NJ Sierra Club

The Sierra Group contributing each outing is shown at the end of the write-up.
Contact Information and Notes.

Sept 2 (Thu):

Canoe/Kayak the Delaware River from Bordentown City to Burlington (Burlington Co). 9am. During the trip we’ll talk about the negative impacts of the Army Corps’ dredging project on the Delaware. This is a 10-mile tidal trip – we begin in B’town City and takeout in Burlington. We then catch the RiverLINE back into B’town for our cars and return to Burlington for our boats. This trip is for experienced paddlers; expect power boat traffic and boat wakes. Kayaks must be 14ft or longer; bring spray skirts. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Sept 5 - 10 (Sun-Fri):

September in Western Maine! Location: Bald Mountain Camps, Oquossoc, Me. This is an historic sporting camp located on pristine Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Many activity options, fine dining and a comfortable warm environment provide relaxation and fun. Internet access available. Check the website www.baldmountaincamps.com. Trip includes hiking, guided kayaking or canoeing lakes and rivers with our host and Registered Maine Guide, Steve Philbrick. Log cabins with fireplace, wood, bath, linens, porch, first class breakfasts and dinners in the lodge dining room, sack lunches for the trail. More information: Judy Norcross, 609-288-6737 or jsnorcross@aol.com, or Leona Fluck, Leona@pineypaddlers.com or 609-259- 3734. (W)

Sept 5 (Mon):

Canoe/Kayak the Crosswicks Creek/Hamilton-Trenton-Bordentown Marsh (Mercer Co). 10:30 am. Labor Day weekend – spend the day on the water! Enjoy a leisurely 8- mile tidal paddle from Bordentown to John A. Roebling Park and back. Bring lunch and beverage. Optional walk to Spring Lake after lunch. Meet at Bordentown Beach. Contact leaders to confirm participation and trip: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (C)

Sept 6 (Mon):

D&R Canal Cleanup on Labor Day (Mercer Co). 9am to noon. The Princeton University Student Volunteers Council and the Central Group of the NJ Sierra Club have planned a land and water cleanup of the D&R Canal as part of the Sierra Club Water Sentinels Program http://www.sierraclub.org/watersentinels/ Our focus will be in the Whitehead RD area. For information and registration please contact George & Leona F. 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (C)

Sept 10 (Fri):

Canoe/Kayak the Great Egg Harbor River (Atlantic Co). 8:30am. It’s the end of the summer and a perfect time to enjoy a long paddle on the “egg”! We’ll paddle 16+ miles from Penny Pot to Lake Lenape. Meet at Georgie's Grill and Dairy Bar, Rte 54, Hammonton; arrive early for breakfast. Contact leaders to confirm trip: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Sept 12-17 (Sun-Fri):

September in Western Maine! Location: Bald Mountain Camps, Oquossoc, Me. Same description as above, for Sept 5 – 10.

Sept 12 (Sun):

Thompson Park (Monmouth County). 9am. Moderate 6.5-mile hike, that follows the Swimming River Reservoir. Please bring drinks and snacks. Hiking shoes are suggested. GSP Exit 109, then west on Monmouth County Rte 520 toward Brookdale Community College. Go approx. 1/2 mile past the College. Thompson Park is the next left. Parking area is on the right. Bad weather (including high heat index) cancels. Confirmation/questions please call or text leader: Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange@aol.com (JS)

Sept 12 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak Cedar Creek (Ocean Co). 10am. It’s George’s b’day! We’ll eat cake and paddle 7 miles from Ore Pond to Dudley Park. Cedar Creek is one of the prettiest Pines streams. Meet at Double Trouble Park Headquarters. Please contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Sept 16 (Thu):

Canoe/Kayak the Oswego River (Burlington Co). 10am. Meet at Lake Oswego and enjoy a 7-mile paddle on the “Jewel of the Pinelands”. Boats can be rented from Mick’s Pine Barrens Canoe and Kayak Rental: 800-281-1380 or www.mickscanoerental.com. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Sept 17 (Fri):

