Get outdoors this winter with Berks County Parks & Recreation
Winter has shorter days; but we offer several ways for you to make the most of these days with some fantastic outdoor recreation programs. Our 2018 programming begins on New Year’s Day with a First Day Hike at Antietam Lake Park with your pet! Then through the month we offer opportunities to learn about snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, which are great ways to enjoy the snow. We’ll also show you how to dress for the weather and outdoor recreation, since these activities can warm you up aerobically.
Since we don’t know when and how much snow we may get in our area, we are creating an email group of people interested in going snowshoeing or cross-country skiing if we get enough snow (6 inches or more). Sign-up for our Winter Recreation group by emailing parks@countyofberks.com with your email address OR call 610374-2944 ext. 2611 to leave a message.
We thank Nolde Forest EEC for use of their snowshoes, and Buchman’s Ski Shop for their continued support of our winter programs. Berks County Parks and Recreation offers a variety of programs for all ages and interests! Here is a list of our January 2018 programs, which may be rescheduled or canceled due to extreme weather conditions.
Sunday, January 14 — Snowshoeing for Beginners (North)
1:00 – 3:00 pm, Cabela’s and Kernsville Dam Recreation Area
Looking for an activity that will take you outdoors to enjoy a snowy winter? Well look no further! Come to Cabela’s in Hamburg for an introduction to snowshoeing. We will discuss and take a look at types of snowshoes, as well as trekking poles, footwear, and clothing that will keep you comfortable when participating in this funfilled activity. After our indoor session, we will relocate to the Kernsville Dam Recreation Area to put our newly learned skills to use. If there is no snow we will go for a short hike. Please pre-register by January 10th by calling 610-3742944 ext. 2611. Co-sponsored with Cabela’s and Blue Mountain Wildlife
Sunday, January 21 — Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners
1:00 – 3:30 pm, Blue Marsh Lake, Conference Center
If you’re looking for a way to stay fit in the winter months, join us to learn all about Cross-Country Skiing. Not only is kicking and gliding on two skis an incredible aerobic challenge that works your running muscles, but it also builds your arm, back and core strength. Learn about the equipment involved, with demonstrations on techniques. Program followed by some practice or a hike if the conditions are not right for skiing. Pre-register by January 15th to 610-374-2944 ext. 2611. Co-sponsored with the U.S.A.C.E. Blue Marsh Lake
Sunday, January 28 — Snowshoeing for Beginners (Central)
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, McConnell Building
No reason to be suffering from cabin fever, as winter is a great time to explore the forests. After a brief introduction to snowshoeing by County and State Parks staff we will put our newly learned skills to use by exploring some of the trails in Nolde by snowshoe. You can bring your own pair of snowshoes or borrow a pair from Nolde. And if there is no snow, we will take a short hike on some of the area trails.
Please remember to dress appropriately for the weather. Call 610-374-2944 ext. 2611 by January 24th to register. Co-sponsored with Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center.
For more information on these programs or park directions, call 610-374-8839, visit www.countyofberks.com/parks, or find us on Facebook “Berks County Parks and Recreation.”