Moonlight Hike

The moon makes a brief appearance at the start of its namesake hike.

Ah, the moon. The river. Can't get much better than a night hike along the Potomac.

This was another outing of the Capital Hiking Club, a moonlit hike along the C&O Canal to Great Falls Park northwest of Washington, D.C.

The "moonlit" part was a bit of a misnomer. I'm glad I took this photo before we started _ because the clouds quickly hid the orb from view for the rest of the night.

It was an easy, flat, 2-hour trundle with some 50 people. Flashlights weren't needed even without the moon. The trail of crushed white rock was easily visible. The rushing waters of the falls sounded even more powerful in the dark.

Hikers near woods with flashlights. (Not too many photo-ops on this hike.) 

Of course, there are a few extra precautions when hiking at night. Bring a flashlight in case you need it (along with spare batteries). Choose your destination wisely. Always hike in a group. Make sure it's a path with solid footing.

Otherwise, it's a great way to spend an evening. Give it a try sometime.

And, while you're thinking about it, sign up for one of our hiking trips for 2014. We'll be going to Vermont, Switzerland, Vegas and Virginia.

See you on the trails.

Joseph