Pine Meadow Lake/Harriman State Park (Rockland Co, NY). 10am. Scenic 9-10 mile hike on various trails to/from Pine Meadow Lake, including some rocky outcrops, scenic views, streams. Group limited to 12 people. Must bring lunch and lots of water. Rain will cancel. All hikers must pre-register and will then be notified of exact meeting location. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com (NJ)

Sept 17-19 (Fri-Sun):

Assateague Island Camp & Beach Weekend, Maryland/Virginia. Camp at the Federal campground on Assateague Island. Enjoy a relaxing weekend on the beach along with some light hiking and optional group dinner in town. Fiddlers Festival and Kite Festival are options. Contact leader to confirm trip participation and campground information. Participants will be responsible for their own campsite reservations. Trip will only run with a minimum confirmed group. Leader: Paul Serdiuk, 609-462-3593 evenings only or pis1@cccnj.net

Sept 18 (Sat):

Canoe/Kayak the Delaware River Water Gap (Sussex Co). 9am. Kittatinny to Belvidere. Trip is for experienced paddlers. Spray skirts and helmets are required. Rentals not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and logistics: George & Leona F, 609- 259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (C)

Sept 18 (Sat):

Ramapo Reservation Hike - Northern NJ. 10am. Moderately paced 8-10 mile loop hike from Ramapo reservation to Ringwood State Forest. Loop may involve several small stream crossings, lakes, view points, just 2-3 hills. We’ll have our picnic lunch at an old scout camp. Group limited to 12 people. Must bring lunch and lots of water. Rain will cancel. All hikers must pre-register and will then be notified of exact meeting location. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com (NJ)

Sept 18 (Sat):

Singles Rockaway River Wildlife Management Area Hike, Jefferson (Passaic Co). 10am. 7 miles in 4 hours in rugged terrain with great views. There are no facilities at this site. No beginners, no pets. Hiking boots and a day-pack with water required. Bring a lunch. Registration required: Leader: Jimi Oleksiak – The_Hikist@Mac.com. If you haven’t hiked with The Hikist before, send a brief description of your hiking experience to the hike leader. Directions for the meeting place will be sent to registrants by e-mail.

Sept 19 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak with your Pooch on the Wading River (Burlington Co). 9am. Fortunato invites his” cousins” and dog lovers for a fun day paddling 10 miles from Hawkin Bridge to Beaver Branch. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from Mick’s Pine Barrens Canoe and Kayak Rental: 800-281-1380 or www.mickscanoerental.com. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Sept 19 (Sun):

Island Pond Loop/Harriman State Park (Rockland Co, NY). 10am. Moderate paced, 9-10 mile hike with a few small climbs to beautiful spot on Island Pond for our picnic lunch. Return loop finishes with one of the loveliest view points in the park. Group limited to 12 people. Must bring lunch and lots of water. Rain will cancel. All hikers must pre-register and will then be notified of exact meeting location. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com (NJ)

Sept 25 (Sat):

Canoe/Kayak the Delaware River (Mercer Co). 9am. It’s officially Fall now but the Delaware is inviting! Join us for the 15-mile trip from Kingwood to Lambertville. Bring lunch and beverages. Kayaks must be 12 ft or longer; spray skirt and helmet recommended. Rentals not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip and logistics: George & Leona F, 609-259- 3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (C)

Sept 25 (Sat):

Singles: Lewis Morris Park (Morris Co). 10am. We’ll start at Sunrise Lake, then hike to the upper parking lot and back down to the lake using a combination of the Yellow and Red trails. The pace will be a moderate one. See the Morris County Parks Commission website http://www.morrisparks.net/aspparks/lmmain.asp for directions. Bring lots of water, lunch, and wear hiking boots. Meet in Sunrise Lake parking lot. Heavy/steady rain cancels. No pets please. Leader: Jeffrey Sovelove, Hiker_Dood@Yahoo.com. Joint ADK/Sierra Club hike.

