There’s nothing quite like a nighttime walk in the country, far from city lights, to give our other senses besides sight an unaccustomed bit of exercise. For a walk in the woods in the dark to be truly enjoyable, however, it really helps to have a clearly marked, level trail, free of such hazards as roots, rocks, deadfall and poison ivy. The trouble is that most parks and preserves in our area that offer such pathways are closed to the public at night – including our handy rail trail systems.
Next weekend, however, as part of the ongoing Hudson River Valley Ramble extravaganza, the Hudson Valley Rail Trail is going to make a once-a-year-only exception. On Friday, September 28 from 7 to 9 p.m., you can join a group of intrepid nighttime trekkers of all ages to greet the Harvest Moon in the Town of Lloyd. The two-and-a-half-mile round-trip MoonWalk will set out from the Hudson Valley Rail Trail Depot at 101 New Paltz Road and head westward to Tony Williams Park at Riverside Road.
The evening’s activities will include a bonfire and a storyteller, and donuts, popcorn and cider will be served. Bring flashlights, but leave pets, bikes, scooters, rollerblades and skateboards at home. The price of admission to the Harvest MoonWalk is $5; children age 6 and under get in free, so bring the littl’uns along for a bit of spooky fun. For more information visit www.hudsonvalleyrailtrail.net/events.
Meet at the Hudson Valley Rail Trail Depot at 101 New Paltz Road in Lloyd for a Harvest MoonWalk from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, September 28. Activities include storytelling and a bonfire; refreshments will be served. Admission costs $5; free for kids up to age 6. Visit www.hudsonvalleyrailtrail.net/events for more info.
Join the family! 
