.pa.gov).

Be sure to wear a brightly colored clothing. Colors such as blaze orange or neon green or yellow are recommended. (Orange safety vests and hats from Walmart work fine and are inexpensive.) Clothing should include a hat and vest (and pack cover or large bandana), or hooded outerwear that can be seen from all angles when hiking during hunting season. On state game lands in Pennsylvania, all hunters and non-hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on the head, chest and back combined, or a fluorescent orange hat, from Nov. 15-Dec.15 (except on Sundays with no hunting). The orange material must be visible from all angles (360 degrees). Many hiking paths including parts of the Appalachian Trail use state game lands, and even if you are not hiking on state game lands it is a good practice to adopt during hunting season. If you hike with a pet, it should also wear a blaze orange vest, collar, leash or bandana so it is visible from all sides. The AT recommends that pets be leashed at all times while hiking.

Avoid wearing colors that could be mistaken for game animals. Avoid any brown, tan, earth tones and especially white - you do not want to look like the flash of deer's tail. During turkey season avoid red, blue, purple, black and white. These are the head colors of a male wild turkey. Basically, the brighter the better!

Use extra caution particularly at dawn and dusk. Hunting activity typically increases during those times as that is when animals are feeding and visibility is poor. Hike during broad daylight when hunters can more easily identify you. Be especially cautious close to road crossings, trailheads, and in valley areas. Utilizing a flashlight or headlamp will help with visibility and identify you as a human and not a critter.

Avoid the most popular hunting days, like opening weekend. In Pennsylvania that would be the Sunday after Thanksgiving and extending into the first two weekends of December. When you do go, choose trails that are off-limits to or unpopular with hunters. In this area there are several preserves that do not participate in hunting activities. Stick to established, marked trails. Skip the bushwhacking during hunting season as hunters are more likely to expect hikers on trails.

Enjoy the trails and stay safe out there!

Paula Uhrin
President, Allentown Hiking Club

August 21, 2022
Summer Hiking
by Paula Uhrin

Every season brings with it unique hiking challenges. While long summer days offer lots of time to play in the outdoors, the accompanying heat can pose a challenge even for the most seasoned of hikers. I find hiking in warmer weather to be the most challenging and have developed ways to make my summer treks more enjoyable and safe.

It all starts with planning... where, when, and how far? Choose a hike that suits the conditions. Hikes under a canopy of leaves can provide shade and a more pleasant experience than a trek out in the open. A winter traipse in warming sunshine is a completely different experience than the same slog done in the summer, baking in the full sun all day. Trails with stream crossings, which could pose a challenge when frozen in the winter, can offer an opportunity to take a rest and chill your feet. Perhaps instead of one lunch stop make more frequent stops along the way to refuel and hydrate and allow your body to cool down. Hiking during mornings and evenings can help to avoid the hottest part of the day. And while taking on a long and challenging trek may sound exciting, shorter hikes may be the way to go when the temperatures soar.

What to bring? Water/liquids and fuel are critical. Whatever your drink of choice, having sufficient fluids with you will help to ensure you stay hydrated. Consider keeping a thermos of ice water or electrolyte beverage in your car so you know it’s available to drink after your hike is complete. You or your hiking companions could be very glad it’s there. Calorie requirements can be very different depending on the time of year you hike. Be sure to have enough food with you to carry you throughout the trek, and having an additional snack with that thermos of water in your car could be good idea, too. Salt tablets and electrolyte chews can help to boost your energy mid-trek and are lightweight and easy to carry and have on hand.

Gear can be a very personal choice ... poles, no poles, large pack, small pack, boots, trail runners, all likes of clothing and layering options ... be sure that the gear you have is suitable for the hike you’re about to do. I often say I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Carrying that extra piece of gear could be the difference between and enjoyable journey and one that you would prefer to not repeat. Loose and breathable clothing in light colors and wicking fabrics will help you stay more comfortable in warm weather. First aid kits, headlamps, sunscreen, hats, bandanas, sunglasses ... the list goes on. Be sure what you have with you is fitting for the task and trek at hand.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list but some thoughts and ideas I’ve found to be helpful over the years. Where ever you choose to hike, please stay safe out there!