Sept 25 (Sat):

Tallman Mountain State Park (Rockland Co, NY). 10am. 6 miles through Tallman Mountain State Park to view the berms and salt marsh. We will then walk the mile-long Piermont pier halfway across the Hudson! Trails include the Long Path. Bring lunch and water. Drivers meet in front of 450 Piermont Ave. (building with mural). Leader: John P. Jurasek, 845- 365-3618 (no calls after 10pm), or Jurasek@optonline.net (ACOC)

Sep 30 (Thurs):

Canoe/Kayak the D&R Canal and the Delaware River (Mercer Co). 9am. Join us for a 10-mile shuttleless paddle that begins on the canal at Washington Crossing State Park - to Firemens Eddy. We’ll then portage to the Delaware River and float. George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (C)

Oct 3 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the Hamilton-Trenton-Bordentown Marsh (Mercer Co). 9am. Located southeast of Trenton, the 1,250-acre Marsh is the northernmost freshwater tidal marsh on the Delaware River. We’ll paddle by the bluffs overlooking Crosswicks Creek near Bonaparte’s Landing on our way to Mercer County’s John A. Roebling Park. The Sierra Club Central Group is grilling the “doggies” - bring your favorite potluck dish to share. Meet at Bordentown Beach, end of Park St. No boat? Then join us at Roebling Park for the potluck picnic and a walk around Spring Lake. Contact leaders to confirm participation: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Oct 8 (Fri):

Hike at Double Trouble State Park (Ocean Co). 10am. 4-5 miles, easy pace. October is Pinelands Month and cranberry harvesting season. Join us for a guided walk with Andrew Anderson, Resource Interpretive Specialist. Meet at Double Trouble Park, Pinewald- Keswick and Double Trouble Rds. Leashed dogs are welcome! Bring lunch and beverage. Great Park for Geocachers! Leona and George F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Oct 9 (Sat):

Ramapo Reservation, Mahwah (Bergen Co). 10am. 7 miles in 4 hours in hilly terrain. No pets. Hiking boots and a day-pack with water required. Bring a lunch. Registration required: email the leader: Jimi Oleksiak (The_Hikist@Mac.com). If you haven’t hiked with The Hikist before, send a brief description of your hiking experience to the hike leader. Directions for the meeting place will be sent via email to members who register. Description: http://www.nynjtc.org/park/ramapo-valley-co-reservation.

Oct 10 (Sun):

Celebrate Pinelands Month – Cranberry “Cruise” on Cedar Creek (Ocean Co). 9am. We’ll stop to pick cranberries at old bogs as we paddle a favorite Pines stream. Meet at Double Trouble Park, Pinewald-Keswick and Double Trouble Rds. Rentals not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Oct 11 (Mon):

It's Columbus Day – Canoe/Kayak the N. Branch Rancocas Creek Canoe Trail (Burlington Co). 8:30 am. Celebrate Columbus Day with breakfast and a 14-mile paddle from BCCC to Mount Holly. Meet at the Vincentown Diner - one of the BEST diners in NJ. Please contact leaders to confirm trip participation: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Oct 16 (Sat):

Sourland Mountain Preserve Hike (Somerset Co). 10am. 5 miles in beautiful autumn color among great boulder fields with many inclines and declines for a great fun hike. http://www.njtrails.org/trailguide.php?TrailID=114 Bring lunch, 2 quarts of water, and sturdy shoes. Rain date Sun. Oct. 17. Preregistration required. Contact leader: Tamanna: 732-801-9629, tmohapatra@yahoo.com or co-leader: Terry: 609-731-7016, terystimb@hotmail.com. (C)

Oct 16 (Sat):

Sterling Forest Fire Tower Ramble (Rockland Co., NY). 10am. 5 miles, moderate pace. Option to extend if the group desires. Moderately strenuous 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. Leader: Jeffrey Sovelove: Hiker_Dood@yahoo.com.

