Central PA’s 2022 Hokie Hike will be on October 22nd at 9 a.m.
Join Hokies for a hike and to help clean up the trail. Participants are able to officially register for the Hokie Hike with the VT Alumni, but registration is not required to attend. All Hokies, friends, family, and furry friends are welcome!
GPS COORDINATES: Lat 40°37’02.84” N Lon 76°07’03.02” W
INFORMATION: The Landingville Marsh Trail is a flat loop trail alongside the Schuylkill River that includes part of the John Bartram Trail and the foundation for the oldest transportation tunnel in the country. The Marsh is located south of Landingville off Tunnel Road. The John Bartram Trail is more developed in this area and features a trailhead next to Tunnel Road that includes a nicely landscaped parking lot with interpretive kiosks. There are no restrooms along the trail. The Landingville Marsh is one of Schuylkill County’s best birding locations, currently with a species list of 211 birds, of which 77 have been found breeding in recent years. The trail circumvents the entire marsh area, enabling birders to get excellent views of herons, egrets, and occasional rails. It is not uncommon to see Bald Eagles and Ospreys fishing at the dam and marsh. Approximately 22 species of ducks have been recorded.
BACKGROUND: In 1993, the Schuylkill River Greenway Association (SRGA), manager of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, acquired the remaining available abandoned railroad right-of-way parcels in Schuylkill County. The late Dr. John B. Bartram, an SRGA board member, had the vision of utilizing these parcels as the alignment of the northernmost section of the 140-mile Schuylkill River Trail, a non-motorized recreational rail trail. In early 2007, SRGA began construction of two sections of trail totaling 7.3 miles in northern Berks and Southern Schuylkill
Counties. The upper trail section runs 1.4 miles from the Auburn Desilting Basin on Tunnel Road to Meadow Drive north of Landingville.
AREA ATTRACTIONS: Landingville Marsh is close to SR 61 and the Borough of Schuylkill Haven, where there are gas stations, convenience and grocery stores, and restaurants. There are also several community parks and an art center located in Schuylkill Haven.
RECOMMENDED GEAR: Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Carry water and snacks with you and pack out any trash.
Register here for your official Alumni Hokie Hike gear and to support VT Rec Sports.
Join Hokies after the hike at the Deer Lake Pub for food and drinks.