Gaia: Track Miles: 3.2mi  Duration: 1:40  Rating: 10/10

After several weather-thwarted attempts, the RI Hiking Group finally pulled off our long-awaited night hike at Yawgoog Scout Reservation. Although the group hikes rain or shine, the best part of a night hike is seeing the night sky and picking out constellations. With crystal-clear skies and mild temperatures for a December evening, it was a perfect night to trade daytime views for starry constellations.

As the group embarked on the 3.2 Blue Trail hike, the sun was setting and creating an amazing sunset across Yawgoog Pond. During the first third of the hike, we navigated unexpectedly muddy terrain, a legacy of ATV tracks that transformed sections into ankle-deep pools of mud and water. Despite being careful, a few people did get a foot or two wet up to their ankles. Natural light proved invaluable as we traversed these murky obstacles, followed by challenging inclines and even a 12-foot rock wall.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving only a sliver of moon, headlamps became trusty companions for some. The group embraced the darkness, switching beams on only when needed, savoring the eerie beauty of the moonlit woods. The final stretch, a peaceful dirt road, felt like a victory lap as we approached our starting point.

For many, including myself, this nocturnal adventure offered a fresh perspective on a familiar trail. Just like changing seasons, hiking at night casts a different spell on the landscape, revealing hidden secrets and igniting a sense of wonder that daytime adventures rarely match. The group is looking forward to our next night hike.