Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors in Berks 9

BY NIKKI M. MURRY

Spring is here! Get out and enjoy the rising temperatures, greenery and fresh air at these local gems.

1. Accessible for all.

For a trail anyone can enjoy, explore the widened paths and islands of the Oakbrook Line Project running from Lancaster Avenue in Reading to Museum Road down to Schlegel Park. Enhancements to the area include ramps, sidewalks and curb repairs.

2 . Museum grounds.

The Reading Public Museum’s arboretum is truly a sight to behold, especially when its 25 lush acres are in full bloom. Visitors often include canine companions and families with young children who enjoy the story walk. readingpublicmuseum.org

3. Bird watching & hiking.

For those who are fans of getting a glimpse of raptors in flight, or just taking a good hike, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton is a must-visit. Some raptors to see include: Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Cooper’s Hawk, Turkey Vulture and area owls. hawkmountain.org

4 . On the river.

Head to Wyomissing’s Gring’s Mill Recreation Area for a leisurely stroll on a path running alongside the Tulpehocken Creek and historic Union Canal. Also featured on the property is a game court area featuring volleyball, quoits and horseshoe pits. co.berks.pa.us/dept/parks/ pages/default.aspx

5. Awesome Appalachian. Berks County is home to a good portion of the Appalachian Trail, which runs from Maine to Georgia, and you can hike it! The longest walking path in the world follows along the northern border of Berks and Schuylkill counties. The Pinnacle, reaching 1,600 feet, can be found in Hamburg.

6. Berks Nature.

Explore a beautiful pollinator garden, rain gardens and a large teaching garden, as well as a wetland boardwalk, dog-friendly trail network and a unique Nature Play Zone for kids at Berks Nature’s The Nature Place in Reading. berksnature.org

7. Hit the road. Berks is well known for its biking opportunities across the county. If you enjoy a good road ride, tackle the East Reading Road Ride, a 16-mile excursion beginning at the Exeter Township School Building on Elm Street and circling through St. Lawrence, Jacksonwald, Five Points, Stoney Creek Mills and Mt. Penn.

8. Rail trail.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort in northern Berks is not just a skiing, snowboarding and tubing spot. In the spring, visit to enjoy an 18hole disc golf course, a mountain lake with kayaks and paddle boats and plenty of amenities. bcmountainresort.com

9. Go camping.

Did you know Best of Berks award-winner South Mountain YMCA in Wernersville offers a Family Camp? It’s true. Dates in spring 2023 are April 14-16 and May 26-28. Activities include outdoor cooking, archery, ropes courses, crafts, fishing and more. smymca.org