Oct 23 (Sat):

Singles, South Mountain Reservation. Meet before 10am. 6-7 miles at a vigorous pace stopping for lunch at Hemlock Falls, a very pretty 25-foot waterfall. Bring lunch, water and wear hiking boots. Rain cancels. Take I-280 to exit 10, Northfield Av, turn left onto Northfield Av to Walker Rd. Turn left onto Walker Rd. Turtle Back Rock Parking area is 1/4 mile on right. Leader: Ron Pate: ronpate31@verizon.net.

Oct 23 (Sat):

Pinelands Month - Canoe/Kayak the Oswego River (Burlington Co). 10am. Celebrate Pinelands Month! We’ll paddle 7 miles from Lake Oswego to Harrisville Lake. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from Mick’s Canoe and Kayak Rental: 800-281-1380 or www.mickscanoerental.com/. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Oct 23 (Sat):

Delaware Water Gap Circular (Warren Co). 9:30 am. 10-mile hike up Mt. Tammany and along the Kittatinnny Ridge to Sunfish Pond and return via Appalachian Trail. This hike has a diversity of landscapes and many scenic views. The pace will be moderate, but the trail up is steep and rocky so participants should be in good condition. Must pre-register. Leader: Bob Muska: rmuska@verizon.net. (L)

Oct 24 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the D&R Canal from Bulls Island to Lambertville (Hunterdon/Mercer Co). 10am. This is the first of 5 trips as we paddle the entire D&R Canal www.dandrcanal.com/history.html. This first trip is 8 miles from Bulls Island State Park to Firemen’s Eddy. There are 2 portages, bring portage wheels if you have them. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and meeting location: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Oct 27 (Wed):

Clayton Park Hike (Monmouth Co). 10am. 5 miles, easy/moderate pace, mix of hilly and flat trails. 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)

Oct 31 (Sun):

Halloween Canoe/Kayak Trip on the D&R Canal (Mercer Co). 9am. Wear your “finest” Halloween outfit and join us for a fun paddle on the D&R Canal. The trip is 10 miles from Firemen’s Eddy to Lower Ferry Rd. Our lunch break will be at Washington Crossing Park – bring lunch and beverage. There are 2 portages, bring portage wheels if you have them. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and meeting location: George & Leona F: 609-259- 3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Nov 2 (Tues):

Canoe/Kayak on the Crosswicks Creek (Mercer Co). 9:30 am. Fall foliage will be lovely on the Crosswicks Creek as we paddle with the tide from Bordentown to Anchor Thread Park in Groveville and return to Bordentown after lunch. Bring your lunch and beverage. Meet at Bordentown Beach, end of Park St. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Nov 6 (Sat):

Roebling Park and Marsh Land Cleanup (Mercer Co) 9am –noon. Spring Lake area. Bring gloves if you have them, water to drink; wear long sleeves, long pants. Meet at Spring Lake - Roebling Park (end of Sewell Ave., Hamilton). Co-leaders: Tamanna 732-801- 9629, tmohapatra@yahoo.com and Don Carlo. (Cosponsors with Friends for the Marsh: Central Jersey Chapter Sierra Club, Mercer County Parks, D&R Greenway Land Trust). (C)

Nov 7 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the D&R Canal from Lawrenceville to Kingston (Mercer Co). 9am. Our third D&R Canal trip is 12 miles from Cherry Tree Lane to Kingston – no portages either! Contact leaders to confirm trip and meeting location: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Nov 11 (Thurs):

Hike on Veterans Day at Veterans Park (Mercer Co). 10am. 5 miles, easy pace. This magnificent 333-acre park was built in honor of Hamilton Township’s veterans in 1977. Thanks to the efforts of the township’s Patriotic Committee, the park is now the home for an F-4 Phantom Jet which honors veterans. Meet at Mastoris Restaurant parking lot, 144 Rte130, Bordentown. Veterans Park is a short drive from the restaurant. Option for late lunch at Mastoris. Leashed dogs are welcome. Leona and George F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Nov 13 (Sat):

