NJ Sierra Club

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

Sep 12 (Sat):

Canoe/Kayak Cedar Creek (Ocean Co). 9am. Join us for George’s birthday on our favorite river and eat cake too! We’ll paddle 7 miles from Ore Pond to Dudley Park. Meet at Double Trouble Park headquarters, Pinewald-Keswick and Double Trouble Rds. Please contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Sept 12 (Sat):

Farewell to summer: on the beach at Shepherd Lake in Ringwood State Park (Passaic Co). Singles outing. Shepherd Lake offers swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, vast picnic/playground area, cafeteria fast food. Note: NO (official) swimming after Labor Day (unofficially, you may try it). See the descriptions, above, for July 11 or Aug 15. No more entrance fee after Labor Day! Rain day: September 13 (Sun). To register and for directions contact the leader, George Ekel: GeorgeEkel@aol.com or 201-444-2096, by Wed, Sept 9.

Sept 13 (Sun):

Thompson Park, Lincroft (Monmouth Co). 9am. Moderate 6.5-mile hike that follows the Swimming River Reservoir. Please bring drinks and snacks. Hiking shoes are suggested. GSP Exit 109, head west on Monmouth County Rte 520 past Brookdale Community 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 14 (Mon):

Canoe/Kayak the Crosswicks Creek (Mercer Co). 9am. This is a 14-mile shuttle-less trip on the Crosswicks Creek Canoe Trail. We paddle with the tide from Bordentown to Anchor Thread Park. Bring lunch to eat in the park. Meet at Bordentown Beach. Kayaks must be over 12ft. in length. To confirm the trip and participation please contact leaders: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Sept 18-20 (Fri-Sun):

Assateague Island (MD/VA) Kayak Weekend. Kayak and camp at the Federal campground on Assateague Island. We will kayak the back bays and visit several islands of interest. Downtime to relax, light hiking trails, optional group dinner in town, Fiddlers Festival or Kite festival as 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>

Sep 20 (Sun):

Canoe or Kayak with your Pooch on the Wading River (Burlington Co). 9am. We’ll paddle 10 miles from Hawkins Bridge to Beaver Branch. This is a good trip for novice paddlers. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from Mick’s Canoe and Kayak Rental: 800- 281-1380 or www.mickscanoerental.com. Please call leaders to confirm trip participation and meeting logistics: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com.

Sep 23 (Wed):

Canoe/Kayak the Great Egg Harbor River (Atlantic Co). 8:30 am. The “egg” is lovely to paddle in September. We’ll paddle 17 miles from Penny Pot to Lake Lenape. Meet at the Harley Dawn Diner, Black Horse Pike; arrive early for breakfast. Boats can be rented from Palace Outfitters: www.palaceoutfitters.com or 609-625-5882. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com.

Sept 26 (Sat):

B6B - Lewis Morris Park Singles Hike (Morris Co). 10am. We will 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.

Sep 27 (Sun):

Kayak the Tidal Delaware River (Burlington Co). 8am. We’ll paddle 21+ miles with the tide from Bordentown to the Palmyra Cove Nature Park (www.palmyracove.org). This is a trip for experienced kayakers. Kayaks must be 14ft or over in length; spray skirts recommended. Please contact leaders for logistics and to confirm the trip and your participation: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com.

Sept 27 (Sun):

Hedden Park of Mine Hill (Morris Co), 11am. This 2 to 3 mile stroll will begin from the Concord Road parking lot in Hedden Park. Mainly the white blazed trail but we will head over to see Indian Falls. This hike will feature elevation gains. See the Morris County Parks site (http://www.morrisparks.org) for directions and map. (Take I-287 to the Rte 10 exit and head northwest toward Dover. Right turn onto Rte 513 (Dover-Chester Turnpike), then 0.4 mile past YMCA to first stop sign, and turn left onto East Randolph. Drive west 0.2 mile and turn right onto Concord Road. Continue 0.4 mile to park entrance and the parking lot. Leader: Jim Davoust: davou@att.net, 203-214-9305 (JS).

