Catch the Buck Moon From the Most Magical Moonlight Trail in Pennsylvania

The July Full Moon is traditionally referred to as the “Buck Moon” in North America, the term originating from the Algonquin Tribe’s name for the lunation. It references the time of the year when male deer—bucks—have their new antlers come in. It’s also known as the “Hay Moon” in Anglo-Saxon cultures as a nod to the hay harvest typical of this time of year. Across the world, it’s a full moon associated with determined growth and intentional expansion.

When I’m planning my next personal power move, I often seek out time in nature, including hikes that help change my perspective (literally). Moonlight hikes are particularly special, as trails you’ve hiked for years look quite different in the dark. Pennsylvania is home to two that I really enjoy: Boone Trail in French Creek State Park on the eastern side of the state, and Longfellow Trail in Cook Forest State Park on the western side.

My very favorite trail to hike in the Keystone State when I’m up for a moonlight adventure, the Boone Trail is a 6.2-mile loop outside of Douglassville with an elevation gain of 856 feet, is considered moderately challenging, and usually takes a little more than 2.5 hours during the day. However, I allow more time for a night hike as I tend to go a little slower, for safety. Another safety tip: please don’t go alone—bring at least one other person with you, and I highly suggest sharing your location on your phone with someone you trust while out on the trail.

Boone Trail boasts the top two features I look for in a full moon hike: a large body of water and an open meadow. 68-acre Hopewell Lake fits the first bill and serves as a beautiful mirror to the expansive sky; sit on the dock and take it in. The lake sits just a little more than a third of a mile into the hike, so if you change your mind about a long walk in the dark woods, you can still take in the full Buck Moon with little more than a stroll. You can also simply hike around the lake, following the 2.2-mile Hopewell Lake Loop. But if you do go for the Boone Trail, keep going past the Hopewell Dam and around the halfway point of the loop, you’ll come upon an open meadow that’s another ideal spot to tip your chin to the sky and clock the big, bright moon.

Longfellow Trail Loop, by comparison, is a bit easier—1.8 miles around with an elevation gain of just 262 feet, and will most likely take less than an hour to complete. There are some rocks and roots, but generally this trail is a wide path and therefore a little safer, especially for less experienced hikers. While this trail doesn’t include a large body of water, there is a sweet spot for a moonlight hike: a wooden bridge spans the brook and is the perfect place to take a moon-gazing break. Listen to the babbling water and enjoy the light peeking through the tree canopy, reflecting off the surface.

Planning a moonlight hike in Pennsylvania? Share this article with your favorite hiking buddy so you both don’t miss either of these.