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

Alexis McAllister, an AT Thru hiker, 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 4 of 6: Maps and Compasses - Sundays, January 26
Description: This is a detailed course for individuals looking to master map/compass. How to read the maps, colors, navigation etc, how to orient the map that I will be using on a given selected trip? what are the different types of maps? Why should I bother learning to use a compass or put one in my pack?

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 through the rolling hills of the Bryn Coed Preserve

We will be hiking through open fields and woods in this 500-acre former farm that has been preserved by Natural Lands Trust. The preserve includes a Pennsylvania Champion white oak, the headwaters of the Pickering Creek, and several Bald Eagle nesting spots. Expect about 1000' of climb total during the trek. Terrain can sometimes be muddy so wearing hiking boots is recommended. Bring lunch/snacks and water. Steady rain or snow cancels.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 10-12 miles
Hike rating: D+
Meeting place: 1869 Flint Road, Chester Springs, PA
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299

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

Alexis McAllister, an AT Thru hiker, 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 5 of 6: Maps and Compasses - Sunday, Feb 2
Description: This is a detailed course for individuals looking to master map/compass. How to read the maps, colors, navigation etc, how to orient the map that I will be using on a given selected trip? what are the different types of maps? Why should I bother learning to use a compass or put one in my pack?

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

Monthly Business Meeting and presentation by AHC club member Kerry Snyder about a recent European trekking adventure.

Details
Meeting place: St. Timothy's Lutheran Church, 140 South Ott Street, Allentown, PA Enter from the back parking lot
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299
Co-leader: Karen Gradel 267-424-4602

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

Alexis McAllister, an AT Thru hiker, 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 6 of 6: Trail Blazes and Navigation Tools - Sunday, February 9
Description: What do all the blazes mean? What about colors? Why are there so many styles? What do they have in common? What are some of the navigation tools (electronics) and why are they being used? Where is some of the value?

Field Trips: Compass Course and Geocaching - Dates : TBD
Description: Using the skills that you have learned over the last 6-Week Backpacking 101 Courses.

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

Enjoy a winter walk and Bach concert

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? YES
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299

(CANCELLED) due to poor and unsafe weather

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 8 miles
Hike rating: B+
Meeting place: Meeting Place: (CANCELLED) Hike Leader: Howard Reid (610) 420-8194 howardnreidjr@gmail.com
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Howard Reid 610-420-8194

CANCELLED due to heavy rain and wind forecast.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 12-14 miles
Hike rating: E+
Meeting place: Hopewell Lake Boat Launch
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299

7 miles hike with a strenuous climb.

The hike begins at the Appalachian Trail parking lot on Route 501 and covers approximately 3 miles to Round Head. From there, the trail descends the mountain before returning via a challenging boulder field. Expect a strenuous climb with sections requiring scrambling over large rocks and boulders. The route features an elevation gain of 500 feet within a 0.4-mile stretch. Hikers should wear sturdy footwear with excellent traction and come prepared with snacks, lunch, and plenty of fluids. Please note that the hike will be canceled in the event of adverse weather conditions.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 7 miles
Hike rating: C+
Meeting place: Route 501 AT Parking Lot, Lancaster Ave, Bethel, PA 19507 Coordinates: 40°30'18.5"N 76°19'02.6"W
Posted on meetup.com? YES
Leader: Howard Reid 610-420-8194