Night Hike
Take our naturalist guided hike to get a different perspective of the forest, as light fades to darkness, transforming the landscape under a dynamic sky!
Experience the Pine Barrens after dark on a guided Night Hike where owls, frogs, bats, and other nocturnal creatures come alive under moonlight and stars—an unforgettable after‑dark adventure through forest and wetlands.
Do you live for the nightlife? So do the whip‑poor‑wills, frogs, bats, owls, and many of the Pine Barrens’ most secretive residents! Join a Pinelands Adventures naturalist for a guided hike that invites you to experience the forest and wetlands from an entirely new perspective. As evening settles in, we may catch a glowing sunset, walk under the rising moon, or wander beneath a canopy of brilliant stars. When daylight fades, the Pine Barrens transforms—beavers slap their tails across dark water, nocturnal creatures begin to stir, and the familiar world feels wonderfully different.
Every Night Hike is a little bit unique, shaped by the season, the weather, and whatever wildlife chooses to reveal itself that evening.
These guided hikes take place at the Rancocas Cranberry Preserve in Southampton, NJ, and the Pine Tree Center in Tabernacle, NJ. Select a date on our trip calendar to see the location for that evening’s hike. A few days before your adventure, you’ll receive an email with everything you need to know.
Please bring water and a flashlight or headlamp. Insect repellent, long pants, and sturdy closed‑toe shoes are strongly recommended.
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Step into the Pine Barrens after sunset and experience the forest as it comes alive beneath the stars. Led by one of our knowledgeable guides, this Night Hike invites you to wander sandy trails and quiet cedar swamps while listening for the voices of the dark—like the soft hoots of owls, the croaks of tree frogs, and the rustle of nocturnal mammals stirring in the underbrush. Along the way, you’ll learn how Pine Barrens plants and animals have adapted to life in low light, from night‑blooming species to stealthy predators that only appear when the day grows quiet.
But the Pine Barrens is more than an ecosystem—it’s a landscape rich with legend. As you walk, your guide will share bits of local folklore, including mysterious lights seen over the pitch pines, stories of long‑vanished industries, and the region’s most famous tale: the eerie, enduring legend of the Jersey Devil said to roam the Pines.
Equal parts adventure and discovery, this hike offers a rare chance to explore the unique magic of the forest at night—an unforgettable experience for curious minds, nature lovers, and anyone drawn to the mysteries of the Pine Barrens.