Sep 30 (Wed):

Canoe/Kayak the D&R Canal and the Delaware River (Mercer Co). 9am. This year marks the 175th anniversary of the D&R Canal’s opening in 1834! Find special anniversary events at www.dandrcanal.com/park_index.html. Join us for a 10-mile shuttle-less paddle to Firemens Eddy that begins on the canal at Washington Crossing State Park. We’ll then portage to the Delaware River and float downriver to Washington Crossing. Bring lunch and beverages. Rentals are not available. To confirm the trip and participation please contact leaders: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Oct 3 (Sat):

South Mt. Reservation (Union Co) – singles outing. Meet before 10am at Turtle Back parking area. Take I-280 to Exit 10, Northfield Ave. Take Northfield Ave. west to Walker Rd. Left turn onto Walker Rd. Parking lot is 200 yards on right. 6-7 mile hike with some ups and downs. Rain cancels. Bring lunch- wear hiking boots. Contact Ron Pate, leader: ronpate31@verizon.net for info.

Oct 3 (Sat):

Moonlight Hike, Campfire & Campout, 7pm. 6 miles at moderate pace. Hike under the Beaver moon as we walk 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. Entrance is 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.

Oct 4 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the D&R Canal from Bulls Island to Lambertville (Hunterdon/Mercer Co). 10am. We will paddle 8 miles from Bulls Island State Park to Firemen’s Eddy, stopping for lunch at Prallsville Mill and Lock. Warren “Philo” Elmer, naturalist and Sierra member, will join us to share the history of the D&R Canal as we paddle. 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 7 (Wed):

Celebrate Pinelands Month – Cranberry “Cruise” on Cedar Creek (Ocean Co). 9am. We’ll stop to pick cranberries at old bogs as we paddle favorite Pines streams. Meet at Double Trouble Park, Pinewald-Keswick and Double Trouble Rds. Contact leaders to confirm trip and meeting logistics. Leaders: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734, or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Oct 9 (Fri):

Hike in Double Trouble State Park (Ocean Co). 10am. 5 miles, easy pace. October is Pinelands Month and cranberry harvesting season. Join us for a guided interpretive walk. After hiking we’ll have lunch along Cedar Creek, option to geocache. Meet at Double Trouble Park, Pinewald-Keswick and Double Trouble Rds. Leashed dogs are welcome! Bring lunch and beverage. Leaders: Leona and George F: 609-259-3734, or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Oct 10 (Sat):

Tallman Mountain State Park (Rockland Co, NY). 10am. 7 miles. We will hike through Tallman Mountain State Park and 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. in Piermont NY at 10am. Leader: John P. Jurasek: 845-365-3618 (no calls past 10pm), or Jurasek@optonline.net. (ACOC)

Oct 10 (Sat):

Washington Valley Park, Martinsville (Somerset Co). (Singles) 10am. This hike will cover 7 miles in 3 hours in moderately hilly terrain. This is the hike leader’s home park. We’ll pass along two reservoirs, visit the hawk watch patio, and take in views of the quarry. After the hike the crew will go to the nearby “East Star” buffet restaurant for lunch. No pets. Hiking boots and a day-pack with water required. Registration required via e-mail. Leader: Jimi Oleksiak: the_hikist@mac.com.

Oct 10 (Sat):

Sterling Forest Fire Tower Ramble (NY, Singles) 10am. 5 miles, moderate to slow pace. 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. Leader: Jeffrey Sovelove: Hiker_Dood@yahoo.com.

Oct 11 (Sun):

Southern Allaire State Park, Monmouth Co. (Special Interest: Geology) 9am. Moderate 4.5-mile hike is in the northern fringes of the Pine Barrens. Bring drink and snack. Hiking shoes preferred. Meet at the large paved 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 11 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the Delaware River Water Gap (Sussex Co) 9am. Fall foliage should be spectacular. We plan to paddle 10 miles from Dingmans Ferry to Bushkill Falls. Trip is for experienced paddlers. Kayaks must be 12ft or over; spray skirts and helmets recommended. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and logistics. Leaders: George & Leona F: 609- 259-3734, or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Oct 14 (Wed):

Canoe/Kayak the Mullica River (Burlington Co) 9am. We’ll paddle 12 miles from Atsion to Pleasant Mills. This is an all-day trip for experienced Pinelands paddlers. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation, meeting time and logistics. Leaders: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734, or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Oct 17 (Sat):

South Mountain Reservation (Union Co) in the Fall. 9:30 am. Washington Rock and Hemlock Falls await the autumn hiker. We'll hike at a speedy pace for 3+ miles on both well-trodden and winding paths to the overlook. Hiking boots suggested. Bring lunch/water. Well-behaved dog ok. Rain cancels. Directions: I-78 west to exit 50B, Millburn direction, taking Vauxhall Rd. Left at 2nd Exxon, right on Wyoming just after Whole Foods Market. Proceed 2 miles to stoplight, left uphill on Rte 510 for 1.6 mi, right on Brookside Drive for 0.4 mi to Tulip Springs lot. After leaving main road, continue toward right. Leader Jim Davoust: davou@att.net, 203-214-9305. (JS)

