It’s not time to hibernate yet. Enjoy some crisp air and adventures in the dark with these different, exciting fall activities to do at night.
If you feel cooped up and bored, take a look out the window—even with cold weather looming, there’s plenty to do outside that will get you moving. North Central Pennsylvania has rivers, parks, bike trails, rock formations, and even a glimpse of an eagle or two. It can be even more of an adventure in the dark if you’re game to try these different, exciting fall activities to do at night.
Camp Out With A Horse
Green Lane Park in northwestern Montgomery County boasts a public campground that’s reserved for riders and their trusty steeds. Humans don’t get to sleep in the covered stables, but if you’re in the mood for a campfire tune, everyone can neigh along. There’s a well on the site and a few showers and laundry facilities down the road. The 3,400-acre park is open all year round. You might want to make reservations for the Overnight Equestrian Campground, as space is limited.
Stroll in the Moonlight
Area trails are celebrated for their natural beauty, and with a little preparation, you can appreciate their winding, quiet mysteries at night, too. You can walk or hike anywhere, as long as others know where you are and pack an emergency kit with plenty of water. The Black Forest Trail is 42 famous miles of waterfalls, meadows, and views of the Pine Creek Gorge by moonlight. The 85-mile Susquehannock Trail is the longest single-trail loop in the eastern United States, with long stints in the deep woods and great camping along the way.
Hunt Coyotes
The Pennsylvania Game Commission estimates that there are at least 40,000 coyotes roaming Pennsylvania, which is the perfect reason to find out why night hunting predators is growing in popularity. They’re everywhere from the forest to the cities, and you can find nocturnal hotspots by asking around—or just listening for their howls. Night hunting is legal if your license is in order, and you can use gun-mounted or handheld lights; laser lights are prohibited. You just don’t get too many other chances to practice luring prey with your coyote calls, do you?
Gaze at the Stars
Cherry Springs State Park has been rated one of the top 10 places in the world for stargazing, partly for its Overnight Astronomy Observation Field. It’s at the top of a 2,300-foot mountain, where you have a 360-degree view of the night sky. Cherry Springs is also designated as a gold-tier International Dark Sky Park, meaning it’s one of the darkest locations in the world, too. You’ll need to register to use the observation field, and you can also check to see if there are any scheduled events for night photography or observation.
Grab a friend—and a jacket—and witness the changing season with some different, exciting fall activities to do at night.You can always sleep during the day.
