If you’ve ever been on a hike and the sun set before you finished, you know that experiencing a trail at night can be a completely different experience from hiking during the day. Landmarks change, as can your sense of direction. Even if you’ve hiked a trail several times, it can feel completely unfamiliar.

Explore the thrilling sights, smells, and sounds of night with Heard Trail Guides. Night hikers will be encouraged to sharpen their senses to be able to spot signs of animal life and learn more about the inhabitants of the Heard.

Preregistration is required for all night hikes and spots are limited. All night hikes depart from the main building. Participants will be outdoors for at least an hour and closed toed shoes, long pants, and bug spray are recommended. Participants should bring a flashlight with a red lens on it to protect night vision while looking for nocturnal animals. Children ages 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Hikes are at least an hour long and include varied terrain and may not be suitable for children under 5 years. Admission for toddlers and infants 2 years and under is free, but they must be in a carrier or backpack. Strollers are prohibited. More information and registration at www.heardmuseum.org/nighthikes.

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a private 501(c)3 organization, which was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard.  Miss Heard was 80 years old when she saw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. Today, the Heard’s mission of bringing nature and people together is carried out through education, particularly of young people, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.