Oct 17 (Sat):

Canoe Trip on the Passaic River, Essex Co. (Singles). 10am. Canoe 4 hours at a steady pace observing the wildlife and natural settings. Bring water, picnic lunch and comfortable clothes. Meet promptly at the Canoe garage next to the Environmental Center on Eagle Rock Ave in Roseland, ½ mile west of the intersection of Eisenhower Pkwy and Eagle Rock Ave. 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. Reservation/payments are due by Mon, Oct 7. For further information and to register; email leaders: Ron Pate, ronpate31@verizon.net or Walter Goldenbaum, goldenb1@optonline.net.

Oct 17 (Sat):

Canoe/Kayak the Oswego River (Burlington Co). 9am. Celebrate Pinelands Month with a stop at Chatsworth’s Cranberry Festival weekend after our trip. 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: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734, or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Oct 18 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the Delaware River Water Gap (Sussex Co) 9am. Fall foliage should be spectacular. We plan to paddle 16 miles from Bushkill Falls thru the Walpack Bend to Kittatinny Point. Trip is for experienced paddlers. Kayaks must be 12ft or over; spray skirts and helmets recommended. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and logistics: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734, or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Oct 24 (Sat):

Highlands Trail Fall Foliage Hike (Sussex Co) 11am. Repeat of last year’s great fall foliage hike on Highlands Trail to beautiful Bear Pond, near Lake Hopatcong. 5 miles. Moderate difficulty. For information, contact Herb Wolff: 845-544-2371, or herbwolff@warwick.net.

Oct 25 (Sun):

Social Hike. Hawk Mountain (Hamburg, PA). 8am. Moderate-paced 7-mile hike in Hawk Mt. Bird Sanctuary. Observe a variety of hawks and other migratory birds in a natural setting. Spectacular views of the valley and ridge. Good boots and physical shape required. Bring binoculars. NC/NP. Optional family style dinner at a local eatery after hike. Meet promptly (8am) in the rear parking lot of Crown Plaza Hotel (formerly Hilton Hotel) on Rte 70, to carpool/caravan to site. Contact leader for carpool/caravan information. Or meet at 9:30 am: Hawk Mt. Visitors Center. Leader: Paul Serdiuk: 609-462-3593 eve, Pis1@cccnj.net.

Oct 28 (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. PARK DIRECTIONS: Interstate 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 Rt. 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 (Sat):

Wurtsboro Ridge Hike (NY). Strenuous hike with several ascents/descents totaling over 2,500 ft. elevation gain/loss. Hike takes about 6.5 hours including lunch and snack breaks. Great views. Car shuttle set up meets at 9:45 am in Wurtsboro. Hike starts 10:45 am, finishes around 5:30 pm. Optional dinner stop at Danny’s in Wurtsboro after hike. Rain would cancel. Limit 12 people. Must preregister. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com. (N)

Nov 1 (Sun):

Pine Meadow Lake/Harriman State Park (Rockland Co NY). 10am. Moderate-paced 9-mile hike with great views to Pine Meadow and back along the brook. Several steep ups and downs over rocky trails. Bring lunch and lots of water. Opt. pizza/beer stop after hike. Limit 12 people. Must preregister. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz: eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com. (N)

Nov 3 (Tues):

Vote and Float – Canoe/Kayak the N. Branch Rancocas Creek Canoe Trail (Burlington Co). 9am. The Rancocas is the largest watershed in south central New Jersey. Thanks to the Burlington County Parks System – paddlers are invited to experience this beautiful 14-mile waterway from BCCC to Mount Holly. Rentals are not available. Meet at the Vincentown Diner – arrive early for breakfast. Contact leaders for trip participation and logistics: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734, or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Nov 7 (Sat):

Jockey Hollow Grand Loop (Morris Co) - Singles. 10am. Hike 5 miles at a moderate to slow pace. We will do the parts of the Grand Loop: blue trail and yellow trail. We will stop at the soldiers 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 8 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the D&R Canal from Lambertville to Cadwalader Park (Mercer Co). 9am. We’ll paddle from Firemen’s Eddy to historic Cadwalader Park in Trenton. The Park was designed by the famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The trip is 12 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: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734, or leona@pineypaddlers.com, and Warren “Philo” Elmer: wpelmer@gmail.com. (C)

Nov 8 (Sun):

Wissahickon Gorge Hike (Philadelphia PA). 8:30 am Hike 6 miles at a moderate pace over hills and valleys. In late fall there are 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 9:30 am at Valley Green parking lot in park. NP/NC. Leader: Paul Serdiuk: 609- 462-3593 eve, or pis1@cccnj.net. Inclement weather cancels.

