Fall is the perfect time to join the Berks Community Strollers, a local hiking group that has scheduled weekly outings in October, November and December.

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. People do not have to be members to attend Strollers' hikes.

"On any given hike we have 10 to 15 people, and after the hike, some go to lunch together at the nearest restaurant," explained Strollers member Angele Arutunian, noting that hike locations are typically listed weekly in the Community Calendar section of the Community Courier. "Although (participants) are mostly seniors, sometimes we get younger people who see the hike in the paper."

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 multi-day trips.

The Berks Community Strollers have scheduled weekly Saturday hikes in October. For more information or directions to any of the locations, contact the hike leader.

On Oct. 16, the Strollers will hike at the Blue Marsh Lake Stilling Basin, 1280 Palisades Drive, Leesport. The group will meet at 10 a.m. at the Stilling Basin's third parking lot, which is located to the right after the visitor's center entrance. Hike leader - Sandie, 610-587-2730.

On Oct. 23, the group will hike at Pendora Park and Mineral Springs Park. The group will meet at 10 a.m. in front of the Olivet Boys' & Girls' Club at Pendora Park, 330 S. 19th St., Reading. Hike leader - Brenda, 610-223-3803.

On Oct. 30, the group will meet at 10 a.m. for a hike at the Liberty Fire Company No. 1 of Sinking Spring, 836 Ruth St., Reading. Hike leader - Angie, 484-794-7813.

In November, the following Saturday hikes have been scheduled: Nov. 6, Blue Marsh Lake, meeting at 10 a.m. at the visitor's center, hike leader - Kay, 610-796-7602; Nov. 13, Exeter Rail Trail, Gibraltar Road trailhead, Reading, meet at 10 a.m. in the parking lot, hike leader - Deanna, 610-741-5282; Nov. 20, Strausstown Lions Club Park, 10 Wilson Ave., Strausstown, meeting at 10 a.m., hike leader - Diane, 610-488-0231 or 484-706-0862 (cell); and Nov. 27, Lake Ontelaunee, meet at 10 a.m. at Redner's, 5471 Pottsville Pike, Leesport, hike leader - Deanna, 610-741-5282

December hikes on Saturdays include the following: Dec. 4, Green Hills Preserve, 553 Gunhart Road, Mohnton, meet at 10 a.m., hike leader - Linda, 610-451-9935; Dec. 18, John Bartram Trail, 25 Kernsville Dam Road, Hamburg, meet at 10 a.m. at the trailhead, hike leader - Carol, 610-775-4741; and Dec. 25, Reading Public Museum, 500 Museum Road, Reading, meet at 10 a.m., hike leader - Kay, 610-796-7602.

For more information on the Berks Community Strollers, contact Arutunian at arutunian@comcast.net.