The Appalachian Trail has a reputation of one of the most difficult trails, bringing you to the scenic wild areas. Its route extends over the highest hills of the Appalachian mountain system, running through fourteen eastern states. Unlike the majority of other trails, maintained by the government, it has been established and maintained by volunteers, who contribute much money and labor to its well-being. Much for the preservation of a wilderness wonder of the trail has been done by the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club of Reading, formed in the first half of the XX century. A group of mountain enthusiasts, headed by Harry F. Rentschler enjoyed the challenging climb to the area of the eagle's nest so much, that they made the decision to revisit it every year. This was how the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club was born. The former mayor of Reading, William F. Shanaman, was elected the president, while Dr. Rentschler took over the post of secretary. Initially the club's membership was granted to 100 men, who made two pilgrimages in the spring and fall to the Blue Mountains.

In 1926, club members were asked to build 102 miles of trail that would stretch from the Lehigh River to the Susquehanna River, through the wilderness. In May of 1930, the trail was measured with a bicycle wheel, which is now regarded now as the property of the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club - as a symbol of the achievement. Five years of hard volunteer work have resulted in the Berks Trail, which was opened on October 12, 1931. This great occasion gathered the most outstanding names of the Appalachian Trail movement, including Benton McKaye, Professor Bingham and Myron H. Avery. After the construction of the Berks Trail was completed, cabins and stops were built along the way. Seven monuments were erected in honor of people, who made essential contributions to the development of the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club and the Appalachian Trail, the first of them being dedicated to Dr. Rentscheler.

Then, in 1937, members of the club formed the Blue Mountain Wilderness Park Association, whose aim was to acquire land for protection and preservation of the Appalachian Trail. During the period of 1950-1960 some trail sections were transferred to other clubs. Currently the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club maintains a 64-mile section of the Appalachian Trail. In 1968, a law was introduced to provide a system of trails nationwide. Under this law the Appalachian Trail was changed into the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The federal government started purchasing land along the trail with the aim of preserving it for future generations. Thus, the club changed gradually from maintenance to managing, soon bearing the responsibility for thousands of acres of land. Thirteen shelters were built by the club on the 102 miles of the trail.

In April 1970, the Wilderness Park Association and the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club were merged, and five years later the new constitution was adopted. Currently the club is affiliated with the Keystone Trails Association and the Appalachian Trail Conference. There are more than 125 volunteers, who dedicate over 5,000 hours annually to the development of the trail.