NJ Sierra Club Outings Autumn 2008

Autumn 2008 Outings and Events

Sept 26 (Sat):

Minisink Outing - Blue Mountain Lake (Sussex Co): 9:30 am. This is a remote mountain pond with a striking vista on the main Kittatinny Ridge. The outing will conclude by 1pm. We urge participants to bring appropriate supplies of water and snacks. Rain date will be the following day (Sun). All outing participants will be required to sign standard Sierra Club waivers prior to the start of the outing. Register by e-mail: herbwolff@live.com. (NW)

Sept 28 (Sun):

Social Hike, Hartshorne Woods Park, Monmouth Co: 10 am. 7 miles at moderate pace. We will hike a trail with hills and great vistas of the Navesink River. Good physical condition and proper footwear recommended. Bring lunch and water. NP/NC. Meet in rear parking lot of Crown Plaza Hotel on Rte 70, Cherry Hill to carpool/caravan at 8am or meet at 10am at Buttermilk Valley Trail Head, Navasink Ave, off Rte 36, Middletown. Leaders: Paul Serdiuk, 609-462-3593 evenings only, or pis1@cccnj.net or Ray & Michelle Bradford, 732-780- 5661-no calls after 9pm.

Oct 4 (Sat):

Coppermine Trail to the AT in the Delaware Water Gap National Park, Warren/Sussex Cos: 10am. Hike 6 miles. We will ascend along a brook cascade and falls. Then at the Appalachian Trail, near Camp Rd, we will eat lunch at the AMC’s Camp Mohican. Note: they have indoor rest rooms. Then north on the AT to the Hiller Plaque, with views of the Delaware River and Smithfield Beach. Then descent on the Kaiser Rd Trail. The hike takes three to four hours plus the visit to Camp Mohican. The elevation ranges from 400 ft to 1400 ft. Meet at the Coppermine Trail parking lot on Mine Road. No pets. Hiking boots highly recommended. Bring a day bag with lunch, water and personal first aid, a compass and rain gear. Registration is recommended in case of updates: e-mail the leader, Jimi Oleksiak, The_Hikist@Mac.com . Directions: I-80 west to the last exit in New Jersey. Stay to the right and look for Mine Rd, which runs north along the river. Near the beginning of Mine Rd there is a half-mile-long one-lane section with a traffic light that meters the direction. After the end of the one-lane section go seven miles and look for the Coppermine Trail parking lot on the left.

Oct 4 (Sat):

Holmdel Park, Monmouth Co: 4 pm. Have errands to do on Saturday morning? Let’s go for a late afternoon hike instead. Enjoy a moderately fast, 2.5-mile hike in 564-acre Holmdel Park, close to where you live and work. Bring water. Hiking boots not required. From Northern/Central NJ head south on the GSP to exit 117A (Aberdeen). Turn right off the ramp and briefly head south on Lloyd Rd before making left on Line Rd. Go 3.1 miles on Line Rd to end. Right on Holmdel Rd for 1.1 miles until first light. Left on Roberts Rd for 0.5 miles. Then another left, pass Longstreet Farm buildings, then left into Holmdel Park, following signs for Hilltop. Park in Lot 3, near tennis. Rainy weather cancels. Call: Jim Davoust for directions, 203-214-9305, or davou@att.net. (JS).

Oct 5 (Sun):

Social Kayak Trip, Atlantic Co: 9:30 am. We will do the Egg Harbor River and view the brilliant fall colors along the river. Easy paddle. Wear proper paddling clothes and bring a change of clothes. Pizza party after the trip with volleyball game. Call leader to reserve a kayak, space limited. Meet at Palace Restaurant, 6924 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing. Leader: Paul Serdiuk, 609-462-3593 evenings or pis1@cccnj.net.

Oct 6 (Mon):

Canoe/Kayak on Cedar Creek (Ocean Co): 9am. We’ll stop to pick cranberries at old bogs as we paddle 10 miles from Dover Forge to Dudley Park. Geo-caching is always an activity on our trips so bring your GPS!! This is a trip for experienced Pinelands paddlers. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation, time and meeting location. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Oct 8 (Wed):

Canoe/Kayak the Mullica River (Burlington Co.): 9am. We’ll paddle 14 miles from Atsion to Pleasant Mills. This is a trip for experienced Pinelands paddlers. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and logistics. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com . (W)

Oct 10-13 (Fri-Mon):

Fall Foliage Hiking & Camping Weekend (NY): 10am. Hike and camp at North-South Lake State Campground at Haines Falls, in the Catskill Mts.. Several hikes are planned, as well as camping in spectacular fall settings. We will visit Sunset Rock, Alligator Rock, and Kaaterskill Falls. The campground is a 2.5-3 hour drive from South Jersey. If you cannot camp out, join us for the hikes either day. Contact leader to reserve a space, or for additional information and directions: Paul Serdiuk, 609-462-3593 eve. Or pis1@cccnj.net.

