Those interested in low-impact hikes and exploring unique locations throughout the area are invited to join Berks Community Strollers, a local hiking group, which has scheduled weekly outings this fall.

The Strollers, an offshoot of the Berks Community Hiking Club, was formed for those interested in more of a leisurely stroll rather than a fast-paced hike.

"When the weather is good, we will get more people," explained club member Joanne Henny, noting that between 15 and 20 people generally participate. However, club membership is not required to take part, as all hikes are open to the public. "It's always good to have more people," she said.

Henny noted that the group mostly consists of middle-aged people and seniors, but people of all ages are welcome. "Sometimes we get young people who are recuperating from injury," she noted.

She explained that if walking on a trail, for example, attendees will walk for about an hour and then return to the starting location. "The other clubs are too fast or they walk too far. This is a shorter distance," said Henny. "Some walk a little faster than others, but at one point we wait for everyone (to catch up)."

Each walk is followed by lunch at a local restaurant. "We walk to eat," said Henny with a smile. "Most people go to socialize. (The outings) are not difficult walks; they are mostly (on flat surfaces). The goal is to get people out and about."

Those who would like to join the Strollers group are asked to pay a nominal yearly membership fee. Members are given special invitations to the annual summer hike and picnic, a Christmas hike and luncheon and a yearly overnight trip. Members receive the schedule of hikes, which are typically listed weekly in the Community Calendar section of the Community Courier.

Each outing features a hike leader. "The hike leaders pick the locations. We take turns each week picking a place," noted Henny. "I grew up in Reading but did not realize how many trails there were."

The next upcoming hike will be on Saturday, Oct. 8, when the Strollers will hike at the Blue Marsh Lake Stilling Basin, 1280 Palisades Drive, Leesport. The group will meet at 10 a.m. in the Game Commission parking lot.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, the hike will be at Hibernia Park's Hatfield House, 151 Hatfield Road, Coatesville. The group will meet at 10 a.m. in the Hatfield House parking area.

The hike on Saturday, Oct. 22, will be at the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, 3025 New Holland Road, Reading. The group will meet at 10 a.m. at Fire Gate No. 3.

The final hike in October, set for Saturday, Oct. 29, will be along the newer section of the Schuylkill River Trail in Towpath Park, 1675 New Schuylkill Road, Pottstown. Attendees may meet at Boscov's East, 4500 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, at 9:30 a.m. to carpool to the area or meet at 10 a.m. in the park.

For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/BerksCommunityStrollers.