What to Know:
Meet the night shift. Join Wildlife Biologist Amy Hammesfahr at the Little Elk Creek Trail for a guided hike into the world of bats. You’ll learn what makes these mammals such important members of the Black Hills ecosystem, how they navigate and feed after dark, and the adaptations that let them thrive at night.
Good to know: This walk follows a rocky drainage and often crosses uneven terrain. Sturdy shoes or boots are strongly recommended.
2026 Moon Walk schedule
The Black Hills National Forest runs four Moon Walks in 2026. Every walk is on a Saturday, starts at 7:00 p.m., and is free to attend with no registration.
- June 27: Cone collection and reforestation. Reuter Trailhead near Sundance, Wyoming.
- July 25: Bat biology, Let’s Turn On the Dark. Little Elk Creek Trailhead near Piedmont. This is the walk described above.
- August 29: Meeker Ranch history. Meeker Cabin and Historic Area near Custer.
- September 26: Forest insects. Willow Creek Trailhead near Hill City.
About Moon Walks
Moon Walks are free, family-friendly guided hikes held on Saturday nights near the full moon, June through September. Each evening begins at 7:00 p.m. with a short introduction, then a guided hike of about a mile with stops along the way, running roughly two hours. Dress in layers, wear closed-toe shoes or boots (no sandals), and bring a light jacket for the cool night air. Some routes may be difficult for those with mobility concerns and are not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Walks happen rain or shine and are canceled only for lightning, high fire danger, or severe weather. Advance cancellations are posted on the Black Hills National Forest website and Facebook page, so check before heading out if the weather looks uncertain.
The Black Hills Parks & Forests Association is a proud nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service and supports the Moon Walk program through funding and staffing. Look for the 2026 Black Hills Moon Walk collector’s pin, available for $5 at each walk (cash, sold only on the trail). Pin sales support interpretive and educational programs across the Black Hills National Forest.
Want a keepsake from the season? The 2026 Black Hills Moon Walk Collector’s Pin is sold at each walk for $5 and is also available online. Proceeds support education and stewardship on the Black Hills National Forest.