Oct 11 (Sat):

Sterling Forest Fire Tower Ramble (NY): 10am. 5 miles, moderate to slow pace. We will do the Fire Tower Ramble with the option to extend if the group desires. This is a moderately strenuous hike with a considerable amount of climbing. Bring water, lunch, and wear hiking boots. No sneakers. Meet at the Visitors’ Center. See the Sterling Forest website for information and directions: http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=81 . No pets please. Steady/heavy rain cancels. Joint ADK/Sierra Club hike. Leaders: Jeffrey Sovelove, Hiker_Dood@yahoo.com and Lee Ousley, Ousleycl@mindspring.com .

Oct 11 (Sat):

Minisink Outing - Crater Lake and Hemlock Pond (Sussex County) 9:30 am. Crater Lake is a beautiful, high-elevation Kittatinny lake; nearby Hemlock Pond is isolated and man-made. Finishes by 1pm. Bring appropriate supplies of water and snacks. Rain date is the following day. Participants must sign standard Sierra Club waivers. Sign up at least 2 days before outing: call Herb Wolff at 845-544-2371 or email herbwolff@optonline.net. (NW)

Oct 12 (Sun):

Southern Allaire State Park, Monmouth Co: (Special Interest: Geology) 9am. 4.5-mile moderate hike in the northern fringes of the Pine Barrens. Bring drink and snack. Hiking shoes preferred. Meet at the large dirt parking lot on the right, off Hospital Rd, in Wall Township. Take GPS to exit 98, turn right on to Allenwood Rd. At "T" intersection (Ramhorn Rd) turn right. Make next left (Hospital Rd); the parking area is approximately 1 mile on the right. Bad weather cancels. Confirmation/questions call or text leader: Mike Verange, 908-902- 0718 or mjverange@aol.com. (JS)

Oct 12 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the Crosswicks Creek/Hamilton-Trenton-Bordentown Marsh (Burlington/Mercer Cos): 10:30 am. This is a shuttleless, 8-mile round trip through the Marsh. We’ll paddle from Bordentown Beach to Roebling Park where we’ll have our lunch break. After lunch there will be a guided tree walk by Jim Consolloy, the Grounds Manager for Princeton University, who is responsible for maintaining the University's 2300 acres and over 400 species of trees. This is your chance to learn about the trees of Roebling Park from an expert! Bring lunch, snacks and beverage. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. Joint with OCSJ. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Oct 13 (Mon):

Canoe/Kayak the D&R Canal from Bulls Island to Lambertville (Hunterdon/Mercer Cos): 10am. We will paddle 8 miles from Bulls Island State Park to Firemen’s Eddy, stopping for lunch at Prallsville Mill and Lock. There are 2 canal lock portages; bring portage wheels if you have them. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and logistics. Rentals are not available. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Oct 15 (Wed):

Double Trouble State Park Hike (Ocean Co): 10am. 5 miles, easy pace. Join us for a guided interpretive walk through Double Trouble Park. Bring lunch and beverage. After hiking we’ll have lunch along Cedar Creek, option to geo-cache. Dogs are welcome! Meet at Double Trouble Park, Pinewald-Keswick and Double Trouble Rds. Leaders: Leona and George F. 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Oct 18 (Sat):

NJAS Plainsboro Preserve Hike (Mercer/Middlesex Cos): 9:30 am. Easy, moderate pace. Enjoy over five miles of trails through mature beech woods, wet meadows, and shoreline of scenic 50-acre McCormack Lake. Bring water & lunch to eat afterwards on outside deck overlooking lake. For directions: www.njaudubon.org/Centers/Plainsboro/Index.html Limited to 10. Preregister with co-leader: Nancy O. 609-275-0737 (no calls after 8pm) or naohann@gmail.com. (C)

Oct 18 (Sat):

Canoe Trip on the Passaic River, Essex Co: 9:30 am. Canoe 4 hours at a steady pace observing the wildlife and natural settings. Not for beginners. Bring water, picnic lunch and comfortable clothes. Meet promptly at the Canoe garage next to the Environmental Center on Eagle Rock Ave in Roseland, 1/2 mile west of the intersection of Eisenhower Pkwy and Eagle Rock Av. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. A limited number of canoes are available at $15 per seat ($20 for non-members). Older children are welcome and can sit in the middle. Rain cancels. For further information call 973-364-7573 press 2. Leaders: Ron Pate, ronpate31@verizon.net, and Walter Goldenbaum, goldenb1@optonline.net. Reply to goldenb1@optonline.net for reservations/additional info.

