What to Know:
We usually hear about forest insects only when they cause trouble, but just 1 to 3 percent of known insect species are considered pests. Join USFS entomologist Megan Wilson for an autumn hike from the Willow Creek Trailhead to meet the beneficial and genuinely fascinating insects that call the Black Hills home, from fuzzy bumblebees to caddisflies, the underwater architects of mountain streams.
Good to know: This hike takes place just over the border on the Hell Canyon Ranger District.
The Forest Service lists this walk as “Meet Your Friendly Insect Neighbors” on its printed 2026 Moon Walk schedule.
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.
- August 29: Meeker Ranch history. Meeker Cabin and Historic Area near Custer.
- September 26: Forest insects. Willow Creek Trailhead near Hill City. This is the walk described above.
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.
