Hikers to explore West Milford's “Pequannock Water Gap”

West Milford — The West Milford 13ers hiking club invites you to join them for a scenic, six- to seven-mile hike through private watershed lands on Sunday, Feb. 28. This guided, “by permit only” hike takes you over South Kanouse Mountain, past Echo Lake and deep into the heart of the Newark-Pequannock Watershed. Beginning entirely on unmarked trails, the group will pass a scenic wetland, then make a short, steep climb up purple rocks to the height of South Kanouse Mountain. At the top are a flag and a giant Star of David with lights attached. For years, the star shone throughout the holiday season, powered by a large boat battery. From the peak you can also see across the “Pequannock Water Gap” to beautiful Charlotteburg reservoir, the sheer cliffs of Green Pond Mountain, Copperas Mountain, and the former Craigmeur Ski Area. “Most people never get to see this viewpoint because there are no marked trails and it’s on watershed property,” said Don Weise, founder and leader of the West Milford 13ers. Weise will then lead the group through hemlock and mountain laurel groves to Echo Lake and the Highlands Trail. The hike meets at 9:30 a.m. and runs until approximately 2:30 p.m. Cost is $8 per person. Hikers should be fit enough to easily cover six to seven miles of hilly trail terrain at a moderate pace. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring lunch and plenty of fluids in a small backpack. To register and for information on the meeting location, email the leader at donweise@hotmail.com. An updated calendar of hikes, both moderate and strenuous, can be found at www.weishike.com. For those wishing to explore the Heart of the Highlands on their own, Weise has published a hiking book titled, “West Milford Baker’s Dozen,” which self-guides the reader to the tops of 18 local summits. The book which contains a map, photos and a tally sheet, is available online at www.nynjtc.org/product/west-milford-bakers-dozen.