Canoe/Kayak Cedar Creek (Ocean Co). 9am. The days are much shorter but we still have plenty of time to paddle 7 miles from Ore Pond to Dudley Park. Meet at Double Trouble Park, Pinewald-Keswick and Double Trouble Rds. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Nov 13 (Sat):

Apshawa Preserve, West Milford (Passaic Co). 10am. 7 miles in 4 hours, in hilly terrain. There are no facilities at this site.Hiking boots and a day-pack with water required. Bring a lunch. No beginners. No pets. Registration required: email the leader: Jimi Oleksiak (The_Hikist@Mac.com). If you haven’t hiked with The Hikist before, send a brief description of your hiking experience to the hike leader.Directions for the meeting place will be sent via email to members who register. Description: http://www.passaiccountynj.org/parkshistorical/parks/apshawapreserve.htm.

Nov 13 (Sat):

Jockey Hollow Grand Loop (Morris Co). 10am. 5 miles, moderate to slow pace. We will do the parts of the Grand Loop, blue trail, and yellow trail at Jockey Hollow National Park in Morristown. We will stop at the soldier’s huts. 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. Leader: Jeffrey Sovelove: Hiker_Dood@Yahoo.com. Joint ADK/Sierra Club hike.

Nov 13 (Sat):

Harriman Circular, Tuxedo NY (Rockland Co, NY) 9:30 am. 8-mile hike. This hike has a diversity of landscapes and lunch at a scenic lake. The pace will be moderate, but the trail can be rocky with many ups and downs. Participants should be in good condition. Must pre-register: Bob Muska: rmuska@verizon.net. (L)

Nov 14 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the D&R Canal (Mercer/Middlesex Cos). 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: George & Leona F: 609- 259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Nov 14 (Sun):

Breakneck Pond/Harriman State Park (Rockland Co, NY). 10am. Moderate paced, 9-mile hike in Harriman. Combination of fire roads and hiking trails to 2-3 different lakes (depending on weather). Steady rain would cancel. Bring lunch & lots of water. Opt. pizza/beer stop after hike. Limit 12 people. Must pre-register: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com. (N)

Nov 18 (Thurs):

Canoe/Kayak the Wading River (Burlington Co). 10am. Enjoy a fall trip as we paddle 9 miles from Hawkin Bridge to Beaver Branch. Meet at Hawkin Bridge. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: Leaders: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Nov 20 (Sat):

Canoe/Kayak the D&R Canal (Middlesex Co). 10am. This is the fifth and last trip of the D&R Canal fall series. We paddle 9 miles from Amwell Rd to Demott Lane. There are 3 canal lock portages; bring portage wheels if you have them. Dinner option at Pooja’s in Somerset. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and meeting location: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Nov 20 (Sat):

Singles: Eagle Rock Reservation (Essex Co). 10am. Meet at Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange. 4-5 miles at a moderate pace, stopping at beautiful views of NYC. Bring lunch water and wear hiking boots. Rain cancels. Take I-280 to Prospect Av, right turn onto Eagle Rock Av. Left turn into reservation. Leader: Ron Pate: ronpate31@verizon.net.

Nov 28 (Sun):

Hike Cattus Island County Park (Ocean Co). 10am. 5 miles, easy pace. This environmentally sensitive park spans 530 acres and boasts miles of trails, many offering lovely vistas of the adjacent Silver Bay in Toms River. Cattus Island is home to the Cooper Environmental Center, where visitors of all ages will enjoy many displays and collections of snakes and reptiles. Learn about the issues facing the ecosystem and what you can do to help save the Barnegat Bay. Bring lunch and beverage. Co-Leaders: Leona F 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com, and Joanne P jpatmeadowbrook@gmail.com. (W)

Dec 2 (Thurs):

