The Woods After Dark – Night Hikes in NEPA

Humans are naturally enchanted by the night sky. We write about it in stories of love, of wonder, and of adventure. Yet few of us ever wander far enough from streetlights to feel the true depth of the darkness and the vast sweep of the Milky Way. With proper planning and awareness, night hikes are a delightful way to re-connect with the stars.

Note: Before heading out for a night hike, be sure to check with specific local and state parks and state forests to confirm their rules and regulations on hiking after dark.

Day hikes are great, but there’s nothing quite like walking through the woods after dark

You will be amazed at how quickly your eyes adjust to the lack of light, resetting to a time when humans relied on moonlight to guide them home. The solitude feels grounding, with no one to interrupt the sounds of stirring opossums, mice, and other nocturnal animals hiding in the brambles. Owls and coyotes often call in the distance throughout the year. In late Spring, Whip-poor-wills arrive from their wintering grounds. Their alluring call evokes memories of childhood nights when you arrived home on your bike just as the last lights of the sun blinked out of the sky.

If you’ve never experienced a night hike, now is a great time to try

With the sun setting earlier, it can feel like there’s never enough daylight to enjoy the outdoors after work or school. Night hikes offer a fresh way to get some air, stretch your legs, and reset your mind. What’s better is that there are several active meteor showers this season, two  peaking in mid-November and one in December. While the best viewing is later at night, patient onlookers can often catch a few stray shooting stars in the early evening.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe and make the most of your adventure:

• Know where to go – Choose a trail where visitors are permitted after dark and hike in the daylight to become familiar with the terrain. Note that most State Parks close at dusk, but many State Forests remain open. Some of my favorite spots include the Pine Hill Vista in Pinchot State Forest, and High Knob Overlook in Loyalsock State Forest, both of which offer clearings with expansive views of the night sky.
• Pack appropriately – Prepare for your hike the same way you would for a day hike. Dress in layers, wear sturdy footwear, and bring a mug of hot chocolate or tea. A flashlight with spare batteries is essential, and a red-light headlamp is recommended to preserve your night vision and keep your hands free.
• Practice awareness – Though they’ll likely hear you before you see them, nocturnal animals will be active. Hike in groups, make some gentle noise from time to time, and respect wildlife by giving them space. If you grow uneasy, let yourself take a break or call it a night if you need to!

Experience a different view of nature

Whether you are drawn by the thrill of a meteor shower or the chance to reset after a long workday, night hikes can be a magical and safe way to reconnect with nature when the days just aren’t long enough. Grab a flashlight, invite a friend, and let the night sky show you something new.