October 1, 2021
Getting Back on the Trail

While there haven't been many hikes in the last few months we have had a lot of activities.

On May 16th we had maintenance and blaze painting on the trail. Trail magic was held on June 24th and 25th. We had our usual hot dogs and array of salads and goodies. Bo Koltnow from WFMZ came out to do a story on our Trail Magic and also went out to Bake Oven Knob to check it out before the graffiti cleanup.

The big Bake Oven Knob Graffiti cleanup took place on June 26". Spearheaded by Game Commission Land Manager Bill Carr and Tim Quick from the Haycock Bouldering Coalition, the cleanup was a collaboration between the Game Commission, Haycock Boulder Coalition, Allentown Hiking Club, the Flametamers Wildlands Fire Crew, Lehigh County Task Force 99, the Lehigh Valley Spartans and Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club. Elephant Snot, a grafitti removal solution was applied to the painted rocks. After letting it sit on the rocks and "do its thing," it was washed off by the fire crew. AHC served hot dogs and other donated snacks and drinks to the volunteers. Ash Bailot from the Morning Call was there to document the effort for the paper.

A smaller 2" cleanup was held in August to remove some newly painted graffiti. The fire crews weren't at this cleanup so backpack water sprayers were used to wash off the elephant snot. We will be back at the church meeting in person starting in November. We are going to use a hybrid Zoom/In Person format tomake the meeting more accessible to everyone. We purchased a microphone to allow the people on Zoom to be able to hear all the discussion in the room. There is a bit of a learning curve with process and I hope to have it functioning well at the next meeting.

Coming up we have more Maintenance Hikes, Corridor Monitoring and our favorite annual holiday hikes. I hope to see everyone!at the December Pot Luck!

September 29, 2019
Fall Is Here
by Karen Gradel

Fall priorities include reporting your AT volunteer hours, learning about charcoal hearths on Blue Mountain, and attending our end of year events.

Summer is over and our trail maintainers have spent many hours clearing blowdowns, blazing, getting rid of invasive plants to keep the path clear. For all those who have helped with the maintenance thank you and don’t forget to get your volunteer hours into Ed Ritter by Oct 9th. Also anyone else who has helped with corridor monitoring , leadership, administration, websites, newsletters, finance, etc. should submit hours too. Things not to report are participating in (as opposed to leading) recreational A.T. hikes, planning or attending social events, such as dinners and picnics, feeding hikers, a.k.a. ‘Trail magic’ or trail maintenance on trails other than the AT. Why is it important to report all of our hours? ATC uses the hours of all the volunteers to obtain NPS funding.

It is also the time of year we do Corridor Monitoring. If you are interested in helping with the monitoring or just want to go along and find out what is involved, keep your eye on the forum or contact Lucy Cantwell.

A ‘don’t miss’ is the October presentation by Muhlenberg college Professor Benjamin Carter who will give a talk on his research of the charcoal hearths located on the Blue Mountain. There will also be a hike on October 5th to accompany his presentation and give us a ‘first hand’ look at the charcoal pits. Coming up we also have our holiday pot luck on December 4th, our holiday hikes and our annual New Year’s Eve hike to the Allentown Shelter that has been a tradition since 1976.

July 17, 2019
Hiker Safety
By Karen Gradel

We hike for a variety of reasons, for physical fitness, to challenge themselves, to explore nature. We pack our backpacks and head out never thinking that we won’t get from point A to point B without a problem.

In May a Berks county woman walking her dog got lost on the on the Tom Lowe Trail. I’m sure she thought she was just going for a short hike since she didn’t have any food or water with her. The idea she would spend the night hunkered down outside never crossed her mind. This should be a lesson for us to not get too comfortable even on a short or familiar trail.

Having a fully charged cell phone with you to call for help is basic item to carry with you but there are dead spots on the trail with no cell service so make sure you tell someone where you will be and what time you will be back. And check in with that person when you return. Always take water with you and for longer hikes a protein bar, water filter and thermal blanket should be in your pack. You should carry a first aid kit and make sure you keep it updated and replenished as you use items from it. And a tip from Michelle Hinkle is to carry your old expired Driver’s License in your backpack for identification.

