Inclement Weather: Please contact the hike leader for cancellation information.
SUNDAY MAY 3, LONG HIKE (11.3 MILES) MASON-DIXON TRAIL: This hike is the 8th in series along the Mason-Dixon Trail. This segment starts at Boyd Road and ends at SGL 181. This is a hard hike with significant elevation changes. The area is quite beautiful and I expect the rhododendrons will be in bloom at this time. Urey Overlook is a spectacular stop along the way. We will not have to deal with a trail re-route this time of year. Bring hiking poles, sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, snacks, and lunch.
Carpool Option: Meet at York Vo-Tech at 7:30 AM.
Meeting Time and Location: Meet at State Game Land 181 (Off Blain Road) at 8:00 AM. Hike to Start at Apollo Park (Boyd Road) at 8:30 AM. Please let us know where you are meeting so we can get an accurate count for the shuttle drivers. We will need multiple drivers.
Hike Leaders: Scott Vandenhengel 717-649-0881 and Leo Hebert 443-462-7918
SATURDAY, May 9, SHORT HIKE (5 Miles) WILDWOOD PARK: This is a loop hike following paved and gravel paths, boardwalks, and single-track trails. The trail can be muddy in sections and includes rolling hills. Recommend hiking boots or trail shoes, lunch, snacks, and water. Dress for the weather conditions.
Meeting Time and Locations: 10 AM at Emigsville Park and ride. Let the hike leader know if meeting at Wildwood.
Carpool Fee: $1
Hike Leader: Alan Noble, amnoble38@gmail.com, 717-758-8470
SATURDAY, MAY 9, MEDIUM HIKE (6 MILES): TORREY C. BROWN RAIL TRAIL: I would like to take you all from Freeland to historic Bentley Springs in Maryland. The area is characterized by rural scenery, rolling hills, and farmland. As always bring refreshments and snacks. The distance from Freeland to Bentley Springs is 3 miles, and after a break exploring Bentley Springs we will return to Freeland. Bentley Springs was developed in the late 19th century as a railroad stop and summer resort area.
Meeting Time and Location: We can carpool from York Tech leaving at 9:00 AM, (Fee: $3.00) or meet at trail head to start hike at 9:30 AM. Trail head location at Freeland Road, Freeland, MD 21053. Take I-83 South to Exit 36 (Parkton/York Road), turn right onto York Road, after 1 mile turn left onto Freeland Road and follow for 2 miles to the lot where Freeland Road and Railroad Avenue intersect.
Hike Leader: Regina Haritos 717-332-2221
SUNDAY, MAY 10, MEDIUM HIKE (5-6 Miles): This hike will explore Shenk's Ferry Wildflower and Trout Run Preserves. We hope to see many wildflowers including Bluebells, Dutchman's and if lucky Lady Slippers plus more if timing is right! Instead of a big dinner and candy this year, come on out to enjoy this pleasant hike in some popular Lancaster Conservancies. You'll be glad you did! Shenks Ferry is an out and back about 1 mile each way, easy trail along Grub Run stream. Trout Run is an easy to moderately difficult trail with two stream crossings where you can hop across on rocks. Beginners could easily hike here as my 5- and 7-year-old grandchildren had fun last year hiking these trails. Wear sturdy hiking boots, wear light colors in case of ticks (haven't seen any yet), trekking poles if desired, lots of water, lunch and snacks.
Meeting Time and Location: 10 AM at the National Watch and Clock Museum, 514 Poplar St., Columbia PA 17512
Hike Leader: Janine Zell call/text 717-406-6544 with any questions or home 717-684-7891
SATURDAY MAY 16, 2026, MEDIUM HIKE (8.5 MILES), MASON-DIXON TRAIL: This hike is the 9th in a series along the Mason-Dixon Trail. This hike will take us from State Game Lands #181 (Blain Rd.) to the PA Fish Commission Boat Launch just south of Lock 15. This is considered a difficult hike along beautiful Oakland Run, Mill Creek, and the Susquehanna River. Expect challenging inclines and declines, along with narrow trails. The rhododendrons are beautiful throughout this area. We will take in views of the Norman Wood Bridge, Holtwood Hydroelectric Plant, Lock 12, and the Lock 15 Interpretive Park.
Carpool Option: Meet at York County School of Technology (York Vo-Tech) at 7:15 AM.
Meeting Time and Location: Meet at the PA Fish Commission Boat Launch parking area south of Lock 15 at 8:00 AM. The hike will begin at State Game Land #181 (Blain Road) at 8:30 AM.
Hike Leaders: Scott VanDenHengel (717-649-0881) and Leo Hebert (443-462-7918)
SATURDAY, May 24, LONG HIKE (10 Miles) Loch 12 to Otter Creek: This is a point-to-point hike following the Mason-Dixon Trail. The trail has steep climbs as well as road walking. Recommend hiking poles, hiking boots or trail shoes, lunch, snacks, and water. Dress for the weather conditions. Requires staging cars. If you are camping at Otter Creek Campground or JPJ Cabin, let the hike leader know if you want to plan a get together after the hike.
Meeting Time and Locations: Otter Creek Campground lower parking lot. Cost of parking is $5 per vehicle due at camp store.
Hike Leader: Alan Noble, amnoble38@gmail.com, 717-758-8470.
SUNDAY, MAY 31, MEMORIAL HIKE IN HONOR OF SUZETTE DeSTEVENS: The hike will take place at Lake Williams and be approximately 3 miles in length. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Suzette DeStevens was a member of the YHC and sadly passed away on March 12, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Meeting Time and Location: 1 PM at the Lake Williams parking lot, 2889 S. George Street, York PA
Hike Leader: Tami Boyer-Levin, 410-952-1299, marcandtami@comcast.net