A full moon, a trail lined with glowing luminaries, and Halloween costumes greeted visitors at John O. Whitaker Woods Nature Preserve for a memorable October evening: Ouabache Land Conservancy's annual Halloween Night Hike, one of our favorite fall traditions and one of the few opportunities each year to explore an OLC preserve after sunset.
A Different Kind of Walk in the Woods
As daylight faded, battery-powered luminaries illuminated the preserve's woodland loop trail, guiding visitors through woods that feel a little different after dark. Costumes were encouraged but certainly not required, and visitors of all ages came ready to enjoy a little Halloween fun.
In fact, so many people turned out that one hike wasn't enough. As one group headed down the trail, another wave of visitors arrived. Then came an entire Scout troop! By the end of the evening, board member Jami Delgado and volunteers had led three separate hikes to make sure everyone had a chance to experience the woods after dark.
Around the Campfire
Of course, the hike is only part of the tradition.
A bonfire offered a cozy place to warm up, visit with friends and neighbors, and enjoy Halloween treats. S'mores and candy were plentiful at the start of the evening—but not so much by the end!
Although spooky stories have been part of past Halloween hikes, this year's gathering was filled with so much conversation that the stories took a back seat. Between the costumes, the campfire, and the steady arrival of new visitors, there was plenty of entertainment without them.
A Tradition Worth Staying Up For
Most opportunities to explore OLC's nature preserves happen during daylight hours, making the Halloween Night Hike something a little different. It's a chance to experience familiar woods in a new way, share an autumn evening with family and friends, and enjoy the simple fun of being outdoors after dark.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to the volunteers who helped make the evening possible.
The luminaries have been packed away, the campfire has gone out, and the last marshmallow is long gone. But we're already looking forward to another Halloween Night Hike at Whitaker Woods.