Because both cable bridges were washed out in recent heavy rains and the creek is too deep and fast right now to wade, we will start the hike at the other end of the park. Instead of Rustic Park (now in italics) meet at Old Rt. 82 & Parking area at 2000 Haycreek Road (40.239180,-75.829908). Follow Rt. 345 north from Rt 23 to Geigertown Road, turn left. Follow Geigertown Road to Mullen Hollow. Turn right onto Mullen Hollow and follow to Haycreek Road (old Rt 82) and turn right onto Haycreek Road. Follow Haycreek Road (keep to right at fork) until it dead ends. Park there where we will begin the hike.
10-12 miles. Directions to trailhead: Meet at trailhead 9:45 AM, Rustic Park, 1314 Haycreek Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508 (40.253962.-75.813698). Park at the shady end of the lot next to Rustic Park entrance. For Batona members: Mass transit: SEPTA 101 trolley from 69th Street to Springfield Mall stop and meet leader at 8:25 AM. If driving, meet at 8:30 AM in front of Macy’s at Springfield Mall (44 miles to trailhead). Hiking mostly in the shade, we will explore trails on both sides of Hay Creek in this beautiful, varied preserve, including both reservoirs and an old quarry that is now a climbing area. Two stream crossings over cable bridges or by wading. We will cross each in both directions, for a total of four crossings. Expect some wet, muddy areas. Bring lunch, plenty of water, and gloves and/or water shoes. Joint hike with Allentown Hiking Club. Contact leaders directly or register on Meetup. Participation limited to 10 people per club. Please share carpool expenses $0.10/mile roundtrip, plus tolls. There is no charge for this hike. Leaders: Abbie Wysor (Batona), 610-742-5967, abbiewysor@gmail.com, and Paula Uhrin (Allentown), 484-951-4299, JCNJ168@ptd.net.
