Well, here we are again, fellow outdoor adventure lovers. It is cold. The leaves have all fallen off the trees. And, worst of all, there is a lot less daylight for doing fun things. Sometimes, during the heart of winter, it is dark when you leave your house for work in the morning, and by the time you get home the sun has already set.
Yes indeed, during the dark winter months, it often feels like there is no opportunity to get outside after work during the week.
Don’t despair. The outdoors are still open at night. All it takes is a little extra preparation (and maybe a little extra motivation to get out of the warm car when it is cold and dark) to have a fun outdoor adventure at night.
While night hiking is an option any time of the year, winter is obviously ideal, because there is a lot more nighttime to choose from. Also, during the cold months, slithery things and many (but not all) nocturnal hunters that might spook you or your dog on the trail are often hibernating. And if we ever get any good snow, the powdery stuff helps to reflect the moon and star light that shines down from above and amplifies any illumination from a flashlight or headlamp.
This is why, if you head to a trailhead in Centre County on a nice winter evening, you will find groups of hikers and mountain bikers making their way out onto the trail. You don’t think a little darkness is going to stop adventurous souls, do you? No way!
After all, night brings a whole new perspective to the woods, and every night is a little different. Clear nights when the moon is slight provide wonderous views of the stars and bring an extra crisp coldness to the night. Cloudy nights can feel a little spooky but help reflect artificial light and warmth back down to ground level.
I love to plan hikes during the full moon, so to kick off the season I planned a hike with some friends the week after the end of daylight saving time, which pushed darkness an hour earlier in the evening. We had hoped to hike in the bright light of the beaver supermoon, but mother nature had other plans. Clouds and rain were expected right during our late hiking hour, so we had to cancel.
Not wanting to miss out, I set out on the trail directly after work, just as the sun was setting, with my pup Peggy. I hoped to at least get a short hike in and hopefully catch the moon rising before the rain started.
Peggy and I set off at dusk, giving our eyes the opportunity to adjust to the darkness as it slowly blanketed the sky. As it grew darker, I could tell that the big moon was behind the clouds because, even as we hiked up to an hour and a half after sunset, there was still plenty of light. I hardly needed my headlamp.
I did keep Peggy’s glow collar and bell on her so I always knew where she was. This is a must-do on night hikes with dogs.
As the rain and cold front came in, the wind was whipping fiercely and Peggy was always looking around at some new noise made from blustery breezes in the trees. She would not stay still for many pictures (she is over being a magazine dog model). But it was fun to hike along and enjoy the spooky atmosphere. It was just a few days after Halloween, after all.
When we got a little higher on the ridge, I could see the lights from State College in the distance. Then I looked at the radar and noticed that it would begin raining soon, so we had to turn around and head back. We never reached the top of the ridge, but it was too cold and windy to be stuck in the rain.
We made it back to the car at the time we were originally supposed to meet with friends and, wouldn’t you know it, the moon came out from the clouds and lit up the sky. It was beautiful, but I could see the clouds rolling fast past the moon. Rain was definitely on the way. I let out a little howl at the moon, while Peggy happily jumped in the car.
Before I got to the brewery where I was meeting someone for dinner, the rain started falling and Peggy looked at me with what I believe is relief. Night hike or not, she hates to be caught in the rain.
I was happy we were able to get outside, and because we did, it made my dinner all the better. And although it was cold, windy, and dark, it was certainly an excellent time to be in the woods. So don’t despair, my friends, and remember the woods are open at night. T&G
Vincent Corso loves exploring the outdoors in Central Pennsylvania and beyond.
Night Hiking Tips
Hike with friends. Especially if you are new to night hiking, it is probably a good idea to make your nighttime adventure a group event. Besides being more fun, friends can help in case of an emergency.
Remember a headlamp or flashlight. This one is obvious, but hiking at night is going to require some illumination.
Download navigation and bring maps. The darkness can make it difficult to navigate the trail, so make sure you have a map and a navigation tool like AllTrails, if possible.
Wear cold-weather gear. It can get mighty cold at night, so make sure you are dressed appropriately for the weather. Pack extra gear if you know you are going to be out longer.
Fully charge your cellphone. You might not always have service, but your phone is an essential tool in case something happens. Plus, it provides extra light if needed.
Pack a snack. A light snack can help warm you up and keep you motivated on the trail.
Know the rules. Some trailheads do not allow parking after dark, and some trails might not be usable at night.
Remember to hydrate. Don’t be fooled. Even when it is cold, you still need to stay hydrated, especially during longer outings. So, remember to bring and drink water.
Have fun and stay safe. Be prepared for the elements. Night hiking is not the time to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Hike trails you know and have fun experiencing the outdoors from a new perspective.
