{"id":678,"date":"2019-10-05T02:19:17","date_gmt":"2019-10-05T02:19:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hikeauthority.com\/?p=678"},"modified":"2023-04-04T16:30:10","modified_gmt":"2023-04-04T16:30:10","slug":"hiking-at-night","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hikeauthority.com\/hiking-at-night\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Go Hiking At Night? How To Night Hike"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just plan on taking a long trek, hiking at night can be an exhilarating experience.<\/p>\n

Being out in the wild and under a blanket of moonlight is a great way to fully connect with nature. It's a feeling of\u00a0freedom<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

But will parks allow you to go hiking at night? Some are perfectly okay with it. In fact, these are the types of trails recommended for night hiking beginners because they're marked and have people nearby. Think more of campgrounds and not smaller state parks, which often have a curfew.<\/p>\n

But taking a hike at night isn't as simple as taking a regular day hike. There is a lot of prep work involved.<\/p>\n

Prep-work for hiking at night requires extra care and consideration. Be sure to carefully read through this guide on hiking at night so you know how to properly prepare.<\/p>\n

Why Go Hiking At Night?<\/h2>\n

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Hiking in the dark is a great way to experience landscapes you've only seen during the day. The nightshade puts an entirely new perspective on the terrain.<\/p>\n

Going for a nighttime hike is also a great way to enjoy nature in a way most people never will. A lot of animals come out at night, and it seems like an entirely different atmosphere. It's soothing, relaxing, and a little spooky sometimes (but a \"fun\" spooky).<\/p>\n

Taking a trek at night is also a great way to connect with your fellow hikers and friends. Because most people don't partake in night hiking, there's a sense of a stronger bond between the people who do.<\/p>\n

Another benefit of hiking at night is the view you will have, especially on a clear night. You'll be able to see stars that you otherwise wouldn't be able to see with all the nearby city lights.<\/p>\n

Regardless of your own personal reasons, be sure you're taking the proper measures before you go out on your hike at night.<\/p>\n

Is It Safe To Go Hiking At Night?<\/h2>\n

Don't let the darkness fool you; hiking in the dark isn't as dangerous as you might think.<\/p>\n

Just like any hike, the safety of a night hike is going to come down to how safe the hiker<\/em> is.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sure, there are a few other variables like reduced vision and an increase in wildlife activity, but, for the most part, it's going to depend on how well a hiker conducts themselves under the shade of darkness.<\/p>\n

For example, a hiker might be used to plowing through trails at a quick pace. This is a terrible idea for hiking at night.<\/p>\n

Reduced visibility poses several risks, like tripping, falling, and getting lost. I don't need to tell you how spooky getting lost at night is\u2014I freak out if I get lost driving at night!<\/p>\n

It's best to set bravado aside and play it smart. Having said that,\u00a0yes, it is safe to hike at night<\/span>,\u00a0<\/strong>so long as extra measures are being taken to provide a nice, safe adventure.<\/p>\n

Wildlife<\/h3>\n

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You'd expect hiking at night to be a fairly quiet experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guess again, fellow hiker!<\/p>\n

Most trails harbor nocturnal wildlife. Some trails will sound like a symphony of crickets. The volume and amount of chirping you'll hear at night will blow your mind.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that big cats and bears like to come out at night, too. Though they won't likely pester you. In fact, as with a daytime hike, most animals are going to do everything they can to avoid you.<\/p>\n

Still, it's worth reminding you that you should always be observant of your surroundings and watch for any wildlife. Do not engage any of the animals you encounter<\/span>, and definitely never try to feed any wild animals you see out on the trail.<\/p>\n

Another good precaution to take to avoid wildlife is to make sure your food is properly sealed and stored in your pack. Why is it important to keep your food sealed? Well, bears can smell food from about 18 miles away<\/a>. They'll likely know where you are far before you even see them. So keep that jerky sealed if you're not eating it.<\/p>\n

It's not just animals you have to consider during an evening hike, though. Certain dangerous plants like poison oak can be easily brushed into during a night hike. At a distance, you wouldn't know the difference between poison oak and harmless shrubbery.<\/p>\n

If you expect to come into contact with plants, be sure to study the plants first and know how to tell the difference between a harmless plant and a poisonous plant.<\/p>\n

Reduced Visibility<\/h3>\n

Even after your eyes have adjusted, your visibility is skewed during a night hike.<\/p>\n

It's easy to trip over that rock or buried root when your vision is limited. Take the proper steps to optimize your night vision during an evening hike.<\/p>\n

Vision tips for hiking at night:<\/p>\n