Oct 18 (Sat):

Fall Foliage Hike - to Bear Pond, near Lake Hopatcong (Sussex County): 11am. 5-mile round trip, moderate difficulty, on section of new Highlands Trail to a beautiful body of water in autumn splendor. Bring lunch and water. Group limit of 12. Rain date following day (Sun). Leader: Herb Wolff. Register by e-mail: herbwolff@live.com ; 845-544-2371. (NW)

Oct 18 (Sat):

Canoe/Kayak The Oswego River (Burlington Co.): 9am. This is the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival weekend – check their website www.cranfest.org. We’ll paddle the “Jewel of the Pinelands,” floating through the extensive white cedar and pitch pine forests that border the Oswego River. Rentals available from Pine Barrens Canoe Rental: 609-726-1515 or www.pinebarrenscanoe.com. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and logistics: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com . (W)

Oct 19 (Sun):

Riverline Ramble (Burlington Co): Meet 11:30 am at the Bordentown RiverLINE train station. We’ll take the 11:55 am train to Riverton, for a walk to the Delaware River, passing the historic Riverton Yacht Club as we continue to Palmyra. We’ll stop at the Broad Street Pub for lunch and refreshments. After lunch we’ll board the RiverLINE and return to Bordentown. We can also continue on the train through the Marsh to Trenton and see the new Trenton Train Station. Train tickets are $1.35 for a two hour period and a new ticket will need to be purchased in Palmyra. Parking is free at the Bordentown Train Station. (Rain cancels.) Leader: Don Carlo, 609-586-4357 or doncarlo2@verizon.net. (C)

Oct 19 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the D&R Canal from Lambertville to Cadwalader Park (Mercer Co): 9am. Join us for our inaugural trip from Firemen’s Eddy to historic Cadwalader Park in Trenton. Cadwalader Park was designed by the famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, whose most famous work is New York City's Central Park. As we paddle into Cadwalader Park we will be greeted by a member of the Cadwalader Park Alliance for a guided tour. Check their website, www.cadwaladerpark.com. The trip is 11 ½ miles with a lunch stop at Washington Crossing Park. Bring lunch, snacks and beverage. There are 2 portages; bring portage wheels if you have them Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and logistics. Rentals are not available. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Oct 22 (Wed):

Canoe/Kayak on the N. Branch Rancocas Creek (Burlington Co.): 9am. October is Pinelands Month and the Rancocas will have beautiful foliage on this trip. We'll paddle the 14-mile Canoe Trail from BCCC to Mount Holly. Meet at the Vincentown Diner on Rte 206 – arrive early for breakfast. Contact leaders for trip participation and logistics. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Oct 24-26 (Fri-Sun):

Alpine Inn, Catskill Mts, NY. Fall Hiking Weekend: Hikers can explore and photograph the scenic mountain beauty of the miles of spectacular state maintained trail system covering this notable mountain range. Our several hiking trips offered each day are rated from easy to difficult. In the evening by fireside we plan a great mountaineering color slide program and/or a magic show. Excellent accommodations and gourmet food! Cost for 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner and one trail lunch including taxes & gratuities: $240. This is a joint trip of the AMC, and Sierra Club. Leader: Al Tatyrek (eve: 973-763- 2303 - no calls after 10pm); Dara Sullivan, co-leader: 718-343-1063. Send transportation info, activities planned and other info with $100 deposit per person and SASE to our co-leader and registrar: Peter Beck, 201-274-4471, or 212 Perry St, Dover NJ 07054. Balance of payment is due on arrival at the Alpine Inn. Complete info is at www.geocities.com/petebeck_00/catskills.

