Some say the full moon makes people go mad. Or that it’ll put an excess of hair and flesh-tearing claws on your otherwise super sweet high school boyfriend.
But that big dome light of the night is brightest when it’s full, which makes it really nice to hike under (or in the case of winter, ski or snowshoe under).
So, at the risk of lunacy and/or being torn apart by lycanthropes, here are some upcoming full Moon hikes, walks, skis and snowshoes. (And some not-full-moon “twilight” events, too.)
MORE SNOWSHOEING EVENTS IN THE CALENDAR
20+ ACTIVE THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE IN MAINE THIS WINTER!
Full Moon Snowshoe Hike
5-7 p.m. Jan. 11
Hidden Valley Nature Center, Jefferson
Free
secure.lglforms.com
Meet at the HVNC gate and follow guide Chuck Dinsmore to the shore of Little Dyer Pond to watch the moon rise over the water. It’s about 40 minutes each way – bring headlamp and snowshoes if you’ve got ’em. Snowshoes available to reserve. Go to go to www.midcoastconservancy.org/events or call 207-389-5150.
Moonlight snowshoe hike
6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 11
Belfast Rail Trail, Belfast
Free
journeytohealth.coursestorm.com
Snowshoe along the Belfast Rail Trail during this free, family-friendly excursion. Snowshoes provided if you need them (call 921-3950 to reserve a pair) or bring your own.
Full Moon Snowshoe/Ski /Hike at Moose Cove
5-7:30 p.m. Jan. 13
Meet and park at the end of Moose River Road in Trescott
Free
www.mcht.org
Follow the guide over the trail at Bog Brook Cove Preserve to a warming bonfire on the beach under the light of the full moon. Participants must provide their own gear (snowshoes, skis, etc). Dress warmly and bring your own headlamp or flashlight and water bottle. This event happens again on Feb. 11.
Guided Moonlit Snowshoe Tour
6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13
Fields Pond, Greater Bangor
$10 adults, $7 kids
maineaudubon.org
Roam the meadows and woods of Fields Pond under the light of the moon followed by a hot drink back at the center to warm up. Snowshoes available to rent or bring your own.
Starlight Snowshoe Tour
6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 14
LL Bean’s Fogg Farm, 11 Desert Road, Freeport
$40
www.llbean.com
This is an all-inclusive snowshoe trek under the stars. LL Bean provides the equipment AND some hot cocoa and snacks after. The tour is guided and the terrain is beginner and family friendly. Other starlight snowshoe tours on Jan. 28, Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 11.
Full Moon Snowshoe
4:30 p.m. Jan. 14
Randall Orchards, Randall Road, Standish
docs.google.com
Meet at the farm at sunset and head out to explore the 500-acres of conserved orchard and forest while watching the full moon rise. The guided trek ends with hot cider from apples grown and pressed onsite at the orchard. Limited space; RSVP required to info@prlt.org.
Starlight Snowshoe Tour
6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 14
LL Bean’s Fogg Farm, 11 Desert Road, Freeport
$40
www.llbean.com
This is an all-inclusive snowshoe trek under the stars. LL Bean provides the equipment AND some hot cocoa and snacks after. The tour is guided and the terrain is beginner and family friendly. Other starlight snowshoe tours on Jan. 28, Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 11.
Moonlight snowshoe hike
6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 9
PBMC Community Wellness Trail, Rockport
Free
journeytohealth.coursestorm.com
Fresh air, good company, and the moon! Snowshoe the PBMC Community Wellness Trail during this free guided event. Snowshoes provided if you need them (call 921-3950 to reserve a pair) or bring your own.
Pisgah Hill Full Moon Trek
5-8 p.m. Feb. 10
Pisgah Hill Preserve, Dougherty Road trailhead, Pownal
Free
rrct.org
Climb a half a mile to the summit of Pisgah Hill Preserve through the setting sun to witness the rising of the moon. Bonfire, roasted marshmallows and camaraderie await! Make your way down under the light of the moon. Bring headlamps, blankets, and snowshoes (weather depending).
Full Moon Ski Party
6-9 p.m. Feb. 10
Pineland Farms, 15 Farm View Dr, New Gloucester
$14 public ski pass, $8 season pass holders, half-day rental pricing.
www.facebook.com
Ski among the shadows during the upcoming full moon. Then stop off at the log cabin to enjoy some sweet and savory refreshments.
Full Moon Night for the kids!
5:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 10
$5 per person
Pineland Farms, New Gloucester
www.facebook.com
This one’s perfect for the kids: Catch a reading of children’s book “Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen and then everyone will head off for a brief evening walk through the woods. Hot cocoa and socializing after.
Moonlight Ski/ Snowshoe Tour
6-8 p.m. Feb. 10
Aldermere Farm, 70 Russell Ave, Rockport
Free
www.aldermere.org
Take to the pasture at Aldermere Farm for a moonlight cross-country ski or snowshoe. The event is free, but pre-registration is requested by calling 207-236-2736 or jlucas@mcht.org
Full Moon Hike
5 p.m. Feb. 11
Mt. Abram, 308 Howe Hill Road, Greenwood
Free
www.mtabram.com
Hike up, ski/ride/hike back down. You WILL sweat your brains out during the moon-lit hike up (which takes about 45 minutes) and at the summit, you can take a breather inside the warming hut, where folks loiter to eat, drink and socialize (BYO food and drink) before putting your skis on for the decent. The good folks of Mt. Abram will even bring your skiing/riding gear up the mountain for you. Nice!
Full Moon Snowshoe/Ski /Hike at Moose Cove
5-7:30 p.m. Feb.11
Meet and park at the end of Moose River Road in Trescott
Free
www.mcht.org
Follow the guide over the trail at Bog Brook Cove Preserve to a warming bonfire on the beach under the light of the full moon. Participants must provide their own gear (snowshoes, skis, etc). Dress warmly and bring your own headlamp or flashlight and water bottle.
NEW Starlight Cross-Country Ski Tour
6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 5
LL Bean’s Fogg Farm, 11 Desert Road, Freeport
$40
www.llbean.com
This is a cool way to learn to ski if you’re new to cross-country. The starlight tour includes instruction (lots of tips on form and technique and how to get up if you fall down), followed by a guided tour under the stars on the snow-covered landscape of Fogg Farm. All needed equipment. Plus hot cocoa and snacks!
