For the City Times

Active Portage County, the group which sponsors the annual Walk Wisconsin and Moon Walk Wisconsin events, is has announced another non-competitive challenge on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

The second annual Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge will take place at 8 AM at Standing Rocks County Park, 7695 Standing Rocks Road, in rural Stevens Point.

There will be a rolling hike of 8.3K — approximately five miles — and a hilly hike of 13K — approximately 8.2 miles — with two rest/nature stops along the way, and a finish line brunch.

All participants will receive a waist pack and bottle.

“Standing Rocks is one of Portage County’s best kept secrets,” said John Jury, Active Portage County president. “Many people think that Portage County is flat — and it is for the most part, but Standing Rocks is quite hilly. There are miles of trails through a variety of hardwood and pine species; the scenery will take your breath away.”

Entry fee for the Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge is $20 if registered before Sept. 9, and $30 thereafter. A long-sleeved commemorative t-shirt is available for $12 more and is only available through Sept. 9.

Online registration closes Sept. 18 at activeportagecounty.com.

Participants are encouraged to wear hiking or hard soled shoes. Those unsure of their footing might want to use walking sticks or hiking poles. No strollers or pets please.

“Like Walk Wisconsin and other Active Portage County events, the hike is not a race,” Jury said, “but rather a challenge that should cause participants to train in advance, in order to enjoy the event.”

Standing Rocks County Park is a 524-acre park that features mountain biking trails, disc golf, a field archery course in the summer and early fall, as well as downhill skiing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

For more information about Standing Rocks County Park, go to co.portage.wi.us/parks/standingRocksPark.shtm.