By Cassie Lennox

Active Portage County will host the third annual Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Standing Rocks County Park, Amherst.

Active Portage County will have its third annual Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge Sept. 30 at Standing Rocks County Park in Amherst to enjoy the fall colors.
(Contributed photo)

Participants will choose between two non-competitive options: a rolling hike that is approximately five miles, or a hilly hike that is about 8.2 miles.

Active Portage County chooses this weekend annually due to it being during the peak of fall foliage. The leaves changing colors along the winding trails and hilly terrain provide a leaf-kicking, beautiful sight.

“As you move east, the landscape changes,” noted Melissa Sabel, director of marketing for Active Portage County. Most people think of Portage County as being flat, but Standing Rocks has a completely different landscape, consisting of many hills and attractive, rustic views.

“This is one of our most challenging hikes,” Sabel said. “Not in the actual hiking, the hike is beautiful. But as far as terrain, it’s challenging.”

To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of the Portage County Gazette at one of the many newsstands in the area, including gas stations and grocery stores. Or subscribe at shopmmclocal.com/product/portage-county-gazette/ to have weekly copies delivered by mail.

For more information or to subscribe over the phone, call 715-343-8045.