Oct 24-26. (Fri-Sun):

Hiking & Camping Weekend, Lehigh Gorge SP, PA: 10am. 6 miles, mod-strenuous. Hike Mt. Pisah on Sat with beautiful views of the Lehigh River and the town of Jim Thorpe. Sunday: hike or mountain bike the Switchback Trail along the River. Contact leader for meeting place and time for both hikes. Camping Fri & Sat nights at Mauch Chunk Lake SP. Or just come up for hike or bike portion. NP/NC. Great time to be in the Pocono Mts. Contact leader for additional info. Leader: Paul Serdiuk: 609-462-3593 eve. or pis1@cccnj.net.

Oct 25 (Sat):

Lakota Wolf Preserve (Sussex Co): 9:30 am. In what is becoming an annual visit, the group will observe Tundra, Timber, and Arctic wolves as well as foxes and bobcats in a natural setting. For signup, call Herb Wolff at 845-544-2371 or email herbwolff@optonline.net. (NW)

Oct 25 (Sat):

Roebling Park Marsh Cleanup (Mercer Co): 9am–12noon. Bring gloves if you have them, water to drink; wear long sleeves, long pants. Meet at Spring Lake - Roebling Park (end of Sewell Av., Hamilton (Rain cancels.) Leader: Terry Stimpfel, terystimb@hotmail.com or 609-731-7016. (C)

Oct 26 (Sun):

Paddle the D&R Canal from Lawrenceville to Kingston (Mercer Co): 9am. 11 miles on the main canal from Cherry Tree Lane to Kingston. Our trip has no portages. This is a very pretty section to enjoy fall foliage. Bring lunch, snacks and beverage. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and logistics. Rentals are not available. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Oct 26 (Sun):

Pine Meadow Lake/Harriman State Park (NY): 10:10 am. Meet in Sloatsburg, NY. Beautiful 8-9-mile moderately paced loop along streams and up to a great viewpoint and Pine Meadow Lake for the last of the Fall colors. Hikers must preregister, Group limit 12 people. Contact leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz: eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com to preregister. Rain will cancel. (N)

Nov 1 (Sat):

Norvin Green State Forest on the Highlands Trail, Passaic Co: 10am. Hike 7 miles, beginning at the Highlands Pool near the Weis Ecology Center. We will ascend High Point on the Blue Trail, then follow the Highlands Trail south to Yoo-Point, Carris Hill, Chikahoki Falls, and the Otter Hole. Then back on the Otter Hole (Green) trail to the Weis Ecology Center. The trail is very rocky and strenuous with great views. Meet at the Highlands Pool parking lot. No pets. Hiking boots highly recommended: Bring a day bag with lunch, water and personal first aid, a compass and rain gear. Registration is recommended in case of updates: e-mail the leader, Jimi Oleksiak: the_hikist@Mac.com . Directions: I-287 North to exit 57, Skyline Drive. Turn left and go 5.2 miles north on Skyline Drive to Greenwood Lake Turnpike and make a left. Go 1.9 miles and make a right onto West Brook Rd, which takes you across and along the Wanaque Reservoir. Go 1.5 on West Brook and stay left (avoiding Stonetown Rd on the right), go another .5 mile and turn left on Snake Den Rd. Go .5 mile on Snake Den Rd just past the entrance to the Weis Ecology Center, to the Highlands Pool parking lot on the right.

Nov 1 (Sat):

Sunset Hike, Star Gaze and Camp in Burl Co: 4pm. 6 miles at moderate pace. Hike between two rivers as we watch the sun set over the pines. We come back to our tailgate social and then meet with the Willingboro Astronomical Society to view Uranus, Neptune, stars and galaxies. NP/NC. Bring picnic-type food to share, blanket or chair to sit on. Dress for the weather. Meet at the northern parking lot Batsto Village, Rte 542, 8 miles east of Hammonton, Overnight camping is available at Bass River SP; contact leader for information. Leader: Paul Serdiuk: 609-462-3593 eve. or Pis1@cccnj.net . Inclement weather cancels.

