Fast hiking club helps people prepare for high adventures

WEST MILFORD — On three separate outings last month, Weis Ecology Center’s WWW hiking club scaled Massachusetts’ highest summit, viewed its tallest waterfall, and climbed West Milford’s own Bearfort and Buckabear Mountains. Far from typical among hiking clubs, the WWW hikers are known for covering steep terrain, keeping a quick pace, and seeking out views. The members’ reasons for “fast hiking” are as varied as the people who do it. Some are reaching for higher levels of fitness, while others simply enjoy meeting other active people. With summer just around the corner, many are busy training for higher altitude adventures in the White Mountains, Adirondacks, Rockies or Alps. One of the club’s main objectives is to prepare people for the physical and mental challenges of climbing larger mountains. WWW hike leader and West Milford resident Don Weise commented, “We really love discovering new places and improving our skills along the way.” With 15 challenging hikes held year-round, the WWW club members cover a lot of ground, from local trails in North Jersey and the Hudson Highlands to the Catskills and Adirondacks. Weise has led hundreds of hikes since founding the club in 1996, and says he enjoys the ongoing challenge of finding new destinations for his seasoned group. As part of New Jersey Audubon Society’s Weis Ecology Center, the WWW hiking club also emphasizes learning about and respecting the natural world. “We are fortunate to have some members with birding and botany expertise,” said Weise. “Over the years, they’ve taught me to take notice and appreciate the beauty all around us. Abundant mountain top views on the hikes also serve their purpose, allowing hikers to learn the local landscapes, rather than just knowing areas by their highways.” On Sunday, June 10, the WWW club invites adults and teens in good physical condition to join them on a hike in the Shawangunks, near New Paltz, New York. The 10-mile trek offers many scenic views of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains, passing sheer, white cliffs and glacial lakes along the way. The Shawangunk Vistas hike meets at 8 a.m. in downtown New Paltz. Starting at the Mohonk Preserve, the group will head southwest along the Near Trapps and Bayards to scenic Millbrook Mountain, Gertrude’s Nose, Lake Minnewaska and Awosting Falls. Cardiovascular fitness and appropriate footwear are musts for this fast-paced, strenuous hike. No special equipment is required. Bring lunch and plenty of water in a day pack. Space is limited for Shawangunk Vistas, so registration is required. Cost is $8 per person with a $3 discount for members of New Jersey Audubon Society. Mohonk Preserve also charges for a day pass to hike on their property. To register and for directions, call Weis Ecology Center at 973-835-2160.