Two Jungle Habitat hikes set for May 31



The West Milford 13ers, sponsors of the West Milford Baker’s Dozen Challenge will host two hikes on Saturday, May 31 at the site of the former Jungle Habitat. Steve Sciuto, who visited Jungle Habitat as a boy will lead a moderately paced hike of about four miles through the former safari park. Author and hike leader Don Weise will lead an eight- to nine-mile, faster-paced hike through Jungle Habitat, over the top of Long Hill and beyond. Depending on water levels, the fast group will either hike to overlooks of Monksville Reservoir finishing at Long Pond Ironworks or explore West Brook Mountain and spectacular Manaticut Point.



Both hikes will meet at 9:00 a.m. in front of the Long Pond Ironworks main building and museum on Greenwood Lake Turnpike, a.k.a. Route 511 in West Milford Township, New Jersey. Wear hiking or trail running shoes and bring lunch, plenty of water, sunscreen and insect repellent in a small backpack. The two hikes will begin together, allowing individuals to decide which group is better suited to their desired hiking pace. Cost is $8 per person. For more information and directions, call 973-728-3183 or email donweise@hotmail.com.



All mountains climbed on the two hikes are listed in Weise’s book, West Milford Baker’s Dozen: A Hiker’s Guide to Climbing the Heart of the Highlands 13 Greatest Peaks. The book and the “Baker’s Dozen Challenge� are designed to promote eco-tourism and shopping locally in West Milford. The following “peak� sponsors also offer the book for sale in their stores: Harvest Moon Natural Foods, DeMarco’s Restaurant, Town Cycle, The UPS Store, Reps Fitness, Two Pond Farm, H&S Graphics/Long Pond Ironworks and Milford Steak House.