Nov 2 (Sun):

Black Creek Mountain (Sussex Co): 9:30 am. A 10,000-year-old Native American site in the Vernon Valley of Black Creek Mountain is home to artifacts of ancient peoples. Jessie Paladino, educator and former newspaper editor, will speak about the site. Sign up at least 2 days before outing: call Herb Wolff at 845-544-2371 or email him at herbwolff@optonline.net. (NW)

Nov 2 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the D&R Canal (Mercer/Middlesex Co): 9am. We’ll paddle 11 miles in a spectacular section for fall foliage - Kingston to Amwell Rd. There is one canal lock portage, bring portage wheels if you have them. Meet in Kingston at the D&R Canal State Park, Rte 27. Please contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. Rentals are not available. Leaders: George & Leona F., 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Nov 5 (Wed):

Canoe/Kayak Cedar Creek (Ocean Co): 9am. We voted yesterday and we’ll float today! Water level and weather permitting we’ll paddle from Cedar’s headwaters at Bamber Lake to Dudley Park – 13 miles. This is a trip for experienced Pinelands paddlers. Please contact leaders to confirm trip participation and meeting logistics. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Nov 8 (Sat):

Princeton town and canal 10:30 am. Easy 9-10 mile walk along the canal near Princeton with lunch stop in town, and walk through the campus. Hikers must preregister. Group limit 12 people. Contact leader, Ellen Blumenkrantz: eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com to preregister. Rain will cancel. (N)

Nov 8 (Sat):

Jockey Hollow Grand Loop, Morris Co: 10am. 5 miles, moderate to slow pace. We will do the Grand Loop at Jockey Hollow National Park in Morristown. See http://www.nps.gov/morr/planyourvisit/directions.htm for directions and information. Bring lots of water, a light snack, and wear hiking boots. Meet at the visitors' center. Heavy/steady rain cancels. Optional lunch at a local eatery if we get done in time. No pets please. Leaders: Jeffrey Sovelove: Hiker_Dood@Yahoo.com, and Lee Ousley: Ousleycl@mindspring.com. Joint ADK/Sierra Club hike.

Nov 9 (Sun):

Island Pond/Harriman State Park (NY): 10:10 am, meeting in Sloatsburg, NY Moderate hike includes a few small hills to/from Island Pond. Hikers must preregister, Group limit 12 people. Contact leader, Ellen Blumenkrantz: eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com to preregister. Rain will cancel. (N)

Nov 9 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak Crosswicks Creek (Burlington/Mercer Cos): 9am. Fall foliage will be lovely on the Crosswicks. This is a 14-mile shuttleless trip on the Crosswicks Creek Canoe Trail. We paddle with the tide from Bordentown to Anchor Thread Park in Groveville. Kayaks must be 12ft or longer. Bring lunch and beverage. At Anchor Thread Park we will again have an interesting presentation about the town and old mills by Groveville historian Gary Lippincott (www.grovevillememories.blogspot.com/ ). Please contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Nov 15 (Sat):

Social Hike at Tulip Springs, Essex Co: 10am. Hike 6-7 miles at a moderate pace in the South Mountain Reservation and see some of the many highlights this 2000-acre tract has to offer including a 25-foot waterfall and a spectacular views of New York City and South Jersey. Children 12 years or older and friendly dogs are welcome. Bring water and light snack and wear hiking boots. After the hike there will be a optional lunch/hot chocolate at the local diner. Meet in the Tulip Springs parking lot just off Cherry Lane (between Northfield Av and South Orange Av in South Orange). A $3 fee will be charged to nonmembers. All participants must sign a liability waiver. Rain Cancels. For further information call 973-364-7573 press 2. Leader: Ron Pate: ronpate31@verizon.net.

Nov 15 (Sat):

Moonlight Hike Campfire& Campout, Burl Co: 7pm. 6 miles at moderate pace. Hike under the Beaver Moon on moonlit sand roads and return to a roaring fire. Camping is available; call to reserve space. Bring picnic-type food to share at tailgate social after hike. NP/NC. Meet at Bryne State Forest group campsite. Enter on Rte 72 1/2 mile from junction of Rtes 70 & 72 . Leader: Paul Serdiuk, 609-462-3593 evenings or pis1@cccnj.net . Inclement weather cancels.

