1. Hiking & Hawks.
One of Berks County’s gems is surely Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton. Visit and enjoy wildlife including raptors soaring above while you tackle hiking a course suited to your skill level. Looking for something extra-challenging? Make a day of it on the River of Rocks. hawkmountain.org
2. Walk About.
There are numerous places of beauty to take in nature via walking trails in Berks. A particularly pretty spot is around the Reading Public Museum along the Wyomissing Creek Trail. You might even spy some ducks along the way. It’s the perfect place to take your leashed canine companion for some exercise. readingpublicmuseum.org
3. A Perfect Pedal.
Head to Hamburg to hop on the Schuylkill River Trail. The seven-mile stretch here is the Bartram portion that spans the Kittatinny Ridge into Auburn in Schuylkill County. The low-grade surface is perfect for riding, as well as walking and horseback riding, too. schuylkillriver.org/schuylkill-river-trail
4. Enjoy a Meal.
Want to stay close to home but feel like you’re spending a day at the beach? Take in lunch or dinner at the Beverly Hills Tavern’s open-air Beach Bar. We recommend the share pails featuring peel & eat shrimp, snow crab clusters, hard shell crabs and the like. beverlyhillstavern.biz
5. Go Shopping.
Score some fresh produce, delicious meats, farm fresh eggs, baked goods and more in West Reading at the outdoor Farmers Market held along Penn Avenue during the late spring through fall months before it heads indoors. growingrootspartners.com/west-reading
6. Get on the Water.
Be it by canoe, kayak or small motor boat, Blue Marsh Lake in Leesport is perfect for a day on the water. Pack a picnic to enjoy on board or in the lunch area. Don’t forget to head to the Visitor’s Center to check out the dam overlook. nap.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Blue-Marsh-Lake
7. A Day on the Greens.
Love to play golf or interested in learning? Berks is home to many beautiful golf courses, both public and private. In Sinking Spring, head to Best of Berks winner Manor Golf Course to play the 18-hole championship-style course or if you’re new to the hobby, for some lessons from a pro. themanorgolfclub.com
8. Catch Dinner.
Love to fish for dinner or just for some catch-and-release fun? There are lots of great spots in Berks. Consider Lake Ontelaunee in Ontelaunee Township, Kaercher Creek in Windsor Township, or Blue Marsh Lake in Leesport. Also popular is fly fishing at the Tulpehocken Creek, affectionately known as “The Tully.” riversflyfishing.com/local-fishing/tulpehocken-creek-fishing
