West Milford Are you up for staying active and achieving a new outdoor goal this winter? If so, consider taking West Milford’s third annual “Winter 17 Hiking Challenge.” Your mission: to climb to the tops of 17 breathtaking mountain peaks while the leaves are down and the views are spectacular. “Peak bagging” is a grown-up’s game of King of the Mountain that is as old as, well, the hills. Many people climb mountains for the adventure, to see wildlife, or to reflect inwardly. But most of us, if we are being honest, do it for the bragging rights, for the simple pride of saying, “Yeah, I did that.” Now, West Milford offers New Jersey hikers two close-to-home peak bagging challenges: the family-friendly, 13-peak Baker’s Dozen Challenge and the more difficult Winter 17 Challenge. A guidebook to the challenges, published by West Milford author-hike leader Don Weise, is available for those who aspire to meet the challenge. It contains a tally sheet which serves as the hiker’s testament to having climbed all the required peaks. To receive an e-mailed certificate of completion, hikers must fill out and send in their tally sheet. The guidebook can be purchased online at www.nynjtc.org/product/west-milford-bakers-dozen. Why West Milford? Wild West Milford is home to over 100 miles of marked hiking trails and more 1,000-foot summits than anyplace else in the Jersey Highlands. Inside its 81 square miles you will discover numerous state parks, nature preserves, lofty ledges, and glacial lakes. Along the trails you will find unique geological features, old iron mines and villages, diverse plant and animal life, and even the former Jungle Habitat Safari Park. Trails are maintained, at no charge to the public, by volunteers of the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference. Six-mile hike Weise will lead a hike to two of the most difficult-to-find peaks on Sunday, Dec. 27 at 9:30 a.m. The six-mile hike to Flagpole Vista and Jennings Mountain will be moderately paced, but the terrain is quite steep. Participants are required to dress for conditions and bring lunch, plenty of water and proper winter hiking footwear. Cost is $8 per person. For directions to the meeting location, contact donweise@hotmail.com. For a complete calendar of events, visit www.weishike.com.