A Guide to Night Hikes: What You Need to Know

Jump to Section

Night hiking can be a new and exciting experience, but make sure you stay safe! Check out this guide to Night Hikes!

When the sun goes down, you might be thinking to yourself that it’s time to pack up for the day and hit the trails tomorrow. There is no rule that you can’t go hiking at night, though you should make sure that some trails are still open for night hiking. If you’re looking for a fun way to get outdoors, and start some after-dark hikes, here is what you need to know about night hikes.

Related: Ultimate Camping Supplies List

Sunshine Whispers participates in the Amazon Associates and Amazon Influencer Programs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned on this site and in this post.

Hike in a group

The person who said safety in numbers was right, and it’s especially important during hiking at night. Not only will this make hiking in the dark way more enjoyable, but it will also keep nocturnal animals from seeing you as their next meal. The more people around, the more likely you’ll help yourself out of sticky situations, and the better off you will be.

Make sure to bring extra layers

When the sun goes down, the temperature will start to drop. Make sure that you’re prepared. If you can, try to bring layers of clothing that have reflective elements to make it easy to see. This will not only help you with visibility but will also keep you warm.

Stick to trails that you know well

Hiking a trail at night and during the day are two completely different things. A night hike is not the time to start hiking a new trail. If you want to go hiking at night, stick to a trail that you know well and know what to expect. Being able to hike on a trail you already know will make it easier and ensure that you have some idea of where you’re going.

Start your night hike just before sunset

It takes about 30-45 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, so heading out just before the sun sets can help your eyes gradually get used to the night. This will also give you a chance to look at landmarks and get your gear ready in the daytime before you head off on the trail.

Make sure you have plenty of lights

This one might seem obvious, but it’s not to some. Ensure that you have plenty of lights and an extra set of batteries for those lights, just in case. You need to be able to see where you are going, and it’s a good idea to see what’s in your path. Being stuck in the dark can be scary and even cause you to be in danger without realizing it! If you are new to hiking at night, like when the moon is full, to give you a little extra light at night. It might not sound like much help, but it can make a huge difference.

Night hiking might not be for everyone, but if you’re looking to do some more hiking, after-dark hikes might be the perfect option for you and your family! No matter when you want to hike, use these tips to help you get started night hiking.

A Guide to Night Hikes: What You Need to Know