Nov 15 (Sat):

Minisink Outing - Walpack Center (Sussex Co): 9:30 am. Walpack Center is a preserved farming village, a bit smaller than Millbrook, and more recently occupied. The outing will conclude by 1pm. We urge participants to bring appropriate supplies of water and snacks. Rain date will be the following day. All participants will be required to sign standard Sierra Club waivers. Register at least 2 days before outing by email: herbwolff@optonline.net . (NW)

Nov 15 (Sat):

Muckshaw Ponds Preserve & other Nature Conservancy property: Fredon Twp, Sussex Co: 10am. We'll visit two different preserves in western NJ that have been purchased/saved by the Nature Conservancy. Total walk about 9 miles at a moderate pace. Hikers must preregister, Group limit 12 people. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz Contact: eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com to preregister for hike. Rain will cancel. (N)

Nov 15 (Sat):

Assunpink Creek Trail Building (Mercer Co): Rain date – Sunday, Nov 16) see description boxed in Central Jersey Group News. Leader: Dave Mattek: 609-737-1342 or mattekdc@aol.com. (C)

Nov 15 (Sat):

Canoe/Kayak the D&R Canal (Middlesex Co): 10am. There may still be fall foliage to enjoy along the canal as we paddle 9 miles from Amwell Rd to Demott Lane. There are 3 canal lock portages, so bring portage wheels if you have them. This is the 5th and last of the D&R Canal trips; dinner option. Rentals are not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and logistics. Leaders: George & Leona F 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Nov 19 (Wed):

Clayton Park Hike (Monmouth Co): 10am. 5 miles, easy/moderate pace. We’ll geo-cache too! Dogs are welcome! This rustic 421-acre site in rural Upper Freehold is located amidst the rolling farmland of western Monmouth County. Bring lunch and beverages. We’ll have lunch after the hike. Directions: I-195 to exit 11 (Imlaystown/Cox's Corner). Eastbound, turn right and follow to end; westbound, turn left and follow to end. Turn left onto Rte 526 and make immediate right onto Imlaystown-Davis Station Rd. Follow to Emley's Hill Rd, turn left. Follow to Park on left. Leaders: Leona and George F. 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Nov 23 (Sun):

Manasquan River Reservoir, Monmouth County(Special Interest: birds): 9am. Enjoy an easy 5 mile circular hike on one of the largest reservoirs in the area. We may observe water fowl. Bring snacks, drinks, bird books or binoculars. Hiking shoes are not required. This is a great family hike. Meet at the main entrance to the reservoir on Windeller Rd. Take the GSP to exit 98. Head west on I-195 to exit 28 (Rte 9.) Go north on Rte 9. Make first right onto Windeller Rd. The main entrance is 1.5 miles on your left. Meet in the parking area at the far left toward the back. Bad weather cancels. Confirmation/questions please call or text. Leader Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange@aol.com . (JS)

Nov 30 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak Wading River (Burlington Co): 10am. Too much turkey and trimmings? Then work off that Thanksgiving dinner with this 10-mile paddle from Hawkin Bridge to Beaver Branch, option for Evans Bridge takeout at 6 miles. Meeting at Hawkin Bridge. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259- 3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com . (W)

Nov 30 (Sun):

Hike Wissahickon Gorge (PA) 8:30 am. 8 miles at moderate pace over hills and valleys. Hike the Gorge in late fall with its spectacular views. Bring picnic-type food to share at tailgate social after hike. Proper hiking shoes required. Meet at 8:30 am in the rear parking lot of Crown Plaza Hotel (formerly Hilton Hotel) on Rte 70, to carpool/caravan to site or meet 9:30am at Valley Green parking lot in park. NP/NC. Leader Paul Serdiuk: 609-462-3593 eve or pis1@cccnj.net . Inclement weather cancels.

Dec 6 (Sat):

Meet at the Essex County Environmental Center 10 am. 621B Eagle Rock Av, Roseland. Moderate 4-5 mile hike. Wear water-proof boots & bring a lunch and binoculars. A $5 fee will be charged to non-members. Rain cancels. Leader: Ron Pate: ronpate31@verizon.net. Directions: I-280 E or W to exit 4A. This will put you on Eisenhower Parkway. Make a Right at the first light onto Eagle Rock Ave. The Center is 1/2 mile on the left. Plenty of parking before the building.

Dec 7 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak Cedar Creek (Ocean Co.): 10am. Cedar is a lovely waterway in the winter; especially with the riverbanks covered in snow. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for an early snowfall. The trip is 7 miles from Ore Pond to Dudley Park. Meeting at Double Trouble Park headquarters. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Dec 10 (Wed):

Paddle with the Tide on the Crosswicks Creek/Hamilton-Trenton- Bordentown Marsh (Burlington/Mercer Cos): 10:30 am. Paddle from Bordentown Beach to Roebling Park (8 miles round trip). Bring lunch and beverage. Optional walk to Spring Lake! Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. Meet at Bordentown Beach, Park St., Bordentown. Joint with OCSJ. Leaders: George & Leona F 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Dec 13 (Sat):

