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30 Years of Moon Walks on the Black Hills National Forest First Moon Walk Saturday , June 14

Release Date: June 9th, 2025
Contact Information: Media Contact: Krista Landreneau    (605) 673-9200    krista.landreneau@usda.gov

The Black Hills National Forest invites the public to the Moon Walk interpretive program series for the 2025 season. For the 2025 season, forest visitors will learn about native plant dyes, resource management activities, search for birds of prey, and take a step back in time related to the Civilian Conservation Corps. Speakers include staff from the Black Hills Raptor Center, Custer State Park, and Black Hills National Forest. 

 A moon hike is a unique experience combining the tranquility of a nighttime hike with educational insights about the Black Hills National Forest. Each walk features a different theme, from local wildlife to geological formations. Moon Walks are held on Saturday nights close to the official full moon and begin at 7:00 p.m.  Most programs last for 1-2 hours, and visitors walk an average of 1-mile round trip. As each Moon Walk nears, specific directions to individual programs will be posted on the Black Hills National Forest website or call (605) 673-9200. 

The Black Hills Parks and Forests Association (BHPFA) is offering 2025 Moon Walk Collector’s Pins at each event for $5.00 each. The sale of lapel pins supports the interpretive and educational efforts across the Black Hills National Forest. The Moon Walk Programs are supported by BHPFA through financial assistance and staffing; BHPFA is the official, non-profit partner of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 

The first Moon Walk is slated for Saturday, June 14 on Boulder Hill Trail in the Mystic Ranger District. Entitled Native Plant Dyes, the hike is being led by Forest Botanist, Madi Mazur. From Rapid City, South Dakota, travel west on Hwy 16 toward Hill City. Follow the highway past Rockerville for about 2.5 miles, then turn right onto Boulder Hill Road–Road 358. Travel about 2.7 miles on Boulder Hill road, then park in the trailhead parking lot, located on the right side of the roadway. Interested hikers will gather at the trailhead prior to the hike at 7 p.m.  

Additional Moon Walks include the following dates, locations, and topics: 

  • July 12: “Similar Goals, but Different Management Techniques” at Hell Canyon Ranger District – Buffalo Corrals (Custer State Park)
  • August 9: “Meet the Black Hills Birds of Prey” at Bearlodge Ranger District – Carson Draw Trail System (#87)
  • September 6: “A Nod to the Past” at Northern Hills Ranger District - Dalton Lake Trail and Pavilion 

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, call the Recreation Program at (605) 673-9200 or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills

Last updated June 9th, 2025