Canoe/Kayak on the Crosswicks Creek/HTB Marsh (Mercer Co). 9:30 am. Join us for a leisurely 8-mile trip from Bordentown Beach to John A. Roebling Park. We’ll have lunch at the Park and then enjoy a brisk walk around Spring Lake before returning with the tide. Bring lunch and hot beverage. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Dec 4 (Sat):

Whitesbog Village Fall Hike (Burlington Co). 10am. 5 miles, easy pace on sandy trails. Whitesbog is a NJ historic site and was a village built to house workers who harvested the local cranberry bogs. Check the website for directions www.whitesbog.org. Leashed dogs are welcome. The General Store will be open for “bogware” purchases! Bring lunch and beverage. Meet in the parking lot across from the General Store. George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Dec 4 (Sat):

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

Dec 6 (Mon):

Canoe/Kayak Cedar Creek (Ocean Co). 9am. Cedar is a very pretty waterway in December; especially if we have an early snowfall. The trip will be 7 miles from Ore Pond to Dudley Park. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation, time and meeting location: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Dec 8 (Wed):

Hike from Trenton to Morrisville (Mercer Co). 10am. Park (free) under the State House Capitol Complex. Exit onto West State Street and meet in front of the Library for a 3-mile walk across the Delaware River and atop the levee in Morrisville. When we return, we will pass 23 S. Warren St to see a beautiful mural and then visit the Wachovia Bank for the famous painting of George Washington. Lots of places for lunch afterward. Contact Joanne P at jpatmeadowbrook@gmail.com. (C)

Dec 11 (Sat):

High Mountain Reservation, Wayne (Passaic Co). 10am. 7 miles in 4 hours in hilly terrain with great views. There are no facilities at this site. No beginners, no pets. Hiking boots and a day-pack with water required. Bring a lunch. Registration required: Jimi Oleksiak (The_Hikist@Mac.com). If you haven’t hiked with The Hikist before, send a brief description of your hiking experience to the leader. Directions for the meeting place will be sent via email to members who register. Descriptions: http://www.nynjtc.org/trails/overviews/ov-high.html, http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newjersey/work/art4432.html.

Dec 11 (Sat):

Lambertville Canal walk (Hunterdon Co). 11am. 8-10-mile flat walk along the canal paths on the Delaware River, includes stops at Prawsville Mills and Lambertville, which may have holiday season events that day. Optional dinner in/near Lambertville afterwards. Rain would cancel. Group limit 14 people. Pre-registration required: Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz: eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com.

Dec 16 (Thurs):

Historic Smithville Hike and Holiday Mansion Tour (Burlington Co). 10am. 4-5 miles, easy pace. Hike the grounds of this historic village, known for the Smithville- Mount Holly Bicycle Railroad. The 290-acre park features a diverse collection of habitats and terrain, upland forests and meadows. After hiking, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Smithville Mansion (small fee). Option for late lunch at Vincentown Diner. Meet at Smith's Woods at Historic Smithville Park, East Railroad Av, Easthampton. Leashed dogs are welcome. George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Dec 21 (Tues):

Celebrate the Winter Solstice – Canoe/Kayak the Wading River (Burlington Co). 9am. 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. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Dec 24 (Fri):

Search for Santa on the N. Branch Rancocas Creek (Burlington Co). 9am. Wear your Santa hat as we look “high and low” for Santa on the 10-mile Canoe Trail from BCCC to Smithville. Meet at the Vincentown Diner – arrive early for breakfast. Contact leaders for trip participation, meeting time and location: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Dec 26-31 (Sun-Fri):

It’s Patriots Week in Trenton (Mercer Co). Are you interested in the history of the American Revolution in NJ? Washington’s crossing of the Delaware? Patriots Week offers fun and history for the entire family. See the First and Second Battles of Trenton reenacted, join walking tours of the Trenton and Princeton Battlefields, learn about archaeological discoveries in Trenton. Register early for a State House Civics Tour, etc. www.patriotsweek.com. Contact leaders to meet-up for event(s) of interest: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)