Lambertville Canal/town walk, Hunterdon Co: 10am. Easy 10 miles along the canal and Delaware River. Optional dinner stop in/near Lambertville after walk. 12-person limit; hikers must pre-register: leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz: eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com . Rain will cancel. (N)

Dec 13 (Sat):

Sherman Hoffman Sanctuary to Jockey Hollow National Park, Somerset Co: 10am. About 6 miles in less than 3 hours plus lunch. Some vigorous uphill stretches. Includes sections of the Dogwood, Passaic River and Encampment Trails and the Patriot’s Path. Near the Wick Farm we'll eat a box lunch then head back. No pets. Hiking boots recommended. Bring a day bag with lunch, water and personal first aid, a compass and rain gear. Registration recommended in case of updates: leader: Jimi Oleksiak, the_hikist@Mac.com . Directions: I-287 exit 30B, N Maple Av. At the traffic light go across Rte 202 past the Van Dorans Mill; then the road turns left and go about .5 mile. Veer right at the intersection with Childs Rd. Go one mile on Hardscrabble Rd where the road turns left near the Audubon Society entrance on the right. Don't take the Audubon entrance road but continue 200 yards to the “visitors parking lot” on the right, a gravel lot with a bulletin board. 51 Hardscrabble Rd, Bernardsville.

Dec 13 (Sat):

Moonlight Hike, Campfire and Campout, Burl. Co: 7pm. 7 miles at moderate pace. Enjoy a spring moonlight hike in the Pines under the Cold Moon on a new route and return to a roaring campfire. Bring picnic-type food to share at tailgate social after hike. NC/NP. Meet at Atsion Lake: from Rte 206 take Atsion Rd. west 1 mile to Goshen Pond Group site sign, turn left, go to camping area. Camping is available; call to reserve space. Leader: Paul Serdiuk, 609- 463-3593 evenings or pis1@cccnj.net. Inclement weather cancels.

Dec 14 (Sun):

Valley Forge National Park (PA): 8 am. 6 miles at moderate pace. Hike the National Park and experience the hardships of our forefathers. Revolutionary re-enactors will be present to portray life in the early days. We will go to Manayunk Brewery for their breakfast buffet after hike. Meet in rear parking lot of Crown Plaza Hotel on Rte 70, Cherry Hill (former Hilton Hotel) to carpool/caravan at 8am or meet at upper level parking lot at park's visitors center by restroom entrance at 9am. Leader Paul Serdiuk, 609-462-3593 evenings or pis1@cccnj.net. Inclement weather cancels.

Dec 17 (Wed):

Historic Smithville Park Hike and Holiday Mansion Tour (Burlington Co): 10am. 5 miles, easy/ moderate pace. Dogs are welcome! Hike the grounds of this historic Smithville, known for the Smithville-Mount Holly Bicycle Railroad. The 290-acre park features a diverse collection of habitats and terrain, upland forests and meadows. Bring lunch and beverage. Option for guided tour of Smithville Mansion after the hike (small fee). Meet at the Smith’s Woods access parking lot. Take Rte 38 to Smithville Rd in Easthampton Twp. Follow signage along Smithville Rd to East Railroad Av. Leaders: George & Leona F 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Dec 21 (Sun):

Celebrate the Winter Solstice on the Wading River (Burlington Co.) 10am. We’ll paddle 6 miles from Hawkin Bridge to Evans Bridge. Join us for our annual solstice celebration as the sun begins anew its journey to longer days. Meet at Hawkin Bridge. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Dec 24 (Wed):

Search for Santa On The N. Branch Rancocas Creek (Burlington Co.) 9am. Wear your Santa hat as we look for Santa on the 10-mile Rancocas Canoe Trail from Burlington County Community College to Smithville. Meet at the Vincentown Diner (Rte 206) – arrive early for breakfast. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and logistics. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Jan 1, 2009 (Thur):

Clayton Park Upper Freehold Township, Monmouth Co. (Special Interest: History) 9am. Ring in the New Year. A moderate 6-mile hike in one of Monmouth County Park System's best kept secrets. Moderate elevation gains. Hiking shoes not required. Bring snack and drink. Meet at the Wawa store near the intersection of County Rte 537 and I- 195. Bad weather or snow cover cancels. Confirmation/questions call or text Leader: Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange@aol.com. (JS)

Original link: http://www.shore11.org/sierrafall2008