Full moon turns Mainers into… hikers?

If you like getting outdoors for hiking or — to the degree there’s snow available to do so — cross country skiing or snowshoeing, but don’t have the light to guide your way once you get out of work in the afternoon, this is your time.

With the full moon heading up into the night’s sky, a window of opportunity is opening up for some nature walks after sundown.

And you’ll get some company, too.

Later this afternoon, if you want to take a little ride up to Jefferson, Hidden Valley Nature Center is hosting a Full Moon Hike to start things off. Their event is slated to begin at 4:30 p.m. — no matter how long I live in Maine, I’m always a little sad to think of 4 p.m. and after as “after sundown” — at the 131 Egypt Road location. Give them a call at 586-6752 ahead of time if you’re planning to ride up, so they’ve got an accurate head count, and bring along a $5 to donate to the center.

If you want to stay closer to Portland, tomorrow (Monday) night the Eastern Trail Alliance is holding a 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. “ski, snowshoe or walk.” Unless we get a storm quick, that’s probably a “walk.” But a nice, moonlit walk against a beautiful Maine background.

That group is meeting at Mill Brook Business Park off Route 1 in Saco, and they’ll be picking their walking route democratically. Be prepared to weigh in on where you’d like to stroll. The phone number for the Eastern Trail event is 282-1979.

Another option tomorrow night, although another bit of a drive, starts up at Belgrade Lakes Golf Course at 6 p.m. Call ahead to alert organizers of your intent to join, at 495-6039.

A Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance representative is slated to lead the hike and provide hikers with local history as they take advantage of the elevated vistas provided by the golf course.

Seth Koenig

About Seth Koenig

Seth has nearly a decade of professional journalism experience and writes about the greater Portland region.