If possible hike with a companion, there is safety in numbers. While the trail is usually a tranquil place where there is a real comradery among the ‘trail family’ sometimes the violence from the outside world creeps in. One such incident happened in May 2019 when one hiker was murdered and another in-jured by an unstable person. Even though the group of four hikers made the decision to leave the area where the unstable person was, two of the hikers were still overpowered. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel uncomfortable get out of the area as soon as you can. And make sure you report anything unusual to the local authorities. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy says ‘If you see something, say something’. The Nation Park Service has a 24 hour Dispatch/Communications Center which can be reached at 1-866-677-6677 or you can send an email to incident@appalachiantrail.org. If you are doing trail work or hiking in our area and see something that doesn’t seem right our local Game Warden Tyler Kreider has asked that we let him know about it. The Pennsylvania Game Commission violation number is 1-888-PCG-8001 or you can reach Tyler at 610-926-3136. Safe Hiking.

May 10, 2019
Spring Is Here, Invasive Species are Starting to Sprout
By Karen Gradel

Spring is here, the air is warming up, the birds are chirping and the plants are starting to sprout. But not all the plants emerging along the trail are a good sight. We have invasive plants along our section of the Appalachian Trail.

So what exactly is an invasive species? Not every plant that is introduced to a new region is invasive. Orange and Banana trees are not native to the US but after being brought here they are not invasive. According to Executive Order 13112 in 1999 a species is considered to be invasive if it meets two criteria: (1) it is nonnative to the ecosystem under consideration, and (2) its introduction causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

AHC has been concentrating mainly on two invasive species, Garlic Mustard and Japanese Stilt Grass during it’s Trail Maintenance. Both choke out local species and can create dense populations in as short 5 year period. They can eliminate the rare plants living in our section of the trail, such as the Pink Lady Slipper that can been found in Spring along the trail near Fort Franklin Road. Garlic Mustard also impacts the West Virginia White Butterfly. The butterfly mistakes Garlic Mustard for it’s host plant and the offspring laid on it don’t survive. Removing the plants at the right time is also important because both Japanese Stilt Grass and Garlic Mustard seeds can remain viable in the ground for five or more years.

We have two maintenance hikes scheduled this quarter. One on April 13th at Lock 2 and the other on May 19th on the AT, where we will be continuing our battle with Garlic Mustard and other invasives. Don’t forget to take some Garlic Mustard home with you, because it’s edible. Check out this recipe for Garlic Mustard Pesto:

Also don’t forget to check out the revised AHC website. There’s easier navigation to documents. The calendar is improved with more functions and a quicker way to view past hikes. Thanks to Web Master Hal Wright for all the work he’s done updating our website to make it more functional and easier to explore all of our upcoming events.

February 19, 2019
The Start of a New Year
by Karen Gradel

We look forward to many activities in 2019, as we say goodbye to some old friends and welcome new ones.

As we were honoring Holly Vogler with an Honorary Membership for her longtime service to the club, I looked around the room and saw a number of dedicated people who have served the club for many years. These people are the backbone of the AHC. This year and in the past few years we have seen the passing of some members who have been fundamental to the function of the club. We’ve been fortunate to have new members step up to fill these open positions in the club. We also have some new hike leaders this year. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has given their time to help the AHC preserve the physical trail and the spiritual ideals of the Appalachian Trail.

This upcoming year we have numerous opportunities for you to get involved. As always we have our Maintenance Events on the Appalachian Trail, at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center and at Lock # 2 on the D & L Trail. There will also be lots of hikes, some old favorites that are scheduled year after year and some new trails to explore. We are also going to add more family hikes to our schedule to get kids out into nature and excited about outdoor activities. Kayaking and camping trips will be offered. We will also provide Trail Magic again on June 27th and 28th. It’s always a good time to sit with the Thru Hikers and hear their stories. And one of the things we always hear is how well maintained our Shelters and section of the trial are. This is a testament to our hard working volunteers!

Have a great New Year of hiking,

Karen Gradel
AHC President