Nov 11 (Wed):

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. Ribbons of walking paths are sprinkled through wooded areas and intermittent picnic grounds and rest stops. Meet at Mastoris Restaurant parking lot, 144 Rte 130, Bordentown. Veterans Park is a short drive from the restaurant. Option for lunch at Mastoris after the hike. Leashed dogs are welcome. This is a nice family hike. Leaders: Leona and George F: 609-259- 3734, or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Nov 13 (Fri):

Canoe/Kayak on the Crosswicks Creek (Mercer Co). 9:30 am. 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 and over. Bring your lunch and beverage. Meet at Bordentown Beach, end of Park St. Option – 8:30 breakfast at Torp’s Too Café on Park St. Contact leaders to confirm trip: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734, or leona@pineypaddlers.com, and Warren “Philo” Elmer: wpelmer@gmail.com. (C)

Nov 14 (Sat):

Roebling Park and Marsh Land Cleanup (Mercer Co). 9am – 12noon. 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). Joint with Mercer County Parks and D&R Greenway Land Trust. Leader: Terry Stimpfel: terystimb@hotmail.com, or 609-731- 7016.

Nov 14 (Sat):

Norvin Green, Ringwood (Passaic Co). (Singles) 10am. This hike venue is probably the most rugged and challenging park in New Jersey. We will cover about six miles in four hours but it will feel more like eight. No beginners. No pets. Hiking boots and a day-pack with water required. Bring a lunch. Registration required via email. Leader: Jimi Oleksiak: the_hikist@mac.com.

Nov 15 (Sun):

Black River Trail/Patriots Path (Morris Co). 10:45 am Moderate paced hike along a very scenic trail that connects two nature centers in Morris County and follows the Black River. Rain would cancel. Carpool can be set up from Parsippany at 10am or meet at trailhead at 10:45. Optional stop for drinks/dinner after the hike at local pub/restaurant next to trailhead. Limit 12 people. Must preregister. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz: eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com. (N)

Nov 15 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the D&R Canal (Mercer/Middesex 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, RT. 27. Please contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. Leaders: George & Leona F., 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (C)

Nov 18 (Wed):

Canoe/Kayak the Oswego River (Burl Co). 10am. Enjoy a fall trip on the “Jewel of the Pinelands” as we paddle 7 miles from Lake Oswego to Harrisville Lake. Meet at Lake Oswego, Lake Oswego Rd. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and logistics: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734, or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Nov 21 (Sat):

Sunset Hike and Star Gazing at Batsto (Burl Co). 4pm Hike 6 miles at moderate pace between two rivers as we watch the sun set over the pines. We come back to our tailgate social and 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 in the northern parking lot Batsto Village, Rte 542, 8 miles east of Hammonton. Optional overnight camping is available at Bass River SP; contact leader for information: Paul Serdiuk: 609-462-3593 eve, or Pis1@cccnj.net. Inclement weather cancels.

Nov 21 (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. Dinner option at Pooja’s in Somerset. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and logistics: George & Leona F: 609- 259-3734, or Leona@pineypaddlers.com.

Nov 28 (Sat):

Canoe/Kayak the D&R Canal from Lawrenceville to Kingston (Mercer Co). 9am. Too much turkey and trimmings? Then work off those calories with this 11-mile paddle from Cherry Tree Lane to Kingston – no portages either! Bring your Thanksgiving leftovers for lunch. Contact leaders to confirm trip participation and logistics: George & Leona F: 609-259- 3734, or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Nov 29 (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 and/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 front. Bad weather cancels. Confirmation/questions please call or text leader: Mike Verange: 908-902-0718, or mjverange@aol.com. (JS)

Dec 2 (Wed):

Canoe/Kayak the Great Egg Harbor River (Atlantic Co). 9am. We’ll have the Great Egg all to ourselves as we paddle 9 miles from Penny Pot to Weymouth Furnace. Meet at the Harley Dawn Diner, Rte 322/Black Horse Pike – arrive early for breakfast!! Contact leaders to confirm trip: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734, or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Dec 4 (Fri):

Moonlight Hike, Campfire and Campout in the Pines. 7pm. Hike 7 miles at a moderate pace. Enjoy a winter 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, Burl. Co. From Rte 206 take Atsion Rd. west 1 mile, to Goshen Pond Group Site sign, turn left into camping area. Camping is available; call to reserve space. Leader: Paul Serdiuk: 609-463-3593 evenings, or pis1@cccnj.net. Inclement weather cancels.

Dec 5 (Sat):

NJ Audubon Society Plainsboro Preserve Hike (Mercer/Middlesex Cos): 10am. Easy 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 as we watch the wildlife around the lake. Also, The Preserve has wildlife exhibits, a reference library and the Nature Store is a great source for field guides, optics, etc. Dogs are not permitted. This is a great family hike!! For directions: www.njaudubon.org/Centers/Plainsboro/. Inclement weather cancels. Co-leaders: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734, or leona@pineypaddlers.com, and Warren “Philo” Elmer: wpelmer@gmail.com. (C)

Dec 6 (Sun):

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 12 (Sat):

Hatfield Swamp Hike, Essex Co. (Singles) 10am. Meet at the Essex County Environmental Center, 621B Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland. Moderate 4-5 mile hike. Wear water- proof boots & bring a lunch and binoculars. Rain cancels Take 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 in front of the building. Leader: Ron Pate: ronpate31@verizon.net.

Dec 12 (Sat):

Lambertville (Hunterdon Co): Delaware Canal Walk. 11am. 10-mile easy loop walk along the canal north from Lambertville to Prallsville Mill and back on the Pennsylvania side to New Hope. Depending on weather we will either picnic or stop at a local café for lunch. Rain will cancel. Group limited to 12 people. Must preregister. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz: eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com. (N)

Dec 12 (Sat):

Lewis Morris Park, Morristown, Morris Co. (Singles) 10am. This hike will cover about 6 miles in three hours in moderately hilly terrain. No pets. Hiking boots and a day- pack with water required. Bring a lunch. Registration required via email. Leader: Jimi Oleksiak: the_hikist@mac.com.

Dec 13 (Sun):

Valley Forge National Park (PA). 8am. 6 miles at moderate pace. Hike the National Park and appreciate the hardships of our forefathers. Revolutionary re-enactors will be present, portraying life in the early days. We will go to Manayunk Brewery for a 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 13 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak on the Crosswicks Creek/HTB Marsh (Burlington/Mercer Cos). 10am. This is an 8-mile trip from Bordentown Beach to Roebling Park for lunch; walk to Spring Lake before returning with the tide. Bring lunch and hot beverage. Option for early breakfast at Torp’s Too Café on Park St. Contact leaders to confirm trip: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734, or leona@pineypaddlers.com, and Warren “Philo” Elmer: wpelmer@gmail.com. (C)

Dec 13 (Sun):

Ramapo Reservation (Passaic/Bergen Cos). 10:15 am Moderate-paced 9-10- mile loop connects Ramapo Reservation to Ringwood State Park, passing 3 lakes and 2 great viewpoints. Bring lunch & lots of water. Rain would cancel. Opt. pizza/beer stop after hike. Limit 12 people. Must preregister. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz: eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com. (N)

Dec 16 (Wed):

Historic Smithville Hike and Holiday Mansion Tour (Burlington Co). 10am. 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 Ave, Eastampton. Leaders: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734, or Leona@pineypaddlers.com.

Dec 21 (Mon):

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

Dec 23 (Wed):

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

Dec 26-31 (Sat-Thur):

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 Reenactments, join Walking Tours of the Trenton and Princeton Battlefields, learn about archaeological discoveries in Trenton, take a State House civics tour, etc. Website: www.patriotsweek.com. Contact leaders to meet-up for event(s) of interest: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734, or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Jan 1, 2010 (Fri):

Harteshorne Woods, Monmouth County: (Special interest: Recent History): 9am. Moderate 6-mile hike has elevation gains and a lot of scenery. Please bring drinks and snacks. Hiking shoes are suggested. Meet at the Rocky Point parking area: Take GSP to exit 117. Then Rte 36 toward Sandy Hook approx. 10 miles to Portland Rd (last exit before bridge to Sandy Hook). Stay on Portland Rd to top of hill. Parking area is on left. Bad weather (including snow cover) cancels. Confirmation/questions please call or text leader: Mike Verange: 908-902-0718, or mjverange@aol.com. (JS)