After Dark, A Little River Canyon Night Hike

Experience Little River Canyon after the sun goes down! Join a park ranger for an evening hike as we discover the sights and sounds of the canyon’s nocturnal world. As darkness settles over the preserve, we’ll use our senses to explore a side of the park that many visitors never experience.

Along the trail, we’ll listen for owls, frogs, katydids, and other nighttime wildlife while learning how animals have adapted to life in the dark. We will go mothing and will have a chance to use a few red lights to see if we can spot animals off trail. We will try out black lights to see what things like lichens and mushrooms fluoresce! We’ll discuss the importance of natural darkness, explore how nocturnal creatures navigate and hunt, and discover why the canyon comes alive after sunset.

This is a slow-paced hike focused on observation and discovery, with frequent stops to listen, look, and experience the night.

Meeting Location: Little River Canyon Visitor Center

What to Bring:

(We will provide hand-held red lights and black lights)

Comfortable walking shoes

Water

Insect repellent

Weather-appropriate clothing

Program Details:

Free and open to all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult)

Easy hike on established trails

Approximately 1 mile round trip or less

Red lights are encouraged to help preserve night vision and reduce disturbance to wildlife

Step into the canyon after dark and discover a world of sounds, shadows, and wildlife that most visitors never get the chance to experience.

Free! Registration Required through